Fire Safety Guides
There are many different types of fire alarms available on the market today. Which one should you choose? Our Sevenoaks team have put together this guide to help educate you on the different types.
Do you know which fire alarm category is right for your premises?
It is a legal requirement for a business premises or site has a fire alarm system that is fit for purpose and in full working order. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 it is stated that all buildings and structures require a fire alarm.
If you own the business site, it is your responsibility to ensure the site is adequately protected and meets the required standards of fire safety. As a part of this responsibility, you need to have a system that is from the correct fire alarm category.
There are 8 fire categories defined in BS 5839 code - the British Standard for fire alarm installation. Each category then falls within three system types: manual, life protection and property protection.
The category of system that your business requires depends on a number of factors, including:
- Type of premises
- Contents on the business
- Nature of the business
- The level of risk
The best way for you to find out which fire alarm system you have and which you require is to arrange a fire risk assessment. If you would like to book in a fire risk assessment, please speak to our Sevenoaks team on 01622 801 532
Manual fire alarm systems
A manual fire alarm is the least sophisticated system and relys on the occupants of the building to detect a fire and provide warning.
Typically a manual fire alarm system has a series of break glass units installed at exit points and allows those escaping to alert others by raising the alarm.
Manual fire alarm systems can be effective but due to reliance on occupants, the risk is much higher for all personell and visitors. Especially in businesses that are not highly populated.
Automatic fire alarm systems fire the protection of life
Fire alarm systems that fall into the L category are deemed suitable for life protection.
Category L1
Maximum life protection
The most comprehensive fire alarm system, featuring detectors in all areas of a building where a fire could start. Each detector is connected to a central fire alarm system which is able to alert the whole building.
The objective with a Category L1 fire alarm is to ensure occupants are given warning as early as possible in an emergency. Meaning that an L1 fire alarm is ideal for care homes and large hotels where early detection and alert is crucial for escape.
Category L2
Additional life protection
Fire alarm systems that fall into this category feature smoke detectors in all rooms that are a part of the escape route. This could be corridors or rooms. The dectors will need to be installed in high-risk rooms, including, kitchens, boiler rooms or rooms with large machiney.
L2 fire alarm systems are effective at providing an early warning to occupants beyond the source of the fire. L2 systems are often found within factories or medium size residential properties.
Category L3
Standard life protection
Standard life protection fire alarm systems have detectors in all escape routes and rooms that open onto an escape route.
The objective of an L3 fire alarm is to ensure that all occupants are given enough warning to escape before the fire spreads and blocks exits.
L3 fire alarms are typically found within regular sized offices and commercial buildings with multiple floors.
Category L4
Modest life protection
An L4 category fire alarm system has detectors within escape routes only. Any circulation areas that form a part of the escape route should have a detector fitted.
L4 fire alarms are generally found within commercial properties that have a lower risk level. This could include small offices or single floor businesses that require less warning time in order to escape.
Category L5
Localised life protection
L5 fire alarm systems have specific fire risk challenges to face, often a particular area of increased risk.
A L4 fire alarm might be appropriate for the building itself, however an L5 system will also be required in order to recognise the level of risk in a particular area/room. If you are unsure on what category of fire alarm your building needs, please get in touch with our Sevenoaks team today.
Automatic fire alarm systems fire the protection of property
Category P fire alarm systems are designed to protect the property first and foremost.
Category P1
Maximum protection
A category P1 fire alarm has detectors installed in all areas of the building, with the aim of ensuring any areas of potential risk are covered. The objective of a system like this is to protect buildings that are crucial to the operation of a business.
By introducing detectors throughout the property, provides maximum protection should a fire break out. Early detection and suppression is vital for minimising damages to the property.
Category P2
Standard protection
In a category P2 fire alarm system, fire detectors are installed within any high risk areas. While this means that you don't have the same coverage as a P1 system, you retain the early detection of the most likely sources of a fire.
Early detection will decrease the time it takes for fire suppression or emergency services to arrive on the scene. Reducing property loss and damages.
We undertake all aspects of fire safety
Fire safety has been our forte for many years. Based in Sevenoaks and working across the South East, we specialise in a wide range of services including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire risk assessments and AOV systems to name but a few.
Helping businesses across the South East with their fire safety requirements
No matter what your fire safety requirements may be, we are here to help you. Our fire alarm installers work across the region in areas such as Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells to name but a few.
Trust in Sensor Fire to protect your property.
No matter the challenge, we have the answer
We encourage the growth of long-term working relationships with customers big and small. For a FREE no-obligation quote, please get in touch with our team.