FIRE ALARMS SYSTEMS - UCL GENERAL INSTALLATION EMPLOYERS & REQUIREMENTS DESIGN GUIDANCE

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1 Fire Safety Technical Guide Contents FIRE ALARMS SYSTEMS - UCL GENERAL INSTALLATION EMPLOYERS & REQUIREMENTS DESIGN GUIDANCE (Student Hals of Residences - Sleeping Accommodation) 1.0. Introduction General Fire Alarm & Device Design Standards General Requirements & Design Standards Fire Alarm Panels & Electrical Supplies Manual Call Points (MCPs) Sounders (Sound Pressure Requirements) Beam Detectors Facilities for Hearing Impaired People Fire Resistant Cabling Marking and Indicating of Fire Alarm Devices Ceilings, Ducts & Voids Door Hold Open, Fire Dampers & Other Automatically Released Equipment Provision of Audible & Visual Warning at Internal Building Boundaries Access Control Devices Connected to Fire Alarm Systems Mechanical & Electrical, Air Handling & Smoke Control Equipment Cause & Effect Matrix Fire Alarm System Passive Fire Protection Fire Brigade Communications General Commissioning Requirements Sleeping Risk Equipment Overview INTRODUCTION 1.1. UCL strives to improve its standards, designers, installers and maintenance companies must be able to demonstrate their competence to design, install and commission the system, e.g. by certification to BAFE SP203, LPS1014 or other relevant standard and have ISO9001 Quality Management System compliance or equivalent, will be acceptable to undertake works on our estate. Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 1.

2 1.2. The following information will be of assistance to Design Consultants, Project Managers and Contractors employed by UCL or its agents. It is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements and is in addition to any British Standard Recommendation or other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Other Related Technical Notes: UCL student halls of residence fire detection and alarm system commission of software cause and effect confirmation of room testing schedule = TN055A; Specification for smoke alarms in UCL owned domestic flats, apartments, dwellings and similar accommodation = TN055B; (c). UCL student halls of residence fire safety design and refurbishment strategy = = TN050; 2.0. GENERAL FIRE ALARM & DEVICE DESIGN STANDARDS 2.1. New fire detection and alarm system provided in UCL properties must use standard equipment and open protocols to ensure communality of systems, efficient maintenance, control of software and engineering access. No other fire alarm panels or systems will be acceptable unless written permission through the UCL Chief Engineer / UCL Fire Safety Manager is sought first Loop Capacity - loops should be designed so that the numbers of devices on the loop is limited so that there is some (approx.) 20% spare capacity - e.g. maximum loop capacity = 126 devices - then the actual loop device numbers should be no more than 105 devices as a general rule Fire Detection - residential and sleeping accommodation must generally be designed to meet a minimum of BS Life Risk 2 (L2) provision of Automatic Fire Detection Where Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing heads are used; they will need to be programmed to meet the local conditions by changing the ratio of heat to smoke detection. Generally (as rule of thumb guidance only), Apollo discovery multi-sensing heads have five settings (check the latest specification by Apollo for accuracy before instructing): Mode 1 - the most sensitive setting using both heat & smoke monitoring and reacting at around less than 3% obscuration of the optical head, Mode 2 - optical sensing setting only, that reacts at less than 3% obscuration of the optical head, Mode 3 - medium sensitivity setting, which uses both heat & smoke monitoring and reacts at less than 3% obscuration of the optical head, Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 2.

