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Fire & Intruder Alarm Reference Guide
How to date detectors:
- Notifier/System Sensor: Locate the 4-digit code followed by a 'T'. Format:
YYwwT(e.g.,2310T= 10th week of 2023). - Apollo: Format:
YYMMDD(e.g.,230113= 13th Jan 2023). - Gent: Format:
WWYY(e.g.,5225= 52nd week of 2025).
BS5839-1 Categories (Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings):
- M: Manual activation (e.g., Manual Call Points/MCPs only).
- L1: Detection throughout all areas of the building, including any voids over 800mm high.
- L2: Detection in high-risk areas as well as those defined in L3.
- L3: Detection on escape routes and in rooms or areas that open onto those escape routes.
- L4: Detection on escape routes only.
- L5: Specific fire risks not covered by L1-L4.
- P1: Detection throughout the whole building (MCPs not essential).
- P2: Detection in specific, designated areas (MCPs not essential).
BS 5839-6 Grading (Domestic Fire Alarm Systems):
System Grades
- Grade A: A system of detectors linked to a central control panel with battery backup, designed to commercial standards for the highest-risk properties.
- Grade C: A system of interconnected detectors and alarms powered by the mains with a backup supply and a central controller.
- Grade D1: A system of interlinked mains-powered alarms, each with its own tamper-proof, long-life backup battery.
- Grade D2: A system of interlinked mains-powered alarms, each with a user-replaceable backup battery.
- Grade F1: A system using alarms powered by a tamper-proof, long-life battery.
- Grade F2: A system using alarms powered by user-replaceable batteries.
Categories of Protection (Coverage)
- LD1: Provides maximum protection with detectors installed in all rooms and circulation areas where a fire could start.
- LD2: Provides additional protection with detectors in all circulation spaces and high-risk rooms like kitchens and living rooms.
- LD3: Provides minimum protection with detectors installed only in circulation areas that form part of an escape route.
Sound Levels:
- 65dB: Standard minimum for most areas.
- 60dB: Can be reduced in specific areas like a staircase or enclosed area up to 60m².
- If background noise exceeds 60dB(A) for more than 30 seconds, the sounder must be 5dB(A) louder than that background noise.
- Sleeping risk: 75dB @ bedhead.
- 120dB: Maximum.
Intruder Alarm Grading (EN 50131):
- Grade 1: Low risk (e.g., apartments), often not monitored.
- Grade 2: Small to medium risk (e.g., retail stores), often monitored.
- Grade 3: High risk properties (e.g., larger retail stores, warehouses, or high-value residential).
- Grade 4: Banks, museums, or government buildings.
Ohm's Law & Power Formulas:
V = Voltage (Volts) | I = Current (Amps) | R = Resistance (Ohms) | P = Power (Watts)
- Voltage (V): I × R (or P ÷ I)
- Current (I): V ÷ R (or P ÷ V)
- Resistance (R): V ÷ I
- Power (P): V × I
Example: A 24V maglock drawing 500mA (0.5A) uses 12 Watts of power (24 × 0.5).
Common Default Codes (Master / Engineer):
- Texecom (Premier): 5678 / 1234
- Galaxy (Honeywell): 1234 / 112233 (or 12345)
- Scantronic: 1234 / 7890
- Pyronix: 1234 / 9999
- Castle: 1234 / 1111
- Kentec (Fire): 4444 (Config) / 3333 (Maint)
- Advanced (Fire): 2222 (Level 2) / 3333 (Level 3)
- C-TEC (XFP/ZFP): 4444 (Level 2) / 3333 (Level 3)
Voltage Drop Formula:
Formula: (mV/A/m) × Current (A) × Length (m) ÷ 1000 = Drop in Volts
Common Intruder EOL Resistors (Alarm / Tamper):
- Honeywell / Galaxy: 1kΩ / 1kΩ
- Texecom (Premier): 4k7Ω / 2k2Ω
- Pyronix / Castle: 4k7Ω / 4k7Ω
- Scantronic: 4k7Ω / 2k2Ω
- Eurosec: 4k7Ω / 2k2Ω
- Gardtec: 4k7Ω / 6k8Ω
- Aritech: 4k7Ω / 4k7Ω
- Menvier: 4k7Ω / 2k2Ω
Fire Cable Clip Spacing (BS 5839):
- Horizontal Runs: Max 300mm
- Vertical Runs: Max 400mm
- Distance from Change of Direction: Max 150mm
- Requirement: Fire-resistant fixings must be used (no plastic clips, plugs, or ties) to prevent premature collapse in a fire.
CCTV & Networking Essentials:
RJ45 Pinout (T-568B Standard) - Clip facing away:
- Orange/White
- Orange
- Green/White
- Blue
- Blue/White
- Green
- Brown/White
- Brown
Common Lens Angles (Approximate):
- 2.8mm: ~90° (Wide area / Corner of room)
- 4.0mm: ~60° (Standard view / Driveway)
- 6.0mm: ~45° (Zoomed / Entrance gate)
Access Control Reader Wiring (Standard Wiegand):
- Red: +12V DC (Positive)
- Black: 0V / GND (Negative)
- Green: Data 0
- White: Data 1
- Blue/Yellow: LED Control / Beeper (Varies by brand)
- Orange: Tamper
*Note: Paxton readers use a proprietary color code (Red/Black/Green/Orange/Mauve). Always check the manual for P-Series readers.
IP Ratings Guide (Ingress Protection):
First Digit (Solids): 4 = >1mm wire, 5 = Dust protected, 6 = Dust tight.
Second Digit (Liquids):
- IPx4: Splash proof (Rain/Sprinklers).
- IPx5: Water jets (Hose down).
- IPx6: Powerful water jets (Heavy seas).
- IPx7: Immersion up to 1m (Temporary).
- IPx8: Continuous immersion (Submersible).
Rule of thumb: External devices should be minimum IP65.
Maglocks vs Door Strikes (Relays):
- Fail SAFE (Maglock): Requires power to lock. Wire to NC (Normally Closed) & COM. Power is cut to open.
- Fail SECURE (Electric Strike): Requires power to open. Wire to NO (Normally Open) & COM. Power is applied to open.
- Diode Protection: Always fit the diode across the lock terminals (Striped end to +12V) to protect the access controller.
Engineer's Tax Relief (UK):
Did you know you can claim tax relief (HMRC P87 form) for:
- Laundering Uniform: Flat rate allowance (approx £60/year).
- Professional Fees: ECS / JIB Gold Card renewals.
- Tools: If you buy your own hand tools/drills for work.
- Mileage: If you use your personal car for site travel (45p/mile).
Check the HMRC website for "Job Expenses" to claim back up to 4 years.