Smokes?

[rocker]

I've been asked to quote on putting some smokes and a heat detector in an HMO, I'll be getting battery backed-up ones which are interlinkable. As they're battery backed up, is it OK to have them on the lighting circuit i.e. on an RCD? Also, I'm right in saying these can't go on an EIC and need their own cert, aren't I? Never put smokes in before.

Cheers guys.

 

[rocker]

Oh, and what to do regarding notification?

 

[mnmwill]

I think the preference is that they go their own circuit, but you can put them on a lighting circuit.

Have a look here for certs http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...regulations/98-smoke-alarm-certification.html

Notification to LABC, presumably thru yr scheme

 

[davelerave]

the risk with the independent circuit is that the customer isolates the circuit when the battery goes flat-that's the theory afaik anyhow

if the rcd is covering a few final circuits -it's prob not a great idea

afraid i'n not up on the uk rules -sparkies wire them both ways here depending on preference

 

[Spudnik]

I generally fit lithium back ups now.

Approx 10 year lifespan with no need to change batteries.

And yes, you will need to supply a SD cert, along with a MWC if you are taking power from a lighting circuit.

 

[rocker]

I'm rewiring the lighting circ anyway so that will go on an EIC, may do a new circ for the smokes but it's gonna be tricky as the board is only protected by 1 rccb, but I wanted to put in a 100A incomer in a single unit, spose I could incease that to a lil 2 way board, put in the incomer and have the smokes on that.... would still have to have that on an RCBO though cos the fella don't want trunking everywhere......

 

[martysparky]

SD cert, along with a MWC if you are taking power from a lighting circuit.

unsure what is meant by this?

 

[GStueyXR]

unsure what is meant by this?

SD-smoke detector. MWC-minor works cert.

 

[ezzzekiel]

can go on regular used lighting circuit but require there own means of isolation

 

[Spudnik]

They all have their own means built in.

Either unplug it or slide it off the base.

 

[Des 56]

Gotta put my twopenneth in on this thread,if only to counteract any "Must be on their own circuit mischief makers"

I cant ever recall putting household smokes on their own circuit and dont expect I ever wil

I still believe many people apply the regs for full blown fire alarm systems to simple household smoke alarms


Now for my bit of mischief
Save cable,expense,valuable work time and end up with a better installation, by coming off a regularly used local lighting circuit

 

[andyb]

I agree with all you say Des apart from

I cant ever recall putting household smokes on their own circuit and don't expect I ever will

Whilst most of my installs are on a regularly used lighting circuit, if on a new installation I can run the cables from the consumer unit & between floors on the surface (ie in a cupboard & in mini trunking) then I will do this with a high integrity board and put the smoke circuit on an mcb and not an rcd.

 

[Des 56]

I agree with all you say Des apart from

I cant ever recall putting household smokes on their own circuit and don't expect I ever will

Whilst most of my installs are on a regularly used lighting circuit, if on a new installation I can run the cables from the consumer unit & between floors on the surface (ie in a cupboard & in mini trunking) then I will do this with a high integrity board and put the smoke circuit on an mcb and not an rcd.

Thats fair comment and I concede the point
No Rcd, less chance of losing supply

However it leads me straight back to why I dont put them on their own circuit
The breaker is out and is not reset for whatever reason

 

[davelerave]

ya-i think doubling up with lights is safer

too easy for the customer to isolate the independent circuit for whatever reason

 

[cbw]

Just wired a HMO myself and standard interlinked smokes were unacceptable to the council and fire officer.

Full risk assesment was required and ended up putting in a level 1 grade a system to keep all parties happy!

3 Storey student house with 6 double bedrooms which makes a significant difference.