3 Mode 4 - least sensitive setting using both heat & smoke monitoring and reacting at around 5% obscuration of the optical head - use this setting in all laboratories and periphery kitchen areas, Mode 5 - heat sensing setting only, 3.0. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & DESIGN STANDARDS 3.1. All fire alarm systems in UCL premises are to be designed to comply with the latest edition of BS Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises; and other relevant parts of BS5839 series, as necessary Unwanted alarms - the London Fire Brigade and other local Fire require all possible measures to be taken to reduce the instances of unwanted fire alarm activations and calls to the fire authority. Electrical Service Engineers are to take considerable care to ensure that their fire alarm design reduces unwanted fire alarms through thoughtful consideration and understanding of room / space function where detection is provided. This will help substantially to reduce the potential for unwanted alarms through positioning of detection to avoid activation from on-suite showers etc. 3.3 Halls of Residence Fire Alarm Design Principle Given the prominence of unwanted fire alarms in halls of residence, and in view of London Fire Brigade s policy of charging for attendance, the configuration of each fire alarm in halls of residence will be subject to review by UCL. UCL requires that initial detection will warn local occupants. This may be just within that room, or within every room in the surrounding corridor, decided on a case-by-case basis. Control and indicating equipment that supports such flexible configurations is therefore required Unwanted Alarm & Design Principles - in all new installations or upgrade of fire alarm systems within UCL residences, the general design principle shall be: smoke detector activation in a bedroom will trigger the sounder in the room only or each room within that particular corridor (subject to risk assessment based on building construction) to act as a local warning (similar to Domestic BS : Smoke Alarm). This will generate a pre-fire alarm signal and warning at the master panel, but not a global fire alarm activation or occupant evacuation, unless: (1). the sensor detects heat gain as well as smoke obscuration; (2). a second detector activates; (3). if a Manual Call Point is activated; Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 3.

4 (c.). UCL Fire Technical Note -TN055 fire alarm panel is to self-cancel room or rooms off that corridor (subject to site-specific configuration) fire pre-alarm, if the condition does not progress into full fire activation mode automatically after suitable time out delay (5 minutes). Cause & Effect of detector heads used in this fire alarm strategy must follow the following principals: (1). Heat detector (either RofR or fixed type) on activation, is to cause full fire evacuation of occupants. (2). Smoke detectors located in corridors stair enclosures forming part of the Means of Escape (other than Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing combination type) on activation, is to cause full fire evacuation of occupants. (3). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing smoke detectors installed in student bedrooms on activation: (i). local alarm mode indicates pre-alarm on master panel warning sounder in room (or rooms throughout that corridor depending on risk assessment) only, for approx. 5 minutes; if no change in conditions, then the fire alarm system is to reset automatically; (ii). (iii). (iv). local alarm mode on change of room conditions such as increasing levels of obscuration or heat is detected at combination head, system to change mode and cause full fire evacuation of occupants immediately; No change to the local room conditions - local alarm activates in room (and surrounding rooms if necessary under design risk assessment) only and pre alarm at main fire panel; any change of local room conditions - full fire evacuation of occupants immediately Cluster Flat Design Principals - provided with least sensitive setting using heat & smoke monitoring and reacting to approximately 5% obscuration of the optical head to be used & programmed in the following way: Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensor - detector heads to be used in all bedrooms in sleeping accommodation: (1). Detectors are to be programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 ( student setting ) for all cluster bedrooms and areas such as corridors outside of showers or kitchens that may be effected by cooking products or steam from bathrooms etc.; Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 4.

5 (2). Programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 for areas such as cluster flat corridors, that may be affected by cooking products from kitchens or rooms etc.; (c). Apollo heat detection to be used in kitchens - provide Rate of Rise heat detectors; Manual Call Points (MCP) - are to be provided so that there is a shorter distance for occupants in a real fire situation to operate a call point, as follows: (1). Cluster Flats (containing six rooms with kitchen unit etc., with access to a main corridor) - provide a MCP complete with security covers to prevent accidental use to be provided at the cluster flat exit on to main corridor. (2). Grouped Cluster Rooms (containing rooms with kitchen unit etc., formed around a central corridor) - then additional MCPs complete with security covers to prevent accidental use, located where cluster flat groups stop and a new cluster group starts requiring additional MCPs and with shorter travel distances Studio Flats - Design Principals: Studio Flats - due to unwanted alarm issues will be provided with smoke detection and control unit to comply BS5839-6; see UCL Fire Safety Technical Note TN055B. An Apollo rate of rise heat detector will be provided in all studio flats positioned with the flat within 500mm in from the entrance door. (1). all studio flat bedrooms (care on positioning standalone smoke detector in room - away from cooker, showers & steam), (c). Manual Call Points - position additional MCPs so that studio flat occupants travel no more than 15m in any direction, to operate a unit FIRE ALARM PANELS & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES 4.1. The fire detection system shall be designed, installed and commissioned in accordance with, and all elements shall meet the requirements of BS , BS EN 54 Parts 1, 2 & 4 and other relevant Codes of Practice. The Fire Alarm Control Panel shall be independently certified as complying with requirements of EN54-2&4. The Independent approvals body shall be either British Standards Institute (BSI) or Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB) 429C The panel must be capable and compatible of using and switching between all modes of Apollo Discovery detection heads, using alarm confirmation Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 5.

