FAP height

[gselectrical]

Evening all. What is the required height of a fire alarm control panel (BS5839)? Having a bit of a debate with the client. If he had his own way it would be locked away in a cupboard. :^O Cheers. J

 

[Evans Electric]

I thought they had to be visible , say the foyer or entrance to offices for instance. I suspect it would be a Building Reg. Some one will know.

 

[gselectrical]

I know it has to go by the exit at the end of the "fire tunnel" as he calls it. Just unsure of the height.

 

[davemo]

From BS5839 Part 6 2004:

17.2 Recommendations applicable to all control and indicating equipment.

The following recommendations are applicable.

a) Control and indicating equipment should be sited on the same level as the normal entrance to the

dwelling, close to the normal entrance.

B) In single-family dwellings, including dwellings with long-term lodgers, and houses shared by no more

than six persons, generally living in a similar manner to a single family (e.g. houses rented by a number

of students), control and indicating equipment may be hidden from view (e.g. in a cupboard). In other

dwellings (i.e. those in multiple occupation), control and indicating equipment should be sited within a

common circulation area, close to the door by which the fire and rescue service will normally enter the

dwelling when summoned to a fire.

c) Unless it is situated in a secure area or enclosed within a secure cabinet, control and indicating

equipment should normally be sited so that all controls are at least 1.5 m above floor level, to prevent

casual tampering by children. A lower mounting height is, however, acceptable in dwellings occupied by

people who are confined to wheelchairs.

 

[green-hornet]

Fire panels should always be available for inspection by the fire brigade under any response.

The panel may be enclosed in a cabinet, providing that the fire brigade know of its position.

This will normally be established when they make their regular risk assesments of any commercial or industrial premises.

If any fire panel is enclosed in any form of cabinet, it must never incorperate a locking devise.