The Need for BC Approval for New Fire Alarms in Existing Build

[Geoff]

Hi,

I'm hoping that you will be able to clarify something for me.

I went to a seminar the otehr day and we were informed that for all new fire alarm systems, we need to put in for full Building Control approval.  This is the first time I have come across this and I'm wondering if it is correct?

I'd be really grateful for some clarification.

Regards

Geoff

[Phoenix]

You need to apply for building control approval if you are making a material alteration.  Material alterations include "an alteration which, at any stage of the work, results in a building being less satisfactory than it was before in relation to compliance with the requirements of Parts B1, B3, B4 or B5" (from ADB).

So, if you are enhancing the fire alarm system (and, indeed, installing a new one would normally be an enhancement) you are making the building better and do not need to apply to a building control body.  Be careful, as during the building work itself the fire safety in the building may be reduced and so require approval (taking the fire alarm system off line for a few hours does not necessarily fall under this - though compensatory measures will probably be required).

I don't know about the electrical (part P) requirements.  Maybe an application is required under that part.

Stu

[JimK]

I tend to agree with Phoenix.
With regards to Part P, that is restricted to domestic properties, not commercial.

[AnthonyB]

Never heard of this being done before. I came across this once when a hit squad from a brigade said BC approval was needed for some works being carried out.

Considering we were upping the alarm from a category M in twin & earth to an L1 in standard protected and a floor from 5 minutes FR to 60 minutes we didn't think they'd be bothered.....they weren't!

[kurnal]

I wonder if this has arisen as a result of confusion following the publication of the new BS 8519:2010 Code of Practice, I have received several flyers on this and have seen a number of misleading claims being made by some companies.

Little has changed in terms of compliance with the Building Regulations Approved Document B- where any installation involving a power feed such as a power feed to sliding doors, or a firefighting lift or ventilation or sprinkler system - indeed  any fire safety installation that may need fire resisting power feed or control cables then the new standard will now apply. Remember we are talking power supply type cables here. The new standard does not make recommendations specifically for fire alarms as these are adequately covered in BS5839 part1, but it does widely refer to BS5839 especially in annex F which covers  multi zoned smoke ventilation systems.

In short  if the installation is a requirement of the Building Regulations, in a new build or where material alterations are taking place then rather than referring to the old standard for cables- BS 7346-6 we should now ensure compliance with  BS8519. Simples.
 
The new Standard covers the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety and fire-fighting applications. It replaces BS 7346-6:2005 [Components for smoke and heat control systems. Specifications for cable systems] and calls for power cables to be tested in accordance with BS 8491:2008 [Method for assessment of fire integrity of large diameter power cables for use as components for smoke and heat control systems and certain other active fire safety systems] that itself replaced BS 7346-6: 2005.

The Standard makes clear reference to three categories of circuit that are required to maintain their integrity under defined fire conditions for fire survival times of 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes. Appropriate cable tests are identified for each category, giving the relevant British Standard for the assessment of cable performance under fire conditions that might be expected in an actual incident.

The new Standard has come about because of the increased size, height and complexity of the active fire protection in many high-rise and complex buildings and the adoption of fire engineered solutions. These solutions demand a high level of reliable performance from building services, including the electrical supplies.

BS 8519:2010 also aims to ensure that the level of circuit integrity is not compromised by other elements of the electrical distribution system, including cable glands, terminations, joints and cable support systems. The Standard also makes reference to the recommendations in BS 9999:2008 [Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings] in relation to the design and installation of electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment.

[wee brian]

Strictly speaking installing a new alarm or altering an exisitng one may well be caught by the building regs.

Generaly Local Authrotities don't enforce this as the Order is probably more use for this kind of thing.

Of course they may choose to take a harder line (especially if they haven't got much work on)