Caradon Gent Limited

Waterside Road, Hamilton Industrial Park,

Leicester LE5 1TN.
INHB/2M/4/99

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS

installers
HANDBOOK

1
I N T R O D U C T I O N

Contents

Fire alarm systems

Page

System Design

Examples

13

False Alarms

15

Installation of Cables

16

Panel Installation

18

Check List

21

System Schematic

22

Fire Detection Circuits

23

Auxiliary Contacts

25

Commissioning

27

Installed System Tests

29

Trouble Shooting

30

BS 5839 is a standard for Fire Detection

and Alarm Systems in Buildings. Part 1
of this standard is the code of practice for
installation and services.
It is important that any contractor or
installation engineer undertaking this
type of work is fully conversant with this
standard which covers systems from
simple manual installations to fully
automatic fire detection systems. Whilst
the standard does make some reference
to fixed extinguishing systems the
protection of electronic data processing
installations is more fully covered by
BS 6266, 1982
This booklet, published by Caradon Gent
Limited - the UKs largest manufacturer
of fire alarm equipment - is intended to
be an installers guide which will offer
practical assistance. It is not intended to
replace BS 5839 Part 1.
Since the circumstances of installation of
a fire alarm system can vary, we recommend
that in cases of difficulty assistance is
sought by calling Caradon Gent Limited.
Copies of British Standard BS 5839
Part 1, can be obtained from:The British Standards Institution,
Linford Wood, Milton Keynes,
MK14 6LE.

2
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 1. Talk to interested parties

The importance of pre-design planning
cannot be overstated. Many parties are
likely to have an interest in a fire
detection and alarm system. Those who
should be consulted before the design is
finalised may include:
4
4
4
4
4
4

The System Installer

The Health & Safety Executive
The Building Control Officer
The Fire Insurer
The Local Fire Authority
Consultants (including architects and
engineers) and perhaps:

4 The Communication Link Supplier

and Central Alarm Receiving Station.
The considerations prior to design
which should also be detailed within the
specifications may include:
4
4
4
4

The purpose of the system

Occupant escape times
Fire Service attendance time
Other actions to be taken in the
event of a fire
4 Other occupants (particularly for
multiple-occupancy)
4 Service and maintenance
requirements
4 System operation requirements and
responsibilities.
The two principal reasons for installing
a fire detection and alarm system are for
the protection of life and for the
protection of property. Each needs a
different approach to a system design
and equipment selection.
Most buildings will need both life and
property protection to differing degrees.

There is a classification of systems in BS

5839: Part 1: 1988 which is used in this
guide.
System for Protecting Property (P)
A satisfactory fire alarm system for the
protection of property will automatically
detect a fire at an early stage, indicate its
location and raise an effective alarm in
time to summon the fire-fighting forces
(both resident staff and the fire brigade).
Type P1 - A system covering all
parts of the premises.
Type P2 - A system covering only
those parts of a building
having a high fire risk.
Systems for Protecting Life (L, M)
A satisfactory fire alarm system for the
protection of life can be relied upon to
sound a fire alarm while sufficient time
remains for the occupants to escape.
As a guide, an escape route may be
considered blocked once visibility drops
below 10 metres.
Type L1 - A system covering all parts
of the premises
Type L2 - A system covering only those
parts of a building where
there is a high risk to life if
there is fire any where in the
building
Type L3 - A system covering only areas
critical to free passage along
escape routes.
Type M -

A system that provides only

for manual initiation of an
alarm and therefore depends
on the presence of people.

3
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 2. Site Manual Call Points

All manual call points whatever the
system type should be sited:
4 On all escape routes and exits to the
open air.
4 So that nobody has to travel more
than 30 metres to reach one.
4 On floor landings and staircases.
4 In conspicuous and well-lit positions
against a contrasting background.
4 So that they can be seen easily.
4 1.4 metres above the floor.

Stage 3. Select and site fire detectors

It is important to have an adequate
number of detectors to fully cover the
areas requiring protection. Additionally
the type of detection must be matched to
the environment and the potential fire
hazards likely to be present.

Fixed Temperature Heat Detector

For protection of property, particularly
where temperature can fluctuate for
natural reasons:
4 Near large windows
4 Industrial heat producing processes

Optical Smoke Detectors

For slow smouldering fires.
4 Corridors or Escape Routes
4 Wood or paper stores

Ionisation Smoke Detectors

For fast burning, high energy fires.
4 Solvent stores
4 Switch rooms

Beam Detector
Although traditionally restricted to
specialist applications, beam detection
may provide more cost effective solutions
to point detection over long distances.
4 Corridors
4 Warehouses
4 Ceiling voids
4 Hangars
4 Open shopping areas

A mixture of optical and ionisation

sensors can be used to ensure coverage in
areas of high value, like computer rooms.

Do not use in the direct line of sight of

an infra-red source such as tungsten or
high intensity arc lights.

Heat Detectors
Heat detectors are used where the
environment is subject to constant levels
of smoke or dirt.
4 Boiler rooms
4 Busy kitchens and laundries

Duct Detector
The duct housing unit is designed to
detect smoke in air conditioning
systems. It is fitted to the outside of the
duct and has 2 probes that protrude
inside the duct to monitor the air.

Do not use in steamy, dusty or smoky

areas such as kitchens, bathrooms etc

4
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 3. Site fire detectors (cont.)

