Wireless smoke detectors, any good?

[Bunter]

Hi,

I've been asked to price to fit some interlinked smoke detectors in a house that has 6 bedsits, so I need to fit 8 smokes and 1 heat detector, the owner doesn't want to have floorboards up if it can be helped, and isn't keen on trunking everywhere. Are 'EI' wireless detectors any good? and do I need any special qualifications to fit fire detection?

Any advice or suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks.

 

[initforthemoney]

If its an HMO then you may need a dedicated system to comply.

 

[a1]

I have been reading KMEs and other's posts on these.

I do believe that you have to follow BS5839.

Also, I do believe you have to issue a 5839-6 certificate (cert).

 

[Bunter]

Thanks for the replies, local council have suggested wireless linked detectors, and yes they would like it done to BS5839.

Can anybody fill out the certs?

 

[sparkytim]

Hi

I have just completed a Wireless Aico installation and it met the requirements of BS 5839 Part 6, Grade D LD3.

I fitted Radio linked Call points, central control switch (Does remote Test, Hush and Locate) and only had to wire a supply to each Radio link Base for the Smoke Alarms from the nearest lighting circuit permanent supply.

Yes any competent person can sign the Certificate but a knowledge of the standard is required (BS 5839 PART 6), having a copy of it helps.

 

[Bunter]

Thanks for the reply, I'll have a deeper look into it.

 

[kme]

As Init referred to, if its HMO, you`ll probably have to fit a grade C or B system; which must comply to 5839-1, not -6 (-6 is domestic premises only; house converted to bedsits won`t be classed as such.)

Even if you CAN fit wireless linked, you still have to provide power to each fitting; from memory they should all be from the same source. Likelihood is that the bedsits are individually metered for light & power, making that a non-starter anyway........

I`d expect a panel system, addressable, to 5839-1, MICC or FP200 cabling - same rules apply. You must be competent to sign the certs (all of `em!)

HTH

KME

 

[Bunter]

Thanks KME, the local council have said they would accept radio linking, powered from a light in each room, but this contradicts the 'common power source' ruling, the bedsits are metered, but there are two lighting circuits. I think I'll have another chat with the council man. It might be better to go the whole hog with a panel and FP.

 

[sparkytim]

For Grade D system that Your council seems to be accepting their is NO NEED for single power source

BS 5839-6 Pg 45 Par 2 states " Some of the recommendations of this standard, applicable to wired systems, are un-suitable for, or cannot be applied to. radio-linked systems. These include, in particular, those relating to POWER supplies and fault monitoring."

Suggest you speak to Aico tech guys, found them very helpfull on what can be done.

 

[Bunter]

Thanks Tim.

 

[accordfire]

With respect, there seems to be somewhat of a confusion going on here.

(1) The grade of the installation is not the same as the category.

(2) Grade C systems do NOT need to comply with Bs5839-1, rather a Grade C needn't comply with any particular requirement beyond the requirements of BS5839-6 - all it asks for is "smoke detectors and alarms, which may be smoke alarms, connected to a common powers supply, comprising normal mains and standby supply, with central control equipment".

The Aico Radiolink stuff complies fully here, because Clause 15.5 paragraph b says:

 

[century]

The Ei Aico range has a good reputation, and is specified nowadays by many councils.