L3 Category - Detector locations

[David Rooney]

Well you've all convinced me.... it's just interesting explaining to the occupiers of the offices why some have got smoke detection and others haven't!

Thanks very much.

It is true there are a few grey bits - i thought if you mounted call points in a staircase you should zone the staircase seperately?

My favourite slightly ambiguous interpretation generally revolves around L3, the typical large open plan office with one exit onto a staircase, and one partitioned office located in the corner of the open plan office, furthest from the exit........

Different designers view the requirements very differently!

[colin todd]

MCPs in staircase go on the accommodation zone. Detectors in the staircase go on a vertical staircase zone.

[Allen Higginson]

MCPs in staircase go on the accommodation zone. Detectors in the staircase go on a vertical staircase zone.

Is it not good practice Colin to mount the BGU's at the exit door to the staircase on the floor of origin?I really think that there is a chance of wrong information being indicated should someone hit the MCP three/four floore down from where they came out after discovering the fire.
I'm now away to lie in a darkened room and try to stop repeating myself every time this comes up!!I've had the same conversation with Don Scott and Charles Gormley!

[colin todd]

Wasn't Mr Gormley a miner? It is normal custom and practice to do exactly as you say Buzzy, but, except in phased evac buildings, you are permitted in BS 5839-1 to do either. There are pros and cons that balance out. You correctly gave the con. The pro is that, if you dont operate the one at the exit , you have more chances, albiet that the zone info will then be mislaeading.

[David Rooney]

MCPs in staircase go on the accommodation zone. Detectors in the staircase go on a vertical staircase zone.

That'll make for interesting unconfusing coloured diagrammatic zone charts!!

[colin todd]

Well, it has been in BS 5839-1 since 2002.