Fire Door Magnetic Holdbacks

[Colonel Hathi]

Hi
I may be asked to install fire door magnetic holdbacks in a property.
I know that the wiring needs to be certified to BS7671 - this is fine.

I am not sure about the fire safety aspects though.
Is there any particular qualification that we need to do this legally?
What type (if any) certification) would be needed?

We are Part P, 2392 and 2391, but I am not at all sure about specific requirements on the fire alarm side of things. I have had a look at BS5839, but cannot see any reference to the holds backs. (They are the magnetic catches that hold fire doors open until the alarm sounds. This type are wired into the alarm panel).

Can anyone advise please?

Many Thanks

CH

 

[somersetsparks]

Don't think so mate, they are usually just fed from an interface of the fire alram (usually through contactor). The fire alarm maintenance people usualy say they are only responsible for the wiring up to the interface anyways.

 

[i=p/u]

plough on id say if you know what your at, sure someone willsay use fia installer for competance and certs in the event of a disaster touch wood

 

[IQ Electrical]

Again, it's all about competency.

There are 24V DC and 230V AC versions of magnetic door holders, they can be wired through an interface and fire alarm panel or individually through mains powered smoke detectors with relay bases.

You may need to consult your local authority for any specific building regulations regarding these devices.

 

[i=p/u]

good point iq

 

[grantr37]

I think that this would come under the fire doors regulations and you would either need to be a certified Alarm installer or a building fabric and Fire curtain installer with a general installation certificate......the fire doors may need an inspection from the local fire safety official (fire chief at the local fire station) and would probably be notifiable to building control as they are classed as an alteration to the buildings fire ratings, so they would want to be notified and come to inspect......I think the fire inspection and written summary/report would cost about 75 pounds but I dont know how much the building control will charge...also needs to be notified to the building and contents insurer......
I have only seen these installed in Hospitals and care homes, I havent seen them installed in households, flats, hotels etc so they may not even be legal for those, I think maybe they are allowed in special circumstances such as Hospitals to keep corridors clear for beds/trollys being wheeled about and general improved airflow outwith the ventilation system...

 

[somersetsparks]

Thats interesting, iv'e only ever seen 24v or 230v ones, most seem to be 230v, think its easier to wire with smaller cable over long runs. I know you have to be carefull when putting an interface onto a sounder circuit/addressable loop that you don't overload the circuit. We did it once did all sorts of starnge things to the alarm system! (funny squeaking sounders, randon alarms and intermittent faults at panel) Ended up putting zone extender on as sounder circuit was right on limit, (This circuit was on a very old fire alarm system, modified many hundreds of times)

 

[Colonel Hathi]

Thanks for the info Grant.
I am told the building is a "public building". I haven't been given details yet but it is owned by a Housing Association. I am guessing probably a care home. I think they are used to help people with wheelchairs or mobility problems get about unobstructed.
I will check with Building Controls on their requirements/expectations.
I would like to take the job on as it could be a valuable client - but only if I am certain we can do it correctly and legally.

Thanks again.

CH

 

[Guest123]

The door holders will require their own PSU as nothing but the fire alarm system should be supplied off the fire alarm standby batteries.

 

[ian.settle1]

As said they have their own PSU and are operated via a relay in a interface panel which o/c when the fire alarm is activated causing the supply to door magnet to be lost so doors will close.