fire alarm query

tbs1983 · Mar 24, 2014

Company came to install fire alarm system at my companies office today.
I happened to pop there and noticed they were just running FP200 loose above false ceiling. no p clips / tray any containment to be seen. They were also doing the same for the emergency lighting - just running t&e loose above ceiling tiles.

Have things changed or should they be fixing it somehow as we had to back in the day! ?

My initial thoughts were no wonder companies like this get the work if they can price for just throwing it in like this in no time, while the poor guy who prices for a proper job all fixed with proper containment stands no chance price wise.

bigdavs83 · Mar 24, 2014

Unfortunately very common nowadays there doesn't seem to be a massive amount of pride taken by some people in doing a decent job. Although it looks nice to the everyday user it's not until you go above the ceiling you realise what a dogs dinner it actually is.

dazza1981 · Mar 24, 2014

Unfortunately now it is a case of bodgit and leggit for some installers.

tazz · Mar 24, 2014

It is a BS standard to fix the cables securely, either to tray, or within box, conduit. If this is not available then it must be p clip. The main reason for this, is to prevent cables falling and trapping people in a fire condition. If you have any problems call in your local fire officer...this is one of their pet hates, as their guys are the usual people who get tangled up in these cables when entering a burning building.

Darkwood · Mar 24, 2014

Cable retainers should also be fixed at intervals with fire proof fixings if its deemed in a fire the cleats or ties will melt, no good fixing on a cable tray with plastic tiewraps if in a fire the cable can just fall off.

No cables unless specifically designed should be laid across the false tiles of a grid style ceiling, Ive only come across one such cable which is resistant to the sharp edgings of the grids but approval as Tazz brings up will be needed by local Clark of Works or Fire Service.

tbs1983 · Mar 24, 2014

sounds like a real bodgit then! we've even had to install a fused unit for them by where they wanted their panel, and key switches next to fuse boards with supply from board so they can just connect emergency lights straight into keyswitch as they 'don't touch fuse boards'.
Hmmmmmmmm

tazz · Mar 24, 2014

Just checked, section 26.2 BS5839 part 1 on cabling and support, also comes under approved Doc B, in building regs

tbs1983 · Mar 24, 2014

thanks tazz i'll mention it tomorrow

Meggerman · Mar 24, 2014

In real world tens of thousands of installations have cables laid across suspended ceilings with no detriment. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

tazz · Mar 24, 2014

Meggerman said:
In real world tens of thousands of installations have cables laid across suspended ceilings with no detriment. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

Co-op 2007 Essex fire, fire brigade hindered by falling cables, HS Fine £250k

Darkwood · Mar 24, 2014

Correct Meggeman as most of it was installed before the legislation was brought in, the OP is talking a new install and has clearly had a bodgit company in, they should be asked to rectify there work at no cost and when they fob him off they will need to be reported to their scheme provider who may use membership leverage to get them to correct it.

There's no excuse for ignorance of regulations and his poor level of work shouldn't just be brushed under the carpet... this is a safety system and when you see corners cut like this you have to question the competence of the installer and whether the system itself has been designed correctly.