6 facilities. In addition, have pier-to-pier networking and IP gateway facilities. Furthermore, they must have adjustable time to alarm and be programmable to meet the local conditions The following fire alarm panel manufactures MUST be used (adjoining building FA panel types and other consideration may need to be taken into account in the choice of panels) but Advance at present panels can provide desired approach at Para 3.0.: Advanced Electronic Ltd - Mx Range (see: Electrical Supplies & Batteries - UCL requires standby batteries for fire alarm systems to last for 60 hours not for the minimum specified by the British Standard of 24 hours. Where standby generator provide then this may dropped for standard 24-hour battery backup Main Electrical Supply to Fire Alarm Panels - any new fire alarm system will require a dedicated 240v ac supply in accordance with the latest editions of BS 7671 & BS This circuit is to be installed using fire resistant cable and terminated into a double pole, isolating spur with key switch as defined in BS Main Electrical Isolation to Fire Alarm Panels - means should be provided for double pole isolation of the mains supply to all parts of the system; the isolation facilities should be suitably sited, near the equipment served, for use by maintenance technicians without the need for access to remote parts of the building. It should be possible to lock the facilities in both the normal and isolate positions to prevent unauthorised use. It should be possible to lock the facilities in both the normal and isolate positions to prevent unauthorised use UCL requires a Fire Safety Isolator Switch (available from to be provided which is a secure method for safely isolating the mains voltage supply to fire systems in accordance with BS 5839: Part 1. The 'Fire Safety Isolation' switch can only be isolated by an authorised person, by means of a keylock switch - the key is removable in both ON/OFF positions, The fuse cannot be removed without taking the cover off & when in the off position the FUSE is disconnected from the supply, A neon indicator is provided to indicate mains present at the switched output, Technical Specification: Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 6.

7 o Working Voltage : 250AV o Switch Contact Rating : Double Pole - 250V AC 4Amp o o o o FUSE Rating : Max - 6A Fast (20mm) supplied Enclosure Material : RoHS Compliant FR ABS Weight : 175g Switch Surge Rating : 80Amp o Key Number : 901 o Housing Size: Single Gang : W.86 x L.86 x H.56.5mm 5.0. MANUAL CALL POINTS (MCPs) 5.1. The following Manual Call Points (MCPs) should be used for all systems: Apollo MCPs suitable for product range being installed (see: KAC MCPs Alarm Company Ltd (see: In student halls circulation spaces, common rooms, bars of UCL Student s Union occupancy and vulnerable places - Anti-Tamper security covers are to be fitted to each call point, supplied by: Apollo - transparent Hinged Cover for use with XP95 and Discovery Manual Call Points (Apollo Ref: /179); KAC Ltd - as above under 'accessories' (KAC Ref: PS200 Plain Hinged Cover); 5.3 All instances of anti-tamper covers on manual call points are to be recorded as a Variation in accordance with the recommendations of BS by the company installing the covers / main fire alarm contractor SOUNDERS (SOUND PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS) 6.1. Sleeping Accommodation - loop driven Intelligent sounders compatible with Apollo protocol and detectors are to be used to ensure devices can be programmed using unwanted fire alarm strategy as per Para 3.0 above. Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 7.

