Fire system recommendations

Ken_Johnson · Feb 1, 2016

Property is a self contained flat conversion of a large house.

I am required to install a 'domestic' system to each flat along with a separate system for the communal area and have some questions.

1. Some folks have recommended Fike Twinflex Pro, others have recommended Aico. What's the general preference on here?

2. I have confirmed with the independent BCO and he states a Grade D system is sufficient and a panel isn't necessary. However, without a panel, how would the fire brigade know which alarm has gone off?

3. I understand LD2 states "A system incorporating detectors in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all rooms or areas that present a high risk of fire to occupants".. some of the flats have lobbies - does this mean a smoke detector in the lobby and the main lounge?

Many thanks.

tazz · Feb 1, 2016

Your getting very mixed up here.....are the flats all self contained or HMO.?...how many floor levels...?

Octopus · Feb 1, 2016

Are you planning on getting a HMO licence?

Ken_Johnson · Feb 1, 2016

It's not a HMO. It is a house being converted to self-contained flats. There is a ground, first and second floor. There is a communal entrance to the building which then has a stair case and landing to the FD30 doors of the flats themselves.

tazz · Feb 2, 2016

The main communal circulation areas require a full fire alarm, with detection, call points and sounders on each level. Each individual flat will require Grade D mains/battery detection, optical smokes in circulation areas, and heat within kitchens. This is standard system required under local BC and approved Document B

Ken_Johnson · Feb 2, 2016

tazz said:
The main communal circulation areas require a full fire alarm, with detection, call points and sounders on each level. Each individual flat will require Grade D mains/battery detection, optical smokes in circulation areas, and heat within kitchens. This is standard system required under local BC and approved Document B

1. Call points - the BCO is stating that call points are not required in the communal area, however, as you state, I would rather have them.

2. What exactly is a 'circulation area'?

3. Any recommendations with respect to which system for the flat(s) and communal area?

Many thanks.

tazz · Feb 2, 2016

Circulation areas are landings staircases areas which form an escape route. As such they are required to have a minimum of what needs to be covered by detection. ie LD3 under part 6 or L4 under part1.
Being a 3 level staircase to all flats, I would say a part 1 system covering the entrance, staircases and landings to all flats is required. This would be a full fire alarm system, complete with panel, detection, call points and sounders. Each flat would require a minimum of separate main/battery Part 6 LD3 detection in hallways and any landings. With possible addition of Kitchen taking coverage to LD2

Ken_Johnson · Feb 2, 2016

tazz said:
Circulation areas are landings staircases areas which form an escape route. As such they are required to have a minimum of what needs to be covered by detection. ie LD3 under part 6 or L4 under part1.
Being a 3 level staircase to all flats, I would say a part 1 system covering the entrance, staircases and landings to all flats is required. This would be a full fire alarm system, complete with panel, detection, call points and sounders. Each flat would require a minimum of separate main/battery Part 6 LD3 detection in hallways and any landings. With possible addition of Kitchen taking coverage to LD2

Thanks Tazz.

Three of the flats have a protected lobby. Two of these three have a staircase from the lobby via an FD30 doorl. Would you recommend a SD in the lobby area, staircase and lounge, then a HD near the kitchen area?

With regards to to the communal area, you say a part 1 system is required with a panel. Would this panel show each of the flats as a zone too or just a panel for the communal area?