MCP's inside flat entrances

[lyledunn]

Your on the money Nearlythere. Ignorance plays a big part. As an erstwhile electrical contractor I often received instructions from developers, builders, architects etc to install a fire alarm system as a last minute addition to their new-build or refurbishment project. Often the imperative came from building control when they identified that the omission of a fire alarm was unacceptable. So the design, construction, inspection, testing and commissioning of the fire alarm was dumped on me, the electrical contractor. In those early pre-enlightened days I went to the wholesalers who put me in touch with the Rep from JSB or Tann-Sychronome and he told what I needed to do which included MCPs at every final exit!
I often see drawings now marked "fire alarm to comply with Bs5839......" but without the various elements of the system being indicated on the plan. It seems to get the plans approved by BC but leaves the system design to the installer who will probably be as unenlightened as I was in my pre-enlightened days!

[Fishy]

Your on the money Nearlythere. Ignorance plays a big part. As an erstwhile electrical contractor I often received instructions from developers, builders, architects etc to install a fire alarm system as a last minute addition to their new-build or refurbishment project. Often the imperative came from building control when they identified that the omission of a fire alarm was unacceptable. So the design, construction, inspection, testing and commissioning of the fire alarm was dumped on me, the electrical contractor. In those early pre-enlightened days I went to the wholesalers who put me in touch with the Rep from JSB or Tann-Sychronome and he told what I needed to do which included MCPs at every final exit!
I often see drawings now marked "fire alarm to comply with Bs5839......" but without the various elements of the system being indicated on the plan. It seems to get the plans approved by BC but leaves the system design to the installer who will probably be as unenlightened as I was in my pre-enlightened days!

Absolutely... I lurk (and occasionally contribute to) the fire alarm engineers forum here: http://firealarmengineers.com/forum/index.php .  The people on there are those who care / take an interest in the subject & even in their case a quick read through the posts reveals widespread misunderstanding about the specification (and even the need) for fire alarm systems - particularly in blocks of flats.

[nearlythere]

Your on the money Nearlythere. Ignorance plays a big part. As an erstwhile electrical contractor I often received instructions from developers, builders, architects etc to install a fire alarm system as a last minute addition to their new-build or refurbishment project. Often the imperative came from building control when they identified that the omission of a fire alarm was unacceptable. So the design, construction, inspection, testing and commissioning of the fire alarm was dumped on me, the electrical contractor. In those early pre-enlightened days I went to the wholesalers who put me in touch with the Rep from JSB or Tann-Sychronome and he told what I needed to do which included MCPs at every final exit!
I often see drawings now marked "fire alarm to comply with Bs5839......" but without the various elements of the system being indicated on the plan. It seems to get the plans approved by BC but leaves the system design to the installer who will probably be as unenlightened as I was in my pre-enlightened days!

And at the end of the day Lyle it is up to the Assessor, Building designer and even Building Control to specify the category of system. A specification or recommendation just stating a system complying with BS5839 Pt1 is not enough.  Legislation states: where necessary and to the extent that it is appropriate, and so the category should be specified.

[Fraudley]

Almost, I dont believe you have any roads 10 miles long in Norn Iron.

Fraudles, the MCPs often come from the fact that there is an AOV operated by AFD.  The fire alarm contractor thinks he is installing a fire alarm system, but needs to realize that he is simply installing part of a smoke control system.

Mr T (good to finally meet you btw), the call points are actually inside the flats themselves. I mean in the actual entrance hall of the private dwelling. I'm beyond baffled and asked they be removed. (No) problem solved.

As always thank to you and all those who chipped in