8 6.2. The following standard sounders may be used: UCL Fire Technical Note -TN055 Apollo - loop driven sounders at should have a defaulted setting of 90+dB(A) Fulleon - further information can be found at: General Note on Sound Levels (Sleeping Accommodation) - UCL require an average sound pressure level in all areas of 85 db(a) (not 75 db(a) as specified in the BS ), particularly at the bed head. Where sound pressure levels fall below this standard, additional sounders MUST be installed or other means used, to raise the sound pressure levels. Often the BS minimum sounder levels are not adequate for this task; furthermore, fire doors can reduce sounder levels by up to 40 db(a) when closed further reducing overall sounder levels. It is expected that each room in a halls of residence will be supplied with a sounder within the room to achieve a suitable warning of fire. Note - Consultants and contractors are to ensure that contingency funds from the project are available at pre-contract, to ensure that additional sounders can be installed at commissioning should the sound pressure coverage fall below acceptable levels any particular area. Where sound levels fall below this standard, additional sounders MUST be installed or other means used, to raise the sound levels At the commissioning of the system (regardless of the size of installation), a sound pressure check MUST be carried out with sound pressure levels being recorded on a log sheet. The log is to be submitted with the Commissioning Certificate ; short falls are to be addressed through addition of extra sounders within the area Visual Alarms - meeting BS EN to be provided (visual flashing Red strobe lights or new LED Technology) in the following locations: Disabled Refuges - where disabled or hearing impaired persons may use facilities (such as WCs) and in Disabled Refuges to allow communications with other by users, Find the Panel - to identify and locate the main fire alarm panel particularly in property with identical frontage, or where the panel location is not obvious or in the normal location of the main entrance area, 7.0. BEAM DETECTORS 7.1. Where there is a requirement for covering large open spaces then Open Area Smoke Imaging Detection (OSID) by xtralis Ltd beam detectors should be considered. These beam detectors use two wavelengths to distinguish between particle size and solid intruding objects, thus helping to reduce unwanted alarms. Moreover, one unit because of its design, cover much Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 8.

9 more area with multipoint viewing from a single beam detector head reducing the need for point detection. Further information can be found at FACILITIES FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE 8.1. UCL has a specific policy and procedures for accommodating people with disabilities - please discus with UCL Fire Safety Manager prior to design. UCL will not accept blanket coverage of a building with supplementary visual alarms (LED) as per guidance in BS Hearing Impaired requirements connected to the fire alarm may need to be supplied - Please see - UCL Fire Safety Technical Note (TN) Visual Alarms - visual alarms are to be provided (visual flashing Red strobe lights or new LED Technology) where disabled or hearing impaired persons may use facilities (such as WCs or common rooms etc.), 8.4. Deaf Message Service (DMS) - for Deaf messaging within student Halls provide a DMS system which deaf or hard of hearing person enters the residence, they will see clear signage asking them to text a location code to the DMS number. Once a connection text has been sent, the person will be connected to DMS for that location. After 12 months they will receive a text asking them to reconnect, connection text costs the same as a standard SMS text FIRE RESISTANT CABLING 9.1. Fire cables used in the installation of fire alarm systems meeting the latest edition of BS / BS 6387 / BS 7629 in design, construction and installation All cables shall be coloured Red, unless there is overriding aesthetic reasons for White to be used. Special attention is to be paid to the terminating of cables to ensure that earth faults are eliminated The following cables should be used in all instances: FP 200 Gold or cabling that is equal and approved; MIC cabling is required where routes provide mission critical signals or pass through a high risk or vulnerable areas (as required under BS ); 9.4. Fixing - all fire alarm cabling is to be fixed to the structure of the building, fixed in a cable tray or cable management system only using metal ties. No other fixing is acceptable. Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 9.

10 10.0. MARKING AND INDICATING OF FIRE ALARM DEVICES UCL Fire Technical Note -TN Labelling - all fire alarm devices are to be permanently marked or using suitable adhesive labels, to indicate the device Zone and Address number Identification - where remote or hidden detectors / devices are placed in voids, ducts or above ceilings, a suitable LED repeater indicator is to be provided in a logical and adjacent location. All LED indicators are to be clearly marked specifying type of device, address number and remote device location CEILINGS, DUCTS & VOIDS Ceiling Voids (Enclosed & Down Stands - see BS 5839:1 2013/Para 22(d)(2)) where an enclosed or down stand void area is greater than 800mm, but there is no risk (e.g. electrical equipment etc.) it may be considered as 'low risk', then it is reasonable not to provide AFD in these spaces. This should be recorded as a variation on the relevant system certificate. However, where there is an obvious risk such as significant electrical equipment (other than light units) or air handling units / chillers / void passes over other rooms or compartments, then the void should be provided with appropriate automatic fire detection as any electrical / equipment fire may not be detected at it initial stages. Clarification may be sought for the UCL fire safety manger Detectors in Voids & Ducts - any void where detection is provided MUST be fully accessible and not obstructed for maintenance purposes. This means that ceiling tiles or access panels must be available directly below the detector to allow maintenance and a testing pole to be used, which requires a clear vertical path from below to be maintained Identification of Hidden Devices - see Para 10.2 above DOOR HOLD OPEN, FIRE DAMPERS & OTHER AUTOMATICALLY RELEASED EQUIPMENT These items should adhere to the terms of latest edition of BS It should be noted that 'door holders' are generally not acceptable on any fire door that leads directly onto a protected stair (to be discussed with the UCL fire safety manager) Electromagnetic door release switches are to be positioned in a clear and accessible location, to prevent damage to fixings by doors being pulled close against the magnetic holders. See UCL fire safety technical note TN016. Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 10.

11 13.0. PROVISION OF AUDIBLE & VISUAL WARNING AT INTERNAL BUILDING BOUNDARIES CONNECTED TO THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Where the Means of Escape (MoE) routes access and egress passes through a building boundary, it is necessary to provide Visual and Audible Warning signs connected to the fire alarm systems and it will be necessary to interface with the fire alarm system to meet UCL, local fire and District Surveyor Authority requirements. See UCL fire safety technical note TN ACCESS CONTROL DEVICES CONNECTED TO FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Where security Access Control Systems are to be installed in a building, it will be necessary to interface with the fire alarm system to meet UCL, local fire and District Surveyor requirements. See UCL fire safety technical note TN001 & TN MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL, AIR HANDLING & SMOKE CONTROL EQUIPMENT Where mechanical & electrical systems and smoke control measures are provided and connected to the fire alarm system, please see UCL Fire Safety Technical Notes TN038 & TN039 for general requirements CAUSE & EFFECT MATRIX FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Designers are to provide a cause and effect chart for all new systems - see UCL fire safety technical note TN PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION Passive Fire Protection - in all cases, Building Service Engineers and Contractors must provide appropriate passive fire protection for all works. Contingency sums to be provide to ensure that all new works are covered and additionally any failures of passive fire protection identified during the works is made good and reinstated as necessary (See UCL Fire Safety Technical Note 066) FIRE BRIGADE COMMUNICATIONS Generally, UCL fire alarm panels are to alert the fire brigade via in all cases where practicable using UCL Gallagher system and relayed to the UCL Security Control Room when a: Fire Signal is generated by the fire panel; Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 11.

