Sprinklers and isolation of supply?

[Rockingit]

I've trawled the regs already...... (but happy to have someone point out something I've missed!)

It's a domestic, new-build, timber frame house but designed on a commercial model as everything is fed via sub-mains from a plant room on-site.

Conditions of planning imposed by the fire officer is that there is a sprinkler system throughout as it's too far out to get a fire engine to.

I knew nothing of this until the firm arrived on site this morning to start installing it (of course...).

Question: Do I need to install a way of automatically disconnecting the main supply (leaving the emergency systems in place) in the event of activation or not? There are wall lights everywhere, floor sockets....no way that things will stay dry. Obviously it's an RCD protected install as it's being done to 17.1, but that alone may not disconnect. I've just been on the phone to my NICEIC inspector and he couldn't give me an answer either.

 

[Rockingit]

this thread is just wrong!

 

[Engineer54]

So all is very Wrong then!! OH well!!!... lol!!

 

[needasparks]

Was this really the fire officer that asked for it or because its on a commercial insurance the architect has specified it, if the latter you should ask for the specification from Mr sharp pencils and go with it. Its all an extra. And gives us a good kick about.

 

[Rockingit]

Apparently, according to the main chips on site, it was specified by the F.O. before the plans were approved. Which was MONTHS ago, and everybody knew except the electrician. The architect is good in the urine department, that's true, but sadly not on this occasion!

 

[Rockingit]

Amazingly, despite having told them that we don't HAVE to, the architect is recommending that I put together an engineering solution to put to the client. Watch this space.

 

[Rockingit]

OK, todays installment is that the client has over-ridden the architect and wants me to put in an isolation system.

BUT - I thought I'd share the following email with you, see what your comments are. This is a direct copy and paste, from the architect to the client:

The Electrician has suggested that good practice would be to fit a circuit breaker in the power supply to cut power to the property in the event the sprinkler system is activated.

I have subsequently spoken with the director of [??????] Fire Systems, who also serves on the Technical Committees of BAFSA and BRE, and his recommendation is that this has not been incorporated into the British Standard, as should an occurrence arise power could be cut prematurely to a lesser risk and make a situation more hazardous. Therefore his recommendation is that this approach is not necessary and I feel in agreement.