Under flat horizontal ceilings
Diagram 1. Maximum dimensions:
4 Area covered by 1 detector:
Smoke 100m2 Heat 50m2
4 Distance between any part of the
wall and the nearest detector:
Smoke 7.5m Heat 5.3m
4 Distance between detector:
Smoke 15.0m Heat 10.6m

Spacing for Smoke Detectors

7.5m

7.5m

Spacing for Heat Detectors

5.3m

5.3m

7.5m

5.3m

MID POINT
OF AREA

MID POINT
OF AREA
7.5m

5.3m

7.5m

5.3m

Diagram 2. Minimum dimensions:

4 Distance between detector and
wall: 0.5m.
4 Maximum spacings between
detectors are reduced when
obstructions are present.

Diagram 2.

Obstacle
0.5m 0.5m
Min Min
If less than
150mm ignore

If greater than
10% of ceiling
height treat as
wall

End
View

5
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 3. Fire Detectors (cont).

7.

7.

5+

5m

5+

1.

1.

1.

5m

17.9 m

S
1.
5m

7.

5+

1.

5m

7.
5+

Smoke
Detector

7.
5+

Smoke
Detector

1.
5m

2m

7.

5+

5m

Wall

Plan View
5.

5m

5.

13.5 m

H
5m

5.

Heat
Detector

5m

3+

1.

1.

3+

5.

5.

3+

1.

5m

Heat
Detector

1.

3+

5m

2m

3+

1.

1.

Wall

5.

5m

3+

Corridors
Detectors in corridors may
generally be spaced more widely.
4 This is NOT applicable to
life safety applications unless all
adjoining rooms have smoke
detection.
4 This is NOT applicable to
corridors greater than 5 metres
wide (treat as for flat horizontal
ceilings)
Detectors may be placed at
horizontal distances extended
up to 50% of the difference
between the actual corridor
width and 5 metres (see table).
E.g. (5-2) x 0.5=1.5m.

Detector spacing along corridors.

Corridor
width
(m)

Spacing between Detectors (max)

Smoke (m)

Heat (m)

1.2

18.8

14.4

1.6

18.3

14.0

2.0

17.9

13.5

2.4

17.4

13.0

2.8

17.0

12.5

3.2

16.5

12.0

3.6

16.0

11.5

4.0

15.5

10.9

4.4

15.0

10.3

4.8

14.4

9.7

6
S Y S T E M
Pitched roofs
A row of sensors should be installed
along the apex of any pitched roof or
north-light roof. Smoke sensors should
be not more than 600mm from the apex
of the roof. Horizontal spacing between
sensors may be extended when used
under pitched roofs.
The horizontal distance may be extended
by up to 1% for each degree of slope of
the roof (relative to horizontal) up to a
maximum of 25%.

D E S I G N

Roof

Roof

20

20 pitch allows spacing

to be extended 20% for
example from 7.5m to
9.0m

Wall

Heights
Maximum heights of detectors are dependant on the fire brigade response available:
Detector/
Sensor type

General applications

(m)

Automatic link to a manned

centre. Fire brigade response is
normally within 5 minutes.
(m)

Smoke

10.5

15.0

Heat grade 1

9.0

13.5

Heat grade 2

7.5

12.0

Heat high temp.

6.0

10.5

Beam

25

40

Siting limits for Smoke Beam Detectors

Height of optical beam above floor
Optical beam length
Distance of optical beam from a flat ceiling or apex
Horizontal distance between optical beams measured at
right angles to a beam
Horizontal distance between optical beam and an adjacent
wall or partition

Minimum (m)

Maximum (m)

2.7

25*

100

0.3

0.6

14

See Notes

* The height may be increased to 40m provided that the general height to which combustibles are stored in the
building does not exceed 5m and that the fire brigade can attend within 5 minutes.
NOTE: Generally the beam should not pass closer, to a wall or partition, than 500mm and not closer to an obstruction,
than 600mm. However, up to 3m of the beam may be closer than this. Always consult Gent if in doubt.
Where the beam detector is mounted in the apex of a pitched or north-light roof the horizontal distance can be increased
by 1% for each degree of slope up to a maximum of 25% (eg 20 slope of roof 20% of 7.5m = 1.5m).

600mm
Max

7
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 3. Fire Detectors (cont).

Further considerations (checklist)
) For a Type P1 system every part of
the building should be suitably
protected. For this purpose each
effectively enclosed space should be
considered separately.
Areas covered by a Type P2 system
should be separated from unprotected
areas by a fire resisting construction.
) Voids not more than 800mm deep
need not be protected unless fire can
spread through them from one to
the other.
) Where rooms are divided by
partitions or storage racks reaching to
within 300mm of the ceiling each
section should be protected separately.
) Shafts for elevators, lifts, hoists,
escalators and enclosed chutes
through floors and stairways should
be protected by detectors at the top
of the shaft and within 1.5m of
openings on to each floor.
) Where an escalator or staircase has a
sloping ceiling a detector may need
to be sited on that ceiling.
) Enclosed staircases should be
protected by detectors on each main
landing within the staircase.
) Lantern lights should be protected
by a detector unless they are less
than 800mm in height above the
ceiling and are not used as ventilation.
) Extra detectors may be needed to
cope with structural features within a
room. Consideration must be given

to possible adverse air flows when air

conditioning and ventilation systems
are in use.
) If a detector is concealed, it may be
desirable to provide a remote visible
indication of its operation.
) Care should be taken when siting to
ensure that adverse conditions such
as high levels of shock or vibration
are not encountered.

Design Tip!
It is good practice to site
detectors in toilets, however they
need not have
independent coverage if cover is
provided in a common lobby.

