What are automatic fire detectors?

An automatic fire alarm (AFA) system detects fire by monitoring environmental changes associated with fire e.g. smoke and heat. AFAs are there to notify the building occupants to evacuate should there be a fire or other emergency.

Is an automatic fire detection system a legal requirement?

Does everyone need a fire alarm system? Legally speaking, not always. But we always recommend that everyone has a smoke alarm or heat alarm in every room where a fire could start. Your premises are small, simple, single-storey or open-plan.

Where is automatic fire detection required?

A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more persons or containing more than one classroom or one or more rooms used for day-care purposes, in accordance with this section.

Is BS 5839 a legal requirement?

Having a fully operational fire alarm is a regulatory requirement for those premises that need them, which is why regular testing is important. The guidance to test weekly comes from British Standard BS 5839. This the standard that the UK government recommends should be followed with regards to fire alarm maintenance.

How does automatic fire alarm work?

Commonly Heat detectors work in a similar way to an electrical fuse, the detectors contain a eutectic alloy which is heat sensitive when a certain temperature is reached the alloy turns from a solid to a liquid which in turn triggers the alarm. Ionization Smoke detector generally contains two chambers.

How long should a fire alarm sound for?

When the fire alarm is activated, building occupants will hear a horn which will sound FOUR-FOUR-FOUR (4-4-4). The duration of this signal will be approximately fifteen (15) seconds.

Are weekly fire alarm tests mandatory?

In section 25.2 it states that all fire alarm systems in commercial premises need to be tested weekly to ensure that there has not been any major failure, and that the fire alarm system is in working order.

What is in a fire detector?

A photoelectric, or optical smoke detector, contains a source of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light — typically an incandescent light bulb or light-emitting diode (LED) — a lens, and a photoelectric receiver — typically a photodiode.

Which sensor can detect fire?

Current detectors use either photoelectric or ionisation sensors but Makel has developed a prototype fire detection system based on MEMS technology that combines particle (smoke) detection with chemical sensing.

How many fire drills should be held annually?

one fire drill
Fire drills and training You should carry out at least one fire drill per year and record the results. You must keep the results as part of your fire safety and evacuation plan.

Who needs a fire certificate?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement. If you are responsible for a building, for example a employer, owner or occupier of premises that aren’t a ‘single private dwelling’ (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment.