Fire Alarm Segregation.

[shaun gold]

I'm having an on going argument with fire alarm engineers that run the 230 volt supply for the panel along with the fire alarm circuit installation (more often than not, clipped together in the same trunking). Both are in FP 200 cables but should they be
separated as you would normally. Does the fact they are both insulated to the same rating make it ok or would there be
Interference to the fire alarm circuit pulses by possible EMF.

 

[telectrix]

should not be a problem as the cables, as you say, are rated for the same voltage. can't see an interference problem either.

 

[somersetsparks]

was fp200 'turbo gold' not supposed to be self segregating? I wouldn't think it was a problem/

 

[telectrix]

only problem i can see is that if there are a bunch of FP cables together, some plonker may think they're only 24V and wreck his new snips. tough.

 

[Englishsparks]

Sorry to disagree with you both!

The BGB clearly states that cabels of safety circuits should be segregated from normal circuits. with a minimum distance between them.

But I stand to be corrected if im wrong.

 

[telectrix]

maybe so, but the 230V supply cable to the alarm panel is, itself, a part of the safety system.

 

[Englishsparks]

Yep I guess so telectrix.
All the alarms that I have wired or been involved in are segregated. When doing testing or commisioning have always made a note on the certificate if they aren't.

 

[somersetsparks]

Im gonna refrain from arguing anymore as I'm not 100% sure, belt and braces would be to keep seperate though.

 

[tazz]

If the insulation rating meet the same of all cables then there is no problem...but commercial installs set a good practice of usually seperate 50mm basket/tray for ultra low voltage cabling ie data, security and fire alarms and 150mm + for 230-410v. It makes life easier for on the install all round