8
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders

established exception of class changes in
Life Protecting
schools where coded signals of not more
The minimum sound levels must be
than five seconds duration can be used.
produced in all occupiable parts of the
Public address equipment can be used to
building. Occupiable parts include
give warning of fire subject to certain
restricted areas such as service ducts
conditions. Visual alarm signals should
where people could be working on
be considered to complement alarm
occasion. As audible alarms are essential
sounders where there is a high level of
for the protection of life, a minimum of
noise or the occupants may be hearingtwo independent sounders must always
impaired.
be provided to guard against the failure
of one. A minimum of
one sounder should be
provided in each fire
Typical ambient noise levels dB (A)
compartment.
Property Protection
In Type P systems the
minimum sound levels
must be produced in
the areas required to
summon fire fighting
assistance. A sounder
should also be provided
close to the control and
indicating equipment
and there should be
one outside to direct
services to the correct
entrance.
In practice most fire
detection and alarm
systems involve
elements of both
property and life
protection.
Most systems should
therefore meet all the
above requirements.

Light Street
Noise
Average Office
Noise
Stock Room
Noise
Light Assembly
Room Noise
Dispatch Room
Noise
Heavy Street
Noise
Heavy Assembly
Room Noise
Light
Machine
Noise
Punch Press
Room Noise
Threshold
of Pain

Boiler
Factory Noise
Whisper at
1m

Heavy
Machine
Noise

Conversation
at 1m

Hammering
on Steel
30

40

50

In general fire alarm sounders must not

be used for any other purpose, with the

60

70

80

90

dB(A)

100

110

120

130

140

9
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders (cont).

Sound output
All sounders in a building should be of a
similar type, do not mix electronic
sounders and bells.
The sound level will reduce by 6dB every
time the distance from the sounder is
doubled. Sound levels are normally
quoted on-axis, ie. directly in-line with
the middle of the sounder.
This is normally the loudest position.
In order to assess the sound level at any
particular point it is necessary to allow
for the distance from the sounder AND
the angle off-axis.

Design Tips!
1. Use sensor sounders in small rooms
where the sound level has been
attenuated by door partitioning
(32000/Vigilon systems only).

85dB
(1m)

Sounders should produce:

100dB
(1m)

4 Minimum sound level of 65 dB or

at least 5 dB greater than any
background noise that is likely to
persist for more than 30 seconds
4 75 dB is required at the bedhead
of a sleeping person
Note: The sound level near the control
panel should not be so high that a
telephone cannot be used to summon
help from the fire brigade.
Attenuation
Fire alarm sounders may often be heard
in adjacent rooms but the sound level
will be attenuated by any door.
Typical attenuation figures are:
4 20 dB by an internal door
4 30 dB by a fire door
It is also important to consider the
rooms use. Are there any obstacles
(including furniture) to the sound, and
how many people will be present in the
room? Both people and furnishings will
attenuate the sound level.

Sensor Sounder in a small office.

2. Always site sounders in

toilets and bedrooms.
3. Back-to-back sounders wherever
possible to reduce wiring costs.

10
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 5. Select Control & Indicating Equipment

It is now possible to obtain both
conventional and analogue addressable
control panels to suit a wide variety of
building sizes and types.
There should be a plan of the building,
showing at very least the entrances, to be
placed on or near the control equipment.
If there are several entrances,
consideration should be given to the
provision of a repeat panel at each
entrance.
When selecting the control equipment
the current consumption of both
detection circuits and alarm circuits must
be considered, this will be found in the
relevant product literature.
Many control and indicating panels
include an integral power supply unit but
in the larger systems it may be
necessary to provide an external unit
either in place of or in addition to the
internal unit. The need for extra
standby power can be determined from
the total current consumption of the
system and the specification of the
supply.
Standby Period
In the event of a mains failure, the
minimum standby period is 24 hours in
normal conditions followed by 30
minutes at full alarm load. In special
circumstances, such as the availability of
a standby generator, these periods can be
reduced.
When a building is unoccupied for
significant periods, the normal
condition standby period should be
extended to 24 hours longer than the

period of non-occupation. For example,

if a building is unoccupied from 6.00 p.m.
Friday to 8.00 a.m. Monday, the fire
system should have a standby period of
86 hours normal condition, followed by
an alarm period of 30 minutes.
Siting control and indicating equipment
Control and indicating equipment should
be sited:
4 In an area of low fire risk.
4 On the ground floor in the vicinity of
an entrance used by the fire brigade.
4 In an area common to all building
users.
4 Where automatic detectors are in use,
the control equipment area must be
protected.
4 Where ambient light levels are such
that visual indications can be clearly
seen.
4 With a first alarm sounder sited
adjacent.

Design Tip!

For minimum standby period it is

important to consider the worst case.
For instance, is there cover for
weekends and bank holidays?
Most reputable manufacturers design
control panels with 48 hour standby,
however 72 hours or longer may be
required.

11
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 5. Select Control & Indicating Equipment (cont.)

Door Retainers and Relays
Door retainers will hold doors open
during normal conditions but allow them
to close in the event of fire.
A manually operated switch may also be
included if required.
The mechanism comprises a powerful
electromagnet and a door plate.
The electromagnet may be wall or floor
mounted.
Batteries
Most internal and external power supply
units will normally be supplied with (or
have provision for) sealed lead-acid cells
as they need a minimum of
maintenance.
System Interfaces
While a fire detection and alarm system
must be capable of operating in isolation,
other building systems may need to
receive a signal when a fire alarm is
activated - or may need to activate the
fire alarm system when they are operated.
For example, a fire detection system may
need to shut down the normal ventilation
system or to activate a fixed extinguishing
system.
Conversely, if a fixed extinguishing
system is manually operated or a gas
detection system is activated, the fire
alarms may need to be sounded.
In such cases, a system interface is
needed, which may be a simple relay for
a conventional system or a number of
addressable inputs and outputs for an
addressable system.