12 Pre-Alarm and Fault is generated by the fire panel; UCL Fire Technical Note -TN Monitoring Centre - signals are to terminate at the UCL Security Control Room on the Main Campus, which acts as a 24-hour monitoring service for the UCL estate The UCL Access Systems Manager can be contacted on and should be consulted on all signals requiring to be monitored by the Security Control Room, including security / lift alarms, as well as fire alarm signals General Commissioning Requirements Design, Installation Commissioning and UCL Acceptance Certificates The provision of the appropriate design, installation and commissioning certificates containing information based on the Model Certificates provided in BS : Annex H, to be provided by the appropriate parties. Copies of the certificates are to be issued as following: (c). (d). All original certificate(s) to be placed in the Operational & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals; a copy of each certificate to be issued to the UCL Estates Head of Engineering or his representative; a copy of each certificate to be issued the UCL fire safety manager for building s fire certificate and fire strategy documents; any additional copies required by an authorised person; Design Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by the Design Consultant on completion of the design stage of the fire alarm Installation Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by the Contractor installing the fire alarm system, on completion of the installation stage Commissioning Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by Commissioning Engineers (generally UCL Fire Alarm Maintenance provider) on completion of the testing & commissioning stage of the fire alarm Acceptance Certificate (UCL) - this is to be completed and issued the by Project / Design Consultant; and witnessed by a Nominated UCL Person on behalf of the Director of UCL Estates Only on completion of the Acceptance Certificate witnessed by a UCL Nominated Person may: a new system, become the primary Warning in Case of Fire for the building; Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 12.

13 UCL Fire Technical Note -TN055 where the fire alarm system has been replaced / upgraded etc may the old system be switched off and decommissioned. The new system may then become the primary Warning in Case of Fire for the building Where an addressable fire alarm system is provided, the programming of the device address must be carefully considered to ensure that its location matches the local, generic or room numbers to prevent confusion by staff, contractors or the Fire Brigade in locating the device Drawing and Zone Chart information is to be supplied as part of the commissioning of the fire alarm system as follows: Clear fire alarm zone information in A4 Word format, is to be provided in a suitable clip frame position adjacent to the fire alarm panel. This is to provide quick reference to incident location. As Installed Drawings are to be provided on hard copy A1 sheets and in electronic AutoCAD Version format scale of 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200 as appropriate Fire Zone Representation - adjacent to the indicating equipment, the following shall be supplied to the UCL Fire Safety Manager as part of the commissioning of the fire alarm system as follows: (c). Clear fire alarm zone information in A4 Word format, is to be provided in a suitable clip frame position adjacent to the fire alarm panel. This is to provide quick reference to incident location. As Installed Drawings are to be provided on hard copy A1 sheets and in electronic AutoCAD Version format scale of 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200 as appropriate. a diagrammatic representation with a correctly orientated plan of the premises should be displayed showing at least the building entrances, the main circulation areas and the division into zones Installation testing of Bedroom Cause & Affect - is to be undertaken by all commissioning and witnessing engineers. Guidance on test required and outcomes provided at TN055A. TN055A is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect desired but engineers should ensure that panel and device manufacture s testing, commissioning tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with. Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 13.

14 20.0. Sleeping Risk Equipment Overview General equipment overview required by UCL for new and existing fire alarm systems on upgrading refurbishment etc (where practical): Items / Devices Details Protocols & Remarks Fire Panels Manual Call Points Smoke Detectors Heat Detectors Multi-Sensing Detectors C-TEC - XFP Range Apollo or KAC Type to Suite Apollo Range - Type to Suite Apollo Range - Type to Suite Apollo Discovery Range Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable Bells 8 / 10 To suite Open Protocol / Addressable Sounders Apollo / Fulleon Range - Type to Suite Open Protocol / Addressable Voice Sounders Vimpex Firecryer Open Protocol / Addressable End Beam Detectors Building Interface Cables Visual Indicators Deaf & Hearing Impaired Warning Systems Open Area Smoke Imaging Detection (OSID) by xtralis Philip Payne 2784 Range FP 200 Gold (or equivalent) MIC (where required by BS5839-1) Do not blanket cover for DDA - separate arrangements at UCL Deaf Message Service (DMS) or similar texting system Special purchase arrangments Open Protocol / Addressable ( Fire Alarm Activated Do not Enter illuminated signs Red unless aesthetic consideration required Red LED indicators fitted to sounder units Alarmscom Ltd Discuss with UCL Fire Safety Manager Date Last Amended: Dec 15 (Rev 4) 14.