Wiring to spur for Fire Alarm

[Gentle Ben]

Am sorting out some of the electrical defects for the landlord of my local pub, and would welcome advice on a solution.

One of the more minor issues for which improvement was recommended regards the spur which supplies the fire alarm - presently it is wired in twin and earth and obviously this would be better done in FP200 - the only issue I've got is that only a metre of cable is required between the spur and the DB, and all of the wholesalers I have tried will only supply in 100m reels.

Aside from the metre of cable I need, I am unlikely to ever use FP200 again in the foreseeable future, so it would mean taking a massive hit on the job, nor can I justify passing on the cost a full reel (approx. £60 - £70) to my customer. I have asked the wholesalers if there is any alternative cable they can cut to order and the short answer is no.

Once solution I have pondered is as follows - the fire alarm panel itself is mounted at the side of the DB, so it would be possible to relocate the spur above the board and to the side of the FA and bush it side and bottom, meaning all the cable is in effect, contained. Is it acceptable to wire a fire alarm this way, or does it have to be wired in fire-proof cable regardless of the installation method?

Obviously, being a Code C3 on the report I could just leave it, but it would be a reasonably quick job to resolve and I would like to rectify as much as I can especially as my client has accepted he finally he has no choice to spend some money on improvements, seeing as he wants to sell so he can retire to his boat on the Med!

Thanks

 

[MDJ]

If you go into CEF I can guarantee they will sell you FP200 by the meter, as for your other points, well I won't reply, I will let others do so as I am in a helpful not sarcastic mood today.

 

[telectrix]

if you can't obtain a meter or so locally, i'll gladly post you a couple of meters for the cost of the postage.

 

[Gentle Ben]

MDJ - my local CEF wouldn't do me a metre of FP200, I like to think I have a pretty good relationship with them as well as an account holder of 5+ years now.

telectrix - many thanks, I will try and get hold of some tomorrow but failing that I will bear your offer in mind and let you know tomorrow!

Of course if anyone can elaborate on my solution it would save a lot of hassle!

Thanks

 

[telectrix]

but read this before going down that route. an unswitched FCU is no longer acceptable, so if you are going to do any alteration, you need to comply with current regs. having read the article, i think you'll find it's best to leave well alone.

Circular 36 2011 - Requirements for mains supplies to fire alarms

 

[Clive P]

Hi,

Agreed Tel, I did an upgrade to a system following those guidelines not so long ago. I was doing a rewire for a family member and noticed the FA Panel was wired in T&E so upgraded with FP200 and Key switched neon spur ( forget the number of it, but it's been mentioned on here before )

Regards.

 

[camerabloke]

Needs to be double pole FCU as well

 

[HandySparks]

TLC do a fire rated cable by the metre:

Fire Rated Cable - Fire Resistant, Zero Halogen, Low Smoke Cables

 

[tazz]

All above is correct advice, technically should be Enhanced FP200, the spur is available from Cragtree and Mk.

 

[puddy]

Tea leafs sell on ebay or car boot sales

 

[iamelectric]

whats the reason for the supply being FP200 ?

 

[tazz]

To prolong the supply to the panel, for the maximum time possible, in a fire condition.

 

[iamelectric]

but if it has a back up battery whats the point

 

[High Tower]

If tha fire panel is next to the DB then there is nothing to stop it all being glanded in in galv, no need for FP then

 

[tazz]

If tha fire panel is next to the DB then there is nothing to stop it all being glanded in in galv, no need for FP then

Would need to Fp100 singles in gav tubing

 

[tazz]

but if it has a back up battery whats the point

Battery backup is rated at 30 minutes nominal.....the idea here is to give the best possible time before mains failure, then the 30 minute backup.

 

[iamelectric]

cheers

 

[tazz]

i know what you are saying and i suppose if it save a life its worth it but where will it stop , what if the fire starts in the db will they make us wire every circuit in FP200 eventually

Lets not get to carried away....these circuits are marked as essential supplies, ie fire, VA/PA and em lighting, if powered from central invertor. and are basically the last circuits to go in a building fire.

 

[sparkyphil1]

To prolong the supply to the panel, for the maximum time possible, in a fire condition.

Yes it will pro long the life of the cable in fire conditions whilst the plastic dB and plastic fire alarm panel are melting and falling off the wall lol. Joking aside you do req a dp red key switch and FP see if when your a the wholesalers you can't tap up anyone to cut you off a length out of there van ? Worth a try?

 

[Gentle Ben]

Can I just say chaps, many thanks for all the replies, I really enjoy reading and learning from others in the trade and it's nice that so much information and insight has been volunteered in such a friendly manner.

Just to clarify, the spur for the fire alarm is just a standard 13-amp DP switched fused spur connection unit, I will obtain an appropriate unit when I hit the wholesalers tomorrow.

Once again - thanks!

 

[tazz]

Ben its not really standard, as most switched fused spurs are single pole switched.....it is a made for purpose item for fire alarms.
And Phil...if you buy crappy plastic alarms from electrical wholesellers..well you get what you pay for....would not fit anything which was not EN approved in matel housing.