Power Supply Units

Gent control and indicating panels
include a stand-by power supply unit
complete with batteries. However, in
larger systems the current requirements
are often very different and therefore a
separate power supply unit, external to
the control panel, may be needed.
Manned Centre Links
Where the system includes the need for
rapid fire service attendance an automatic
link to a permanently staffed centre can
be provided. There are several methods
available and before selecting one it is
recommended that the matter be
discussed with the Gent Technical
Hotline on 0800 064 3344
Fixed Extinguishing Systems
Where the protection of property is
important and a rapid attendance cannot
be guaranteed, the provision of a fixed
extinguishing system should be considered.
Gent can supply a range of gaseous
extinguishing systems which are ideal
when a liquid extinguishant, such as
water, might itself cause extensive damage.

12
S Y S T E M

D E S I G N

Stage 6. Zoning
Zoning
For several reasons a building must be
split into a number of fire detection and
alarm zones.

Notes:
1. A fire compartment is an area
bordered by a fire-resisting structure
usually at least 30 minutes resistance.

The prime purpose of zoning is to

identify the location of a fire or fault:
The following criteria govern the
number and size of zones:

2. Zone limits can be relaxed only in

certain Type M systems.

4 The floor area of a single zone should

not exceed 2000m2.
4 No person in a zone should have to
travel more than 30m to visually
determine the position of a fire.
4 The zone should not cover more
than one storey unless the total
building area is less than 300m2.
Stairwells, lift shafts and flue-like
openings should be treated as
separate zones.
4 It is permissible for a zone to cover a
whole number of fire compartments,
or for a fire compartment to contain a
whole number of zones, but a zone
cannot extend over parts of two or
more fire compartments.
4 For multiple-occupancy buildings the
occupancy boundaries should
coincide with zone boundaries.
4 If there is an area of special fire risk,
consideration should be given to
setting up a separate zone for rapid
identification of a fire in that risk
area.

3. To avoid misleading indication of the

position of a fire, consideration
should be given to the separate
zoning of manual call points,
particularly those on staircase
landings. This can be achieved by
indicating automatic detectors and
manual call points separately.

Design Tip!
Remote indicator lamps can be used
to reduce the need for small complex
zones.
They are also useful for voids and
locked cupboards.

13
E X A M P L E S

Stage 2. Site Manual Call Points

WC

WC

WC

Office
Stores

WC

Reception

Manual Call Point

Travel distances >30m require a
call point.

Office

Assembly Area

Boiler
Room

4 On escape routes and exits to

the open air.
4 So that no one has to travel
more than 30m to reach one.
4 On floor landings and staircases.

Canteen

Warehouse

Stage 3. Site Fire Detectors

WC

>1

7.5

m H

Stores

S Office

WC

WC

S
WC

Reception

S
S

S
Office

Boiler
Room

Assembly Area
approx 550m2

S
S

Canteen

4 Area covered by smoke detector

= 100m2 max.
4 Area covered by heat detector
= 50m2 max.
4 Distance between smoke
detectors = 15m max.
4 Distance between heat detectors
= 10.6m max.
4 Check special rules for corridors
less than 5m wide.
4 Maximum beam length =100m.
4 Cover toilets and stairways.
S Optical smoke detector

B
Warehouse

H Heat detector

B Beam detector

14
E X A M P L E S

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders

4 Minimum 65 dB required or 5dB
greater than background noise.
4 75 dB required at bedheads.
4 Sound level reduces by 6 dB for
every time the distance from
the sounder is doubled ie.
100 dB - 1m
94 dB - 2m
88 dB - 4m
82 dB - 8m
76 dB - 16m
4 Sound level is attenuated by
30dB for fire doors and 20 dB
for internal doors.

WC
Stores

Office

WC

WC

WC
Reception

Office

Boiler
Room

Assembly Area

Canteen

Stage 5. Site Control

Equipment

Warehouse

4 For ease of access by fire brigade.

Fire panel.

Stage 6. Zoning
4 Floor areas should not exceed
2000m2.
WC

Remote LEDs.

WC

WC

Office
Stores

WC

Zone 1

Reception

Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4

Boiler
Room

Assembly Area

Office

Canteen

Warehouse

15
F A L S E

A L A R M S

Many false alarms result from causes that

were not considered at design or
installation stages and could otherwise
have been avoided. Common causes of
false alarms include:
4 Electrical or mechanical faults,
perhaps caused by vibration,
impact or corrosion.
4 Heat, flames or smoke
generated from industrial
processes or cooking.
4 Fumes from engine or
machine exhausts.
4 High air velocities caused
by strong draughts or air
conditioning.
4 Work being carried out in
the protected area without
the necessary precautions
being taken.
4 Servicing or testing
equipment without prior
notification to those likely
to receive indication.
4 Electrical transients or radio
interference.
4 Inadequate servicing.
4 The build-up of dust or dirt or the
presence of insects within a detector.
4 Changes, including change of use
within the building.
4 Accidental or malicious operation.

Fire detection and alarm equipment is

designed to minimise false alarms,
particularly with the introduction of
advanced, analogue systems. However,
even very sophisticated equipment
cannot compensate for a badly designed
system or a poor installation.
It is therefore vital that potential causes
of false alarms are considered and the
risks minimised at the design stage.

16
I N S T A L L A T I O N

O F

C A B L E S

Wiring
Since every site is different, it is only
possible to give general guidance, refer to
BS 5839 for more details.
A fire alarm system depends on its
wiring. There are 2 group classes of
cable:
4 Cables NOT required to operate
after a fire has been detected e.g.
detectors and manual call points
(group 1).
4 Cables required to operate during a
fire, e.g. power supplies and sounders
(group 2).
While mineral insulated cables are
preferable for all fire alarm applications
the following cables can be used for the
two groups:
Group 1
1. MICC to BS 6207: Part 1 (with or
without sheath)
2. Cables complying with BS 6387
categories AWX, SWX, A or S.
3. PVC - insulated to BS 6004 sheathed
or non-sheathed with mechanical
protection.
4. Rubber insulated to BS 6007
5. PVC single type BK, BR and BU to
BS 6231
6. PVC insulated SWA to BS 6346
7. Cross-linked polyethylene or hard
ethylene-propylene rubber insulated
SWA to BS 5467
8. Polyethylene insulated PVC sheathed
coaxial cable to the dimensional
requirements of BS 2316: Part 3 but
with a minimum of 16 strands
/0.2mm diameter central conductor.

9. Cables designed for the detection of

heat must be configured to initiate
the alarm system should a fire occur
along the cable.
Group 2
Cables 1 or 2 from group 1.
Cables 3 to 9 from group 1, providing
that they are protected either by burying
them in a wall and covering them with
12mm of plaster or equivalent, or
protecting them from a significant fire
risk by shielding them with a wall,
partition or floor having a minimum
demonstrable 30 minutes fire resistance.
These requirements may in some cases
be reduced when included in areas of low
fire risk or when covered by an automatic
extinguishing system.
Certain cables may also need mechanical
protection against impact, abrasion or
rodent attack. As a guide, cables 1, 6 and
7 will not need further protection but all
others may in risk circumstances.
BS 5839: Part 1 gives full details.
Other types of cables can be used
provided that their suitability can be
demonstrated.
Conductors carrying fire alarm power or
signals should be separated from
conductors used for other systems.

17
I N S T A L L A T I O N

O F

Cables should be installed in accordance

with the good practices recommended in
the 16th Edition of the IEE Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671).
Other than the segregation of cables the
regulations exclude fire alarms if they are
fed from a safety source. In effect this
applies to extra low voltage systems,
which include systems in general use for
fire alarm circuits.
All cables and apparatus directly
connected to a public supply 240V a.c.
(low voltage) such as supplies to
indicators, power supplies and mains
operated door holders must comply with
the 16th Edition in respect of the
installation of cables and the provision of
isolation and switching.
Connection to mains supply should be
via an isolating switch fuse reserved
solely for the purpose. Its cover must be
painted red and labelled FIRE ALARM DO NOT SWITCH OFF.
If required a separate RCCB should be
used for fire alarm systems. Fire alarm
cables are defined as Category 3 Circuit.
Cables of Category 1 Circuits (low
voltage and connected directly to a mains
supply) must not be drawn into the same
conduit, duct or ducting as Category 3
(fire alarm circuits).
Where Category 3 Circuits are installed
in a channel of trunking containing
circuits of any other category, these
circuits must be segregated from the
latter by continuous partitions, such that
the integrity of the Category 3 (fire alarm
circuits) is not reduced.

C A B L E S

In effect these regulations mean that

unless MICC is used, fire alarm cable
circuits must never be mixed with any
other circuits; neither should they be
mixed with any other circuits in a multicore cable.
Conductor size should take voltage drop
into account. In any case conductors
should have a cross-sectional area of not
less than 1mm2 or if stranded of not less
than 0.5mm2.
Where possible cables should be routed
through areas of low fire risk.
Cables installed in damp, corrosive or
underground locations should be PVC
sheathed. Where there is a risk of
mechanical damage, cables should be
protected accordingly.
Cables in cavities or voids should be
separated from other cables by 300mm
unless enclosed in a conduit, ducting or
trunking.

18
P A N E L

NB: The following installation method

is based on the Xenex panel.
Panel Fixing
a) Remove panel from its packing, but
retain the carton for storage of spare
parts and loose items.
b) Remove the top and bottom inner plates.
c) Check the spares parts supplied with
those listed in installation manual. If
replacement parts are required at any
time, only spares that are of the same
specification should be used.
d) Remove the transformer and earth
connections from the electronic
assembly, and then remove the

111mm

electronic assembly from the panel.

Store the electronic assembly in a safe
place until required.
e) Remove the appropriate knock-in on
the panel case for cable entry.
f) Hold the panel on the wall in the
desired mounting position and mark
the positions of the fixing holes.
g) Secure the panel to the wall using
suitable fixing such that adequate
support is provided to the control
panel assembly. A top centre keyhole
fixing is provided on the case to allow
the panel to be hooked whilst the
bottom two fixing points are located.

Panel fixing

Panel size
395mm wide x 274mm high x 87mm deep

89mm

89mm

4-off earth points

How to knock-in
a cable entry point

Transformer
cables
to electronic
assembly

197mm

Knock here to open

the entry point

Earth connection
to the electronic
assembly

Panel Backbox
Fixing points for the
electronic assembly
Electronic assembly

Red
Battery connections
Black

19mm

Dedicated mains
cable entry points

I N S T A L L A T I O N

19
P A N E L

I N S T A L L A T I O N

Panel Fixing (Wiring)

h) Connect the mains supply cable to
the panel .The cable:
1 must be through one of the dedicated
cable entry into the panel.
1 via an unswitched fused spur unit,
rated 5A for the 1 & 2 Zone Control
and Repeat panels and 7A for 4 & 8
Zone panels.
The fused spur isolator cover should be
red and marked:
FIRE ALARM - DO NOT SWITCH
OFF
The fused spur units must be fed from a
dedicated switch or protective device at
the local mains supply distribution
board.
i) Wire the system. With the exception
of the mains cable, all cables should
remain unconnected at the panel
leaving 300mm tail. Mark each core
identifying its final point of connection.

