fire alarm and emergency lighting

[Lukethoma1985]

Hi guys, just after a little advice please.

Ive been asked to do a job in a local pub with a builder. The builder has been handed all the plans i.e. the work hes got to do and where all the electrical equipment has got to be placed. Weve got to go in to price it soon.

The thing is, emergency lighting and fire alarm system. Do you guys install it yourself or get another company to do it. Ive spoke with the wholesalers before and theyve got a guy who you ring up, he pops out and designs it all, and then you install it. He earns his commission on the products you buy off him. Ive always wanted to go on the course for them but never had much call for it so kept putting it off. Id be ok installing it but design, noway and wouldnt risk it as it saves lives.

How do you guys do it?

Thanks guys

 

[telectrix]

get the guy to do the design. find out if they also commission the system when finished.

 

[Lukethoma1985]

Does he then sign the design part of the cert and i do the rest. Have you ever heard of them doing that before tel, if so what are there prices like.

 

[Lukethoma1985]

Sorry tel just read ya post properly. So i just install it, then he should do the rest. Should find out for deffo what they do monday, the one guy at the wholesalers said he makes his money supplying the equipment and taking over the maintenance contract. This was a while ago i asked but spoke another chap at the wholesalers saturday and he werent to sure. So hes going to get someone to ring me monday.Just wanted to see how you guys usually do and if youve heard of the guy doing it that way before.

 

[Darkwood]

You can't design and commission the FA install as you admit you are not competent or carry the relevant qualifications ... as above you need to have it designed and commissioned by others and just do the install yourself.... the issue with this is you will struggle to undercut a company which does it all in one but if you win the quote at least you will get some vital experience in FA installs.

 

[Lukethoma1985]

Ah does it work out more expensive that way then. Theres loads of work to do there i.e. cctv, alarm and the electrics. I just wanted to find abit of info but by the sounds of things, maybe best to give the fire alarm and emergency lighting to another contractor. To keep the cost. Its always something ive wanted to learn but never got round to because i havent had no call for it. Ill probly be over the contractors shoulder why he installs now haha (whats that do, whats this do) kind of thing. Is there anyone from the west midlands area in dudley that does this kind of work, to keep in mind. Ill be seeing the builder in the week and ill see what he wants to do. He might know someone hisself but ill find out. As you say im not competant in this work and dont want it to fail

 

[tazz]

Its a good partnership which we have used for years, we design and supply the equipment, usually better and cheaper than wholsellers.....Then electricans install to our drawings, we commision the system and sign off certification, O&M. All happy.
We rely on construction companies, and electricians is a good parntership to have

 

[Lukethoma1985]

Ah so someones heard of it then. Ill see what they say monday, and find out exactly what ive got to do

 

[Darkwood]

It can work as Tazz says .... i use a testing company to do my EICR on large buildings as i don't have time we set up an agreement where i get the work they do a price deal and i do any remedial as they are my clients, just ensure you partner up with a good outfit and you can benefit each other.... using wholesalers contacts can be cheaper sometimes for their services but you can be hoodwinked into paying over the odds for the gear they peddle you as they need to recoup the reps costs.

 

[Lukethoma1985]

Thats what i was worried about was the price of there gear, but like you say if it works better for him then hopefully it wont be to bad because hes going to want people to go back to him. Cheers guys, ill find out abit more tomorow and get back to you

 

[tazz]

If its any help to you, PM details and I would be happy to give you a quote to compare against a wholseller.