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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: KevinD on April 06, 2010, 09:55:50 AM

Title: Auto start up generators
Post by: KevinD on April 06, 2010, 09:55:50 AM

Dear All,

Could anybody please advise the maintenance/inspection requirements for auto start generators used as emergency back up power supplies for fire alarm systems?  I know BS5839 says monthly start up on load but I can't find any further reference to six monthly or annual inspection.  Could anybody please advise whether there are any requirements set out anywhere other than the monthlies?

Thanks

Title: Re: Auto start up generators
Post by: Chris Houston on April 06, 2010, 10:34:36 AM

What does the fire safety risk assessment recommend?

Title: Re: Auto start up generators
Post by: KevinD on April 06, 2010, 10:50:31 AM

Thanks Chris,

I understand where you're coming from with respect to fire risk assessment but I was hoping somebody might be able to advise whether there were any frequencies included in any British Standards etc for generators as they are for fire alarm systems, extinguishers etc.  If not, then manufacturer's instructions, risk assessment and frequencies specified for other parts of the fire alarm system would be used.

Does anybody have any info on any BS etc regarding this they wouldn't mind sharing please?

Thanks

Title: Re: Auto start up generators
Post by: kurnal on April 06, 2010, 11:42:32 AM

BS5839 part 1 covers fire alarm systems, and allows in some circumstances for some categories of system, for a reduction in capacity of the standby battery if a building is provided with a standby, automatic generator.

Hence if advantage is taken of this relaxation it is appropriate to ensure that the generator is tested on a monthly basis. Further maintenance and testing of the supply from the generator are beyond the scope of BS5839 and, in my opinon well outside the scope of the fire risk assessment.

Checking on Barbour there are dozens  of british and european standards relating to generating sets, too many to quote and most will not be relevant anyway.

If there is any doubt about the maintenance then I would simply recommend that the standby batteries for the alarm  be upgraded to the full capacity.