smoke alarrms and emergency lighting for a b&b

[opm electrical]

im pricing a job to re wire a 6/3storey bed b&b, what are the rules regarding emergency lighting ie, how many to fit and where, is it just exit routes or do they have to be in the bedrooms as well,
and as regards fire alarms can i just put a smoke cicuit in with smokes in every room and stairways and heat in the kitchen? Or does it have to be a proper fire alarm system done in fp200 with a panel etc

 

[telectrix]

basically, emergency lights should be sited so as to illuminate escape routes from all rooms. i would fit a full fire alarm system myself . fuller, more detailed advice can be obtained from Bill ( Accordfire). i suggest also, contacting the local council and Fire Officer as they may have their own requirements.

 

[white armour]

Hi opm, in-laws own a B&B that was involved in an arson attack. As part of the insurance settlement a call based fire alarm system was required wired in FP200 (other products are available) with all relevant certificates etc.
Would say that if you are not familiar with these type of systems would get a professional firm in (as I did), as you must have sufficient insurance cover yourself when getting involved in this area.

Regards wa

 

[Bigboy247]

Buy yourself a copy of the Electrician`s Guide to Emergency Lighting tells you all you need to know.

 

[pushrod]

have a vague recollection as well that decibel levels of alarms have to be measured at each bed.

 

[accordfire]

im pricing a job to re wire a 6/3storey bed b&b, what are the rules regarding emergency lighting ie, how many to fit and where, is it just exit routes or do they have to be in the bedrooms as well,
and as regards fire alarms can i just put a smoke cicuit in with smokes in every room and stairways and heat in the kitchen? Or does it have to be a proper fire alarm system done in fp200 with a panel etc

Okay......

Emergency lighting will need to comply with the requirements of BS5266-1:2005. In a nutshell, you need lighting to illuminate every escape route - and a minimum light level of 1 lux along the centre of the escape route for its entire length.

You also need to provide illumination over call points, or fire extinguishers (such that they can be identified and seen in emergency conditions, not necessarily at a specific "minimum" level). You may additionally need to provide lighting specifically for navigation around any fixed obstacles.

You do not have to fit luminaries in bedrooms unless they form part of the escape route.

Fire alarm:

Three stories will require a system complying with BS5839-6:2004, Grade A, Category L2 minimum. In simple terms, this means a system which is largely compliant with BS5839-1:2008 - or a full fire alarm system, comprising L2 detection, and a number of call points. There will be a requirement to meet sound levels of 65dBA at each bedhead, in addition to the requirement to achieve a minimum 60dBA or 5dBA above ambient noise throughout the remainder of the property.

As regards wiring, yes, the entire system, including primary mains supply, will require to be in fire resistant cabling such as FP200.

I'd advise having the system designed by a professional designer - in which you gain the benefit of it being someone else's rear if things go pear shaped. You also get the benefit of knowing the system has been designed to comply properly too then. Many fire designers can also design an emergency lighting scheme for you from plans, or a site visit.

It isn't really the case that you can just dab a few E/L fittings and a couple of smokes around, for a number of reasons - not least compliance with the RR(FS)O, as well as other legislation. Recent court cases also signify that it may well be your rear on the line should the design be proven faulty after the event of any fire.

Without intending to be in any way dramatic, it really isn't worth "taking a chance" that whatever you provide will "do" - it really needs a design that will comply properly.

Perhaps, it might be easier for you to pull in a local fire alarm company, and sub that part of the job to them through you.....

 

[accordfire]

Hi opm, in-laws own a B&B that was involved in an arson attack. As part of the insurance settlement a call based fire alarm system was required wired in FP200 (other products are available) with all relevant certificates etc.
Would say that if you are not familiar with these type of systems would get a professional firm in (as I did), as you must have sufficient insurance cover yourself when getting involved in this area.

Regards wa

They will/would also be required to have a written Fire Risk Assessment which is "suitable for purpose" in place too.