If the grade C systems are not conventional and analogue addressable systems we deal with on every day, so what is grade C then?
Any interpretaion of what John Ware is stating in his article 
??
I still did not get this point!
I think I know where you are coming from now- but can't help you!
The article gives a very clear description of Category D to F systems, it gives a partial (and confusing IMO) description of category A and B systems, but appears to give very little description of a category C system other than referring to the power supply to the detectors being sourced from a common control panel.
I have never seen a grade C system but will take a look at the BS5839 part 6 later today to see if there is any further information there.
Finally, I have just received a private e-mail from a colleague in the company saying that the school has recently received an inspection and the system has been accepted OK, except extra signs have been recommended, even the system is not complying to the recommendation of BS5839...
How? I do not know
Was this recommendation for additional exit signs as a result of a full fire risk assessment or was it just an isolated problem noticed by an alarm engineer and brought to the attention of the school?
The reason I ask is that there is a huge problem with Exit signage in this country which has been discussed on this forum before. I was looking at the NECIEC guidance to members on escape lighting and exit signs, and unfortunately all they have done is adopt the very flawed ICEL guidance as NECIEC policy which is a shame because its full of mistakes and perpetuates the problem.
No, they had previously an inspection just few days before I been there, I did not notice any thing about signs... but I noticed that the system should be in the ( Mortuary ) and not at the school, it is over...
But, my concern now is that in what basis the inspectors who did inspect that school have accepted the system, the only extra details I have received is that the school does not afford the cost of any upgrade of the fire alarm system, and any way the decision of that, is on the hand of another external office which runing many schools in the area.
Therefore, because they have not got enough budget to cover the system's upgrade, the inspectors accepted the minimum of the system's capabilities.... which is then came back to the general public undestanding when saying:
' For now, as long as the system is working OK that's fine '
I did not know that's the way it works some times, as I am still learning like any one else, some times I just feel I have not understood any thing especially when the matter is about standards and legislations... probably because it is out of the sphere of my knowledge... but I believe I am not the only one... at the end of the day when bringing up some times some concern it is for the benefit of every body...
