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[danny001]

HI,
general question if anybody knows

a FA PANEL ( fire alarm )

what should it be wired in
someone said to me as long as it is the right sze of cable 1.5mm or 2.5mm it is fine
but i also was told it should be a fire proof cable ( i cant remember the name sorry ) but i was told its red

does it matter or should it be a certain size + type

thanks

[ericmark]

There are a few cables like FP100 which are preferred when fitting panels. Also flexishield is OK for some applications but sometimes mineral insulated cable is required. Much depends on design. If small premises where the battery backed smoke alarms could be heard throughout the premises without being interlinked then you may be allowed to used standard cables but in larger premises where the interlinked system is required to inform all of a fire then mineral insulated would most likely be required. Because of this it is normal to get the design at least done by a specialist firm.

Eric

[sparx]

Hi Danny,
it used to be permitted to wire detector/call point wiring in standard tw/e.
but for several years now all wiring for fire alarms [as opposed to smoke detectors] must be in fire cable. most popular type is known as FP100,
it must be terminated with correct fire rated glands at panel & should be clipped or otherwise supported by correct fixing method eg not just put in self adhesive mini-trunking,
BS5839 part 1 or 6 apply with certs. similar to electrical ones to be issued ie G1 design, G2 install, G3 commission, G4 acceptance for handover to client.
Eric mentions MICS Pyro type which is still used in places such as shopping arcades but is expensive and slower to install so not used as much, we have installed around 80 systems over the last 3 years, many with radio signalling of activation to monitoring station, nice work if you can get it!!!
regards SPARX

[danny001]

Thanks ericmark + sparx

it helped to know that now its done in fp100
and the fact that the fa panel is very old - i would say around 10 years would be why it is done in 3 core flex

would this need to be changed asap or is it ok untill it is time for a change
thanks

[sparx]

Hi Danny001,
it depends where it is fitted eg some commercial premises ie shop, any licenced premises ie pub, an hotel or guest house , all the above require a system to current standards or insurence invalid.
A club without sleeping accomodation for instance may be OK until building inspector or insurence co. involved for some reason,
if you can give a bit more info I may be able to be more certain,
regards SPARX

[danny001]

hi,
tha alarm panel has around 6 red cables coming out of it and one white 3core flex which i believe is the power to the unit

thanks