Bs 5839

[jokar]

I am aware that a new or revised standard is due our this year.  I was told originally that it would be October 2008, has anyone any news on this.

[Ricardo]

Jokar
There is an updated version of the 2002 standard already out,(31st March 2008) entitled BS 5839-2:2002+A2:2008.
Which supersedes BS 5839-1:2002+A1:2004.

[Graeme]

more cash to splash out..

why can't they just sell the ammended parts?

[jokar]

Is it wqorth getting for the amendments or are they just minimal?

[CivvyFSO]

Fairly minimal. Most of it seems to be updated to take into account other new standards, i.e. reference to any HTM will be the most recent HTM.

Acknowledgement of L5 systems possibly being localized detection to compensate for departure from guidance.

A half page modification in chapter 11, system components. Mainly what different detectors and cables etc should conform to.

A bit on detection zones and MCPs in stairwells.

A bit extra on visual alarms.

Reference to accessibility requirements under building regs re: impaired hearing.

Reference to mounting switches no higher than 1.2m due to guidance in Bregs ADM. It still suggests 1.4m as standard though.

An interesting one, possibly important to know if you are a designer/installer: NOTE 4 In a Category L2 or L3 system, detectors in rooms opening onto escape routes are provided only to give a warning of fire before it affects the escape routes. Detection in voids above or below the rooms might not be necessary for this purpose (e.g. if fire resisting construction separates a void from the adjacent escape route).

Various other stuff on voids.

Acknowledgement that cables should be secured in such a way that they remain secured for the same duration they are intended to survive in a fire. (And also of the risk to firefighters of collapsing cables)

A bit on rcd's.

Modification to 12 month test.

That is about it.

[Ricardo]

A bit more in Sec 2 Ch 12 re System Integrity,where standby batts/PSU are housed in seperate enclosures & in Ch27 a bit on Radio linked system components, also a bit more in Sec 6 re non-routine attention, on appointment of new service organisation.

[Allen Higginson]

Fairly minimal. Most of it seems to be updated to take into account other new standards, i.e. reference to any HTM will be the most recent HTM.

Acknowledgement of L5 systems possibly being localized detection to compensate for departure from guidance.

A half page modification in chapter 11, system components. Mainly what different detectors and cables etc should conform to.

A bit on detection zones and MCPs in stairwells.

A bit extra on visual alarms.

Reference to accessibility requirements under building regs re: impaired hearing.

Reference to mounting switches no higher than 1.2m due to guidance in Bregs ADM. It still suggests 1.4m as standard though.

An interesting one, possibly important to know if you are a designer/installer: NOTE 4 In a Category L2 or L3 system, detectors in rooms opening onto escape routes are provided only to give a warning of fire before it affects the escape routes. Detection in voids above or below the rooms might not be necessary for this purpose (e.g. if fire resisting construction separates a void from the adjacent escape route).

Various other stuff on voids.

Acknowledgement that cables should be secured in such a way that they remain secured for the same duration they are intended to survive in a fire. (And also of the risk to firefighters of collapsing cables)

A bit on rcd's.

Modification to 12 month test.

That is about it.

Where does it mention risk to firefighters??

[CivvyFSO]

26.2 Note 9

NOTE 9 Experience has shown that collapse of cables, supported only by plastic cable trunking, can create a serious hazard
for fire-fighters, who could become entangled in the cables.

[Allen Higginson]

26.2 Note 9

NOTE 9 Experience has shown that collapse of cables, supported only by plastic cable trunking, can create a serious hazard
for fire-fighters, who could become entangled in the cables.

Apologies - I hadn't read down that far,although I haven't used plastic as sole support for quite a while now.
The only thing is does this indicate the end of plastic support systems for cables in general because it's not only fire cables that go above ceilings?

[jokar]

Best I get a copy methinks.

[Allen Higginson]

Best I get a copy methinks.

I'd reckon so as there are a lot of these wee notal additions here and there.

[CivvyFSO]

The only thing is does this indicate the end of plastic support systems for cables in general because it's not only fire cables that go above ceilings?

It would clearly be prudent to take that into account, but the standard can only recommend this for cables relative to the fire alarm. Other standards may have been updated, maybe there is a sparky/IT bod out there who can answer that.

[Allen Higginson]

The only thing is does this indicate the end of plastic support systems for cables in general because it's not only fire cables that go above ceilings?

It would clearly be prudent to take that into account, but the standard can only recommend this for cables relative to the fire alarm. Other standards may have been updated, maybe there is a sparky/IT bod out there who can answer that.

Judging by what I've seen in any install recently (non-fire) the plastic tie (if they have used one!) is alive and well!

[Graeme]

26.2 Note 9

NOTE 9 Experience has shown that collapse of cables, supported only by plastic cable trunking, can create a serious hazard
for fire-fighters, who could become entangled in the cables.

and i used to always tell installers it was to keep the integrity of the cable during a fire.

like you say-what about the ton weight of data cables etc that are in big plastic trunkings? If there was a fire would the fire cable be the only one to drop?

it should be the same for everyone installing any type of cable.

[Graeme]

Is it wqorth getting for the amendments or are they just minimal?

ammendments 1 wasn't.