Fire Alarms Common Parts Cabling

[EdmundD]

I live in a converted house which contains 6 flats. There is a communal hall and stairs. Each flat has its own smoke detector but we have been advised that we should install 4 smoke detectors in the communal area. No problem with that.

The smoke detectors can be linked to the lighting wiring apparently which eliminates the need for an alarm panel. However, that could mean going through the flooring of the 3 flats above the hall ceiling or into the ceiling to find the wiring.

The alternative is a fire alarm panel linked to the mains with red external cabling runnng to the smoke detectors.

An electrician who deals with this type of work has advised that if we opt to have the cabling running from the alarm panel to the smoke detectors it must be red and visible.

One of the lessees is objecting to this saying it will be unsightly and that a builder he knows says the cables can be hidden as long as they are accessible at either end for inspection and testing.

I have tried looking for a definitive ruling on this but can't find one. BS 5839 part 6 doesn't say anything about it.

Does anybody know who is right and/or where I could find the definitive answer?

[ChillDoubt]

No idea sorry, I always took it though that smoke detectors HAD to be battery operated, otherwise a power cut to the mains would render them useless?

Someone far more experienced in these matters will be along shortly to answer your specific qury, I'm sure.

[EdmundD]

Apparently if connected to the mains they have a standby battery.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Fire alarm cables are wired in red throughout their length.However cabling can be concealed within the building fabric.If you opt for the cheaper alternative you could use Aico with the radio link bases so they dont need to be linked together...but they still need a 230v supply...from the lighting circuit possibly.

[Buenchico]

As long as fire-resistant cable is used, and kept completely separate from all other cabling, (preferably being clearly labelled as in use for a fire alarm system) there should be no problem.

FireTuf cable is often used, with a red sheaf frequently being preferred so that it stands out as being in use for a fire prevention system.
http://www.batt.co.uk/products/view/299/FireTuf-Plus-enhanced-sheath
However it's also available with a white sheaf, which still meets the regulations. Good practice would require that white cabling (or any cabling which is enclosed) should simply bear a clear label indicating its function.

See here:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/Fire/GuideToFireAlarm1.pdf

[quinie]

Did your local Fire & Rescue Service give you that advice? If yes I'm surprised they didn't give you the info you need. They do free home fire safety checks (if requested) and in some circumstances install free smoke alarms.