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FIRE SAFETY => Fire Alarm Systems => Topic started by: Bambi on March 10, 2014, 02:53:58 PM

Title: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: Bambi on March 10, 2014, 02:53:58 PM

Hi

Can a Grade A Fire Alarm be supplied from an apartment's distribution board in an HMO if there is no independent landlord's supply?

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: colin todd on March 10, 2014, 08:50:28 PM

Nope.

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: Graeme on March 10, 2014, 09:03:07 PM

To the point....:)

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: Bambi on March 11, 2014, 01:20:00 PM

I thought not, but trying to convince the Management Company is proving to be hard.  I have looked through BS5839 parts 1 and 6 but can only find references that it should be connected to the first distribution board, and one that does not have an RCD.  Is there anything more specific in any standards that I can refer to?

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: colin todd on March 12, 2014, 06:35:19 PM

Stuff on continuity of supply, etc.

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: Bill J on March 19, 2014, 11:44:37 AM

We have had to do that a few times, because there is no landlord dedicated supply. We had no choice but to put variations on the certification, and then at each maintenance visit, remind the RP, till they do something.

The main issues.

The risk of a tenant being on a key meter or simply vacating the premises.
The ability to isloate the electrical supply for safety (including maintenance) if the tenant is not available.
The increased likelihood of a tenant switching off the power to the Fire Alarm.
The Likelihood that the tenant will have a systemwide earth leakage circuit breaker.

I am sure that there will be other issues, such as does the installation become a "Part P" notifiable if it derives from within a tenancy, but those above make it clear that it is to be avoided.

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: kurnal on March 19, 2014, 12:29:06 PM

thanks Bill for a most helpful posting and for taking the trouble to help people out in the true firenet tradition

Title: Re: HMO 240V Supply
Post by: lyledunn on March 23, 2014, 08:59:03 AM

Bambi,
Will the HMO not be subject to licensing? I know that my own HMO Licence authority, the NIHE emphatically prohibits any alternative arrangement other than connection to a landlord meter.