Alarm Systems

Question 1

What is the British standard for alarm systems? What are the two relevant parts?

Answer 1

BS 5839
Part 1 is non-domestic
Part 6 is domestic (designed to accommodate a single family, even in an HMO, and also sheltered housing

Question 2

What is the minimum alarm system when there is a sleeping risk?

Answer 2

L2

Question 3

What are category P alarms? What are the classes within P?

Answer 3

They are for the protection of property. Manual call points are not necessary.
The classes are:
P1 - Protects the whole building
P2 - Only parts of the building

Category P systems would be for an unoccupied building?

Question 4

What are the classes within BS5839 part 1 and what is it for?

Answer 4

Part 1 is for non-domestic properties.

L5 - Localised Life Protection. The least, designed to achieve a specific objective, like a risk in a storeroom

L4 - Modest Life Protection. Used in escape routes, stairs, areas of general circulation along an escape route

L3 - Standard Life Protection. Used in escape routes and rooms that open onto escape routes

L2 - Additional Life Protection. Used in escape routes, rooms off escape routes, and detectors also need to be installed high risk rooms like kitchens, plant rooms. This would be the minimum if there is a sleeping risk

L1 - Maximum Life Protection. Detectors everywhere a fire could conceivably start. Ideal for care homes, large hotels

There is also ‘M’, which only has manual activation points

Question 5

What are the classes within BS5839 part 6 and what is it for?

Answer 5

Part 6 is for domestic properties.

LD3 - The least. Circulation spaces only
LD2 - Circulation spaces and high risk rooms
LD1 - Full coverage

There are also grades of system:
C - From common power supply unit
D - Mains and standby
E - Mains only
F - Battery only