Cable entry &

earth points

CAUTION: DO NOT undertake high

voltage insulation tests WITH THE
CABLES CONNECTED to their
terminals. Such a test may damage the
electronic circuitry in the system equipment.
j) Refit the electronic assembly into the
panel and connect the transformer and
earth cables previously removed.
Note: Each terminal in a panel will accept a
maximum conductor size of 2.5mm
square.
Note: The installation of all out standing
parts are usually carried out during
Commissioning of the System.
Store all spare parts and loose components
including the batteries inside the panel
carton and keep in a safe place until
required.

Cable termination
Earth
drain

Cable

Gland

4-off earth points

13-back
13-top
cable entry points

Electronic assembly
Panel backbox

20
P A N E L

I N S T A L L A T I O N

Cables
For the wiring of:
Length per circuit

Type of circuit

Recommended cables, also

see BS5839:Part 1 guidance

2m

Mains power supply cord

see power supply cord

1Km

Zone circuit

1km

Sounders circuit

100m

Auxiliary circuit

l00m

Common fire and fault circuit

l00m

Class change circuit

500m

Repeat panel link

The guidance of BS5839: Part 1:1988

should be followed. The use of cables
such as (MICC or Belden) are
recommended.
Generally available electrical installation
cable may be used, providing the cable is:
) to BS6387
) with no more than 2 - cores
) each core having no less than 1.5mm2
cross section area
) with an inherent or through metal
conduit screen for earth continuity in
order to produce electrical production
and screening
) having protection from heat and
mechanical damage
Power supply cord
This should be a 3-core cord having a
rated current of:
) 5A with a nominal core cross sectional
area of 0.75mm2 provided the length
of the cord does not exceed 2m

See BS5839: Part 1 guidance

Belden type screened 2-core

twisted pair

Power Supply
Standby Supply
With the recommended battery and zone
loading the control panel will provide a
standby supply under mains failure
conditions, for a period of 72 hours
followed by 30 minutes of alarm load.
24V Supply
The power supply terminals 24 + and 0
may drive external ancillary equipment
and is designed to be used in conjunction
with auxiliary contacts and common fire
and fault outputs.
Note: The use of the 24V supply will
affect the panel standby capability.

21
C H E C K

L I S T

Notes to the Installer - Checks

) The power-up and commissioning is
done by the servicing organisation.
) The wires between the termination
point and terminals should be short
and straight as possible.
) The cables of the fire detection and
alarm system and other systems
should usually be separated by at least
160mm, unless dedicated conduit or
ducting is used.
) Do not use any part of building
structure for earthing.
) The cable length between the Repeat
LED unit and respective fire detector
where used, should not exceed l0m
) Cable Glands should be used on the
equipment for the mains supply cable.
) Unused knockouts on product
enclosure that have been removed,
should not be left open.
Requirements
It is recommended that the installer
follow the general requirements of:
1 BS5839:Part 1:1988, which is the code
of practice relating to the fire
detection and alarm Systems for
buildings.
1 the relevant parts of the BS 7671
Requirements for Electrical
Installation Institute of Electrical
Engineers Wiring Regulations l6th
edition
Second fix installation
To prevent the possibility of damage or
dirt.degrading the performance or
appearance of the System Products,

the installation of second fix items should

be delayed until all major building work
in the area is complete.
Fixtures and fittings
It is the installers responsibility to
provide:
1 adequate fixtures and fittings for the
type of construction surface onto
which a product is to be installed.
1 as an aid to this decision, the weight
and overall size of each full assembly
together with implications on cable
entries and routing should be taken
into consideration.
Note: All these procedures assume that
the cable, gland, steel box (BESA box)
and other related accessories are provided
by the installer
As Fitted wiring drawings
The installer should acquire:
1 site specific information from the
interested parties, for details on the
location of products for installation
1 the acquired information together
with the relevant standards should be
used to assist the work.
Earth continuity
To maintain earth continuity, the cable
screen must be continued through each
system device, whether the earth is
connected to a device or not.

MANUAL
CALL
POINT

To
Transformer(s)

Initiating contacts to
auxiliary equipment,
such as manned centre link
and magenetic door holders

FIRE
DETECTOR

Fire alarm control panel

MAINS
TERMINAL

N E L

To dedicated
mains isolating
protection unit

RED

TA
TB
E

Board

Auxiliary
contacts

Sounder

Zone

Zone

Zn+ Zn-

Sounder

Sn+ Sn-

There can be up to 8
Fire detection (zone) circuit
and sounder circuit depending
on the panel size

S1+ S1-

Z1+ Z1-

CC1 CC1 24+

Class
change

CFR

CFT

Push button switch

for class change application

Alarm sounders must be polarised.

ALARM SOUNDER CIRCUIT

24V+ supply

BLACK

NC
NC
N0
N0

END OF
LINE
RESISTOR
10KOhms

Common fault

FIRE DETECTION (ZONE) CIRCUIT

NOTE: Spur wiring is not permitted off fire detection

and alarm sounder circuits.

