BS5839 v EN54

[Simon Morriss]

I have been asked to review an upgrade of an out dated fire detection system to an analogue addressable L1/P1 system.  I am only in the early stages of the review so I don't have much information but what I do have centres around a control system built to EN 54 and a detection circuitry system to BE5839.  This project I about 5 years old with at lease 4 to go.  I would value any pointers on where to start and also the standard to better BS or EN and how the two can work together.

I do realise the enormity of the task a head and to honest I am daunted by what I may find and how to get it sorted.  So any help how ever small is gratefully accepted.[/b]

[Chris Houston]

Panic not.  Your task would appear to be quite simple.

In simple terms: The British Standard is the important thing, the EN is just how the parts are approved.  

What exactly are you being asked to do?  - create a specification for a contractor to work to?

[Simon Morriss]

I am actually checking the original spec against what is being delivered.  But to complicate things I think it has been done over a number of different contracts. :rolleyes:

I understand BS quite well (I think) but I know very little about the EN.  If the contract says BS all the way through I'm ok if it talks about EN I'm in a bit of bother.

[colin todd]

When in doubt, appoint a consultant.

[Chris Houston]

When in doubt, appoint a consultant.

.........says the consultant.  But he is probably right.

However I would say this: You don't need to really refer much to the EN stuff, because the BS does that for you.  By saying the system must comply with the recommendations of BS 5839-1:2002, then it is required that the necessary parts are EN approved.  So, providing the parts comply with the EN, there is usually not much point in knowing the EN stuff.  That might be an over simplification, but I am sure 99% of the time it is sufficient.

[colin todd]

Christopher, BS 5839-1 does not recommend that equipment be approved to the EN, only that it complies with the EN. There is a difference. IF it is not third party certificated, how does he know it complies if he does not know the EN. As I would have thought you would have known from your sojourn as a super salesman for a fire alrm company, certain companies make all sorts of claims that are not valid.

[Chris Houston]

BikerBoy,

I think Colin's probably right about that too.  That'll teach me to post messages on this thing at half past midnight.

[Guest]

Chris---glad to know you are still involved. As to Colin Todd, he is always right when it comes to BS 5839 part 1. Don't forget he wrote the book!! Do you still get a copy of the IFPO magazine (FSP)?

[Chris Houston]

Fred,

I sure do.  And I read it every month.  I'll be sure to make another contribution as soon as I can find something I know enough about to write about -  :lol: