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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Edfos on March 13, 2013, 01:09:39 PM
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Hi All
Can anyone answer my query:-
Do AFD systems within hospitals have to be replaced in total including cables at any specific intervals? someone has said every 10 years approx ,but cant find this is writting,in BS or Firecode etc and having asked a number of AFD companies they just want to meet to sell a new system, but wont, or are unable to give an answer, does anyone know the answer.Thanks.
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No
In many instances generally the manufacturers recommended life span of an AFD especially the detectors is 10 years.
Some manufactures will stop supporting some products, panels or detectors, with this time frame in mind, and when you have a “closed protocol” system then you tend to be forced down a specific route and your options are less.
Many systems will operate past this time frame and there is no legislation that I am aware of that says you must…….
Dependant on the environment in question devices will last long after the “ten year” point operating correctly within normal parameters. In more unfriendly environments damp, dusty, forced air etc the life span of the detectors may be significantly shorter.
Even if you are having to change your AFD system for what ever reason this does not mean that you have to change your cable infrastructure. A new installed system can utilise the same cable infrastructure quite happily as long as the cables originally used are compliant with current standards, are serviceable and have been installed correctly. This element should be one of the deciding factors when choosing a replacement system.
My advise is always seek independent advice. This is not always commercially beneficial on small systems although.
But when it comes to larger systems bringing in an independent advisor will normally pay for itself in the long run.
If you do need to change your system in some way, entirely or in part, some points to think about
• The existing provider may not be the best option although you have had good service from them in the past
• Go to the open market, make your possible providers work for the opportunity
• Look past “like for like” and approach the situation with a fresh pair of eyes
• Question Question Question, everything (be a pain) and ask for supporting evidence and information that you can use to verify each element. (especially if you will be responsible for the system going forward and not just the install project)
• Seek outside independent advise that is not tied into any installer or manufacturer.
• “System Life” Think about the on going maintenance, and not just the capital expenditure, short term and long. Ask the question or have them incorporate maintenance costs and forecasts into any proposal.
o Some closed protocol providers will not want to do this as low margins in installation will be made up in higher maintenance premiums in the future(buying the work).
o Open protocol gives wider options going forward in the future
o Some closed protocol system may offer more attractive packages if managed properly
• Look at ways of saving your capital expenditure with alternative funding methods for the new system
Just some thoughts
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No
In many instances generally the manufacturers recommended life span of an AFD especially the detectors is 10 years.
Some manufactures will stop supporting some products, panels or detectors, with this time frame in mind, and when you have a “closed protocol” system then you tend to be forced down a specific route and your options are less.
Many systems will operate past this time frame and there is no legislation that I am aware of that says you must…….
Dependant on the environment in question devices will last long after the “ten year” point operating correctly within normal parameters. In more unfriendly environments damp, dusty, forced air etc the life span of the detectors may be significantly shorter.
Even if you are having to change your AFD system for what ever reason this does not mean that you have to change your cable infrastructure. A new installed system can utilise the same cable infrastructure quite happily as long as the cables originally used are compliant with current standards, are serviceable and have been installed correctly. This element should be one of the deciding factors when choosing a replacement system.
My advise is always seek independent advice. This is not always commercially beneficial on small systems although.
But when it comes to larger systems bringing in an independent advisor will normally pay for itself in the long run.
If you do need to change your system in some way, entirely or in part, some points to think about
• The existing provider may not be the best option although you have had good service from them in the past
• Go to the open market, make your possible providers work for the opportunity
• Look past “like for like” and approach the situation with a fresh pair of eyes
• Question Question Question, everything (be a pain) and ask for supporting evidence and information that you can use to verify each element. (especially if you will be responsible for the system going forward and not just the install project)
• Seek outside independent advise that is not tied into any installer or manufacturer.
• “System Life” Think about the on going maintenance, and not just the capital expenditure, short term and long. Ask the question or have them incorporate maintenance costs and forecasts into any proposal.
o Some closed protocol providers will not want to do this as low margins in installation will be made up in higher maintenance premiums in the future(buying the work).
o Open protocol gives wider options going forward in the future
o Some closed protocol system may offer more attractive packages if managed properly
• Look at ways of saving your capital expenditure with alternative funding methods for the new system
Just some thoughts
Good advice CWEENG. Its surprising how some can stoop to bottom feeding level just to fleece people. I have a client which has installed a system costing many tens of thousands with the recommendation that the panel it is replaced every 6 years.
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I have worked on both sides of the fence in the industry, and as a former provider, I would like to think that the service we gave our clients was a good honest service. Unfortunately I am all too aware of others out there who put there own commercial interests over the clients.
Any provider has to think commercially or they will not be in business, but there are good, honest practices and the not so good practices.
In this current economic environment during consultancy work and while carrying out audits and such like, sadly I am increasingly coming up against the former.