Common fire

R+
RRepeat
panel

S Y S T E M

0V supply

END OF
LINE
CAPACITOR
UNIT

22

S C H E M A T I C

23
F I R E

D E T E C T I O N

C I R C U I T S

Zone circuit connections

Each zone circuit can have up to 2mA
load. An end-of-line
capacitor unit is required for zone
circuit monitoring, which must be fitted
after the last detector or manual call
point on the circuit.

Where a zone circuit is not being used,

the end-of-line capacitor unit must be
fitted across its terminals
in the panel.

All manual call points used must

have a 470 ohms series resistor.
Note: If a Beam detector is used, then it
must be powered from an independent
supply.

END OF
LINE
CAPACITOR
UNIT

NOTE: Spur wiring is not permitted

off zone circuits.
Unused Zone circuits must
be terminated with an
end-of-line Capacitor unit
or bipolar capacitor

FIRE DETECTION (ZONE) CIRCUIT

BLACK

RED
FIRE
DETECT OR
A fire detector head
may be fitted
to a diode-base for
continuity when a detector
head is removed
and there can be
a maximum of up to
20 diode-bases
per zone circuit

MANUAL
CALL
POINT

RED

BLACK

Z1+ Z1-

Z2+ Z2-

Zone
Circuit

Zone
Circuit

Contol panel

24
F I R E

D E T E C T I O N

C I R C U I T S

Alarm sounder connections

Note: All sounder circuits (sectors) will
always operate together in the event of a
fire condition.

NOTE: Spur wiring is not permitted

off alarm sounder circuits.
ALARM SOUNDER CIRCUIT

Alarm sounders must be

polarised and suppressed.
END OF
LINE
RESISTOR

Sounder circuit that is

not used is terminated
with an end-of line resistor

S1+ S1Sounder

Sn+ SnSounder

Control panel

To comply with the requirements of BS

5839: Part 1:1988, a minimum of two
alarm sounder circuits should be used on
all installations.

The load must be shared between the

sounder circuits.

1 & 2 Zone
Panel

4 & 8 Zone
Panel

The alarm sounder circuits are regularly

pulse monitored for failure. It is important
that the last alarm sounder is fitted with
an end-of-line resistor.

1A maximum
Alarm sounder
load per panel

1.5A maximum
Alarm sounder
load per panel

Where a sounder circuit is not being used,

the end-of-line resistor must be fitted
across its terminals in the control panel.

25
A U X I L I A R Y

C O N T A C T S

These are normally

open (NO) and
normally closed (NC)
contacts that switch
over when the panel
goes into a fire
condition.

Auxiliary contact circuit

Initiating contacts to
auxiliary equipment such as:
Manned centre link
Magnetic door holders

NC
NC
N0
N0

100m maximum
cable distance

Control panel

Auxiliary
contacts

Contacts change over occur

with a fire condition

The auxiliary circuits

should be powered
from an independent
power supply.

Class change circuit

Push button switch or relay pulsed
at 1 second interval (maximum)
for class change application

100m maximum
Cable distance

CC1 Cc2
Class change
Control panel

The contacts are rated

at 24V d.c. 1A for a
resistive load and
should not be used
to switch voltages in
excess of 50V.

Class Change
A pair of unmonitored
terminals allow only
the system alarm
sounders to be actuated
from a remote position.
It is considered that
the major use for
these will be for class
change functions in
schools and colleges.
Note:There is no
indication at the panel
of class change push
button operation.

26
A U X I L I A R Y

Common Fire and

Fault
The common fault
output is a normally
closed electronic
switch, which opens
with a fault condition,
this is for a fail safe
operation.
The common fire
output is normally
open electronic switch
that closes with a fire
condition.

Fire fault & 24V outputs

Fire fault relay unit
Common
Fire
Relay

Panel outputs

CFR

Repeat Panel
There can be up to 6
repeat panels series
connected from the
control panel.
A repeat panel
duplicates fire and
fault indications
together with system
controls.

Common Fire
CFR

Common
Fault
Relay

CFT
CFT

Common Fault
24V + Supply

24+

Note: Each electronic

switch has an in-line
1K ohms resistor.
The +24V & 0V is a
power supply for use
with auxiliary contacts,
common fire and
common fault circuits.

C O N T A C T S

Control to repeat panel connections

Screen must be
connected to panel

R+RControl panel

Screen linked

R+RRepeat panel 1

27
C O M M I S S I O N I N G

The total system should be tested in

accordance with the commissioning
requirements of BS5839:Part 1:1988 or
other standard specified by the system
purchaser.
Note: The commissioning procedures
assume that the system has been installed
as per manufacturers instructions.
System checks
) Acquire as fitted drawings
) Check the system has been installed
to the project requirements.
) If appropriate, action the installer to
carry out changes to the system.
a) Open the
lower outer cover

Initial power up
a) Disconnect cables to terminals of zone,
sounder, class change, auxiliary,
common fire and fault circuits. Ensure
each cable is marked for reconnection
to respective terminals later.
b) Connect end-of-line units to zones and
sounder circuits for initial power up.
c) Check mains connection and switch on
the mains power to the control panel.
d) Now connect the battery supply, see
below.
e) Check the panel provides a normal
healthy indication, with the green light
lit.

Battery installation

Control panel

Instructions + Zone designation

Zones
1

FIRE

Cancel Reset
Buzzer System

Sound Silence
Alarms Alarms

Display

Test

Faults
System
Power
Earth

Day/Night

Sounder

Disabled

Power

Access /
Function

Shift

b) Remove the
lower inner plate

c) Fit the batteries and

connect the battery cables

Connection for 12V 2.1Ah Batteries

For 1, 2 and 4 zone panels + repeat panel

Connection for 12V 2.8Ah Batteries

For 8 zone panels

28
C O M M I S S I O N I N G

Sounder circuit tests

a) Transfer the end-of-line resistor unit to
the last device on a sounder circuit.

Zone circuit tests

a) Transfer the end-of-line capacitor unit
to the last device (detector or manual
call point) on a zone circuit.

b) Connect the sounder circuit cable to

the sounder circuit terminals.

b) Connect the zone cable to the zone

circuit terminals.

c) Carry out sounder open and short

circuit tests and check appropriate
indications are given.

c) Carry out zone open circuit and short

circuit tests and check appropriate
indications are given.

d) Repeat the above for other sounder

circuits.

d) Repeat the above for other zone

circuits.

Panel terminals

Auxiliary contacts
1A at 24Vdc resistive
NO
NC
NO
NC

To Zone and Sounder

Circuits, where `n' signifies
circuit number 1 to 8
SnZnSn+
Zn+

The shaded terminal blocks

are not fitted on the Repeat panel.

Class change,
Common fault,
Common Fire
Repeat panel

P3 to P6

CC1

CC2

To transformer
T1A

T1B

P7

P1

T1A

T1B

CN5

CN6

T2A

T2B

CN7

NC

NO

NO

CN30

Z1+

Z1-

CN8

POWER 2
F1

NC

CN29

POWER 1

S1+

S1-

Z2+

CN9

CN10

BATTERIES
F2

Z2-

S2+

CN11

S2-

Z3+

CN12

SECTOR 1
F3

Z3-

S3+

CN13

S3-

Z4+

Z4-

CN14

S4+

S4-

CN15

SECTOR 2
F4

Z5+

Z5-

CN16

S5+

S5-

CN17

SECTOR 3
F5

Z6+

CN18

Z6-

S6+

S6-

Z7+

CN19

SECTOR 4
F6

CN20

Z7-

S7+

S7-

CN21

Z8+

CN22

SECTOR 5
F7

Z8-

S8+

S8-

CN23

CC1

CC2

CN24

SECTOR 6
F8

24+

CN25

CFT

CFR

CN26

CN27

SECTOR 7

R+

R-

CN28
SECTOR 8

F9

F10

F11

Zones

FIRE

Test

Faults

Software
version
label

Fuses

Cancel Reset
Buzzer System

Sound Silence
Alarms Alarms

Display

System

Power

Day/Night
Power
Earth
Sounder

Disabled

9
v
Shift

Access /
Function

Panel

CFT
24+

CFR 0 R+ R-

29
I N S TA L L E D

S Y S T E M

The fire detection and alarm system should

be tested to ensure it operates to meet the
standards and project requirements.
Configuration
The control and repeat panels are factory
set to requirements of EN54 Parts 2 and 4.
The operation of the control and repeat
panels and the system may be
re-configured to site specific needs.
CAUTION: Any special configurations
may cause the system and equipment to
operate outside the requirements of
European standards.

T E S T S

Sound level test

Sound level tests should be conducted to
standard requirements and to customer
satisfaction.
Other equipment tests
Where external equipment is connected to
the control panel using auxiliary, common
fire and fault terminals, then these must
be tested to project requirements.
Log book
Fill in system details on the first three
pages of the log book.

Test mode A or B operation

To facilitate tests on the fire detection
and alarm system the control panel can
be set to operate in a test mode.

On completion
Ensure the persons responsible for the
system are made aware of:

With Test mode A or B active: a triggered

manual call point or fire detector in the
test zone will give:

1 access codes to controls

Test A

Test B

Fire indication
for 10 seconds
duration
followed by a
system reset

System alarm
sounds for the first
2 seconds and at the
same time a Fire
indication is
given for l0 seconds
duration followed
by a system reset

Note: A detector that is still full of

smoke or heat will retrigger into a fire
condition until the smoke or heat in the
area is cleared.
Repeat panel configuration
Each repeat panel connected to the
system is required to be given an address
at both the control and repeat panels, see
Panel configuration section.

1 system operation
1 basic controls
1 their responsibility
1 and the need to log system events in
the log book.

30
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G

1 Zone fault light on panel, check:

a) incorrect wiring polarity.
b) open circuit on wiring.
c) end of line device not fitted on
open circuit.
If fault does not clear, remove end of line
devices from end of each circuit in turn,
and fit across terminals of panel. If fault
then clears this proves fault is external to
panel. If fault persists, call Gent Service
Engineer.
2. Bell(s) (or Sounders) do not
operate, check:
a) Incorrect polarity.
b) faulty sounder.
If a) rectify - if b) call Engineer.
3. Sounder fault on panel, check:
1a and 1b as above and also for existence
of unpolarised bell on alarm circuit. Also
transfer end of line device to terminals
on panel to determine whether fault
internal or external as 1.
4. Supply lamps (green) not
illuminated, check:
Mains supply to control or charger unit,
if batteries are connected, buzzer should
be sounding.
5. Power fault on panel, check:
If green lights are on, buzzer should be
sounding.
a) Battery connections.
b) Panel fuses.
c) 24V Output.
If fault persists after these checks, call
Service Engineer.

Alarm condition on panel when

powered up, check:
for broken glass on call points.
for short circuit on trigger circuits. for
detector in alarm state (LED on).
If control unit can still not be reset call
Gent Engineer

SERVICE HOTLINE
0500 334455