Specification Wireless Fire Alarm to EN54-25

Once you have decided to install a fire alarm and your preference is a wireless system, you may require a consultant or fire alarm design specialist to draw up a specification to enable the companies tendering for the project to have something to bid against. Below is a typical wireless fire alarm specification.

General Requirements

• The fire alarm company (Fire Systems Ltd) would take responsibility for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the wireless fire detection and alarm system. We do not use Sub-contractors for this type of work, all wireless work is done in-house by our own personnel.
• The fire alarm company should be BAFE certificated or similar, with a minimum of 5 years experience in designing, installing, commissioning and maintenance of wireless fire detection and alarm systems.
• The equipment proposed for the wireless fire detection and alarm system should be approved by at least one of the following organisations:
  • Loss prevention Council (LPCB)
  • British Standards Institution (BSI)
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
  • UKAS Approved EN54 Test House
• The fire alarm company should have available a complete set of technical manuals for all the equipment installed. This must cover technical specification, system design recommendations, and guidelines for installation, commissioning, operating and maintaining the wireless equipment.

Standards and Specifications

• The fire detection and alarm system should be designed, installed and maintained to the relevant British and European standards (typically BS5839 part 1) or relevant code of practice.
• The fire detection and alarm equipment shall be Third-party certificated to meet the relevant British and European standards (typically the EN54 series).

Specification for Wireless Addressable Fire System Equipment

• The system shall be capable of providing a wireless fully analogue addressable fire solution.
• The system shall have the capability to be used either as a standalone wireless solution or allow wired field devices be combined on the same loop wiring as the wireless translator modules to form a seamless hybrid system.
• The site should have a full radio survey ensuring the required signal headroom is adhered to as stated in EN54 part 25.
• The system shall be fully compatible with the more than one “open loop protocol”
• The system shall be fully compatible with more than one control panel range and their associated remote displays, repeater panels, text paging and graphical interfaces.
• The system shall have the capacity to allow the installation of up to 240 detectors, warning devices, call points and modules on each communication loop.
• The wireless elements of the system shall have the capacity to be programmed and commissioned on site or pre-programmed from drawings.
• All detectors shall be available in special finishes for installation in areas requiring low visual impact.
• All devices shall meet the battery requirements in EN54 part 25 and add those detailed BS5839 part 1.

System Components

• The fire system shall be analogue addressable and devices are to be installed throughout the areas nominated as part of the system design. The system shall consist of analogue addressable fire detection, wired or wireless smoke and heat detectors, manual call points, sounders and visual alarm indicators to communicate with the control and indicating equipment (CIE).
• All wireless devices shall be powered by an internal power source consisting of easily replaceable batteries. The power source shall give the device an operational life of at least three years in normal conditions (EN54 part 25). Each power source shall be monitored and capable of reporting is the condition to the CIE. When the battery capacity is low, a low battery condition shall be indicated at the CIE allowing 30 days of normal use for the battery pack to be replaced.
• All wireless devices shall be capable of operating over a minimum of seven (7) operating channels.
• Where practical all wired devices shall be the same visual appearance as the wireless units.
• All wireless devices shall be powered by standard off the shelf batteries. No special battery packs or non-standard cells will be used.
• All wireless devices shall have two independent battery supplies. A primary cell to power the device under normal conditions and a secondary cell to maintain the operation of the device should the primary fail.
• In normal working conditions field device battery life should be:
  • Detectors, Call Points and Input Modules – Primary Cell – 5 Years
  • Secondary Cell – 2 Months
  • Warning and Output Devices– Primary Cell – 3 Years
  • Secondary Cell – 2 Months
• Warnings of Battery low and battery failure shall be displayed at the Translator and Fire Control Panel (CIE).
• The system shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of BS5839 part 1 or relevant codes of practice.

Control & Indicating Equipment – CIE

• The control and indicating equipment (CIE) shall be modular in design to allow for future expansion with a central processing unit capable of receiving and analysing signals from both wired and wireless fire devices. When showing alarm information on its LCD display the CIE shall provide audible and visual information to the user and subject to it programming provide fire warning signals.
• The CIE shall be designed to allow networking now or in the future. The network option shall be capable of supporting 64 CIE’s with fault monitoring in accordance with BS5839 part 1.
• Wireless networking shall meet the requirements of BS5839 part 1 and EN54 part 25.
• The CIE shall meet the requirements of the relevant EN and British standards including EN54 part 2 and EN54 part 4.
• The system shall be fully compatible with the more than one “open loop protocol”
• The system shall be fully compatible with more than one control panel range and their associated remote displays, repeater panels, text paging and graphical interfaces.
• The CIE shall be designed to allow for both surface and flush fitting options.
• The fire alarm company shall provide all relevant user documentation and weekly fire test book to the end client as part of his hand over information.

Power Supply Equipment – PSE

• The power supply units (PSU) shall be modular in design and meet the requirements of EN54 part 4:A2.
• The PSU shall have a load capacity suitable to meet the requirements outlined in BS5839 part 1.
• The PSU shall include:
  • Fault monitoring
  • LED visual confirmation of power present
  • CPR approval to EN54 part 4

System Configuration

• The system shall incorporate a Bi Directional radio protocol where the field devices can communicate with the Translator and the Translator with the devices.
• The system shall utilise the licence free 868MHz range and communicate across 7 discrete channels. Each field devices will have the capability to independently hop between these channels to establish the best communication path with the Translator.
• All field devices will utilise automatic and independent amplitude control and will optimise its wireless output to fit the device location and site conditions.
• Each system will have a unique site code ensuring that interference with or from the adjacent system does not take place.
• The (or each loop) translator shall be capable of accepting up to 128 wireless devices.
• The system shall be capable of supporting multiple (at least 4) translators per loop.
• Additional expanders required for boosting wireless signals will require a power supply meeting the requirements of EN54 part 4.
• When the system design uses addition expanders for boosting wireless device signals these shall be configured in a dual redundant path or dynamic routing configuration.

Fault Reporting

The control and indicating equipment (CIE) shall monitor all critical system components and interconnections. In the event of a failure occurring which prevents the correct operation of the alarm functions, a fault indicator will light and a relevant message shall be given on the LCD display within occurrence to the relevant EN54 standard.
The following faults are the minimum requirements for monitoring:

1. Device not responding
2. Incorrectly configured device
3. Detector condition warning
4. Addressable device failure
5. Device tamper
6. Signal fault
7. Un-configured device
8. PSU fault
9. Battery fault(s) including device 30-day warning
10. Mains failure
11. Signalling fault

• The CIE shall be capable identifying and providing text indication for fault finding and repair, this should include the location of the fault where programmed.

Cable requirements

• Where required all cables used shall meet the specification and configuration requirements as defined in BS5839 part 1. Typically either:
  • Cable that conforms to BS7629
  • Cable that conforms to BS7846
• Standard fire resisting cable shall meet the PH30 classification when tested in accordance with EN 50200 and maintain circuit integrity if exposed to the following test:
• A sample of the cable is simultaneously exposed to flame at a temperature of 830 degrees Celsius and mechanical shock for 15 minutes, followed by simultaneous exposure to water spray and mechanical shock for a further 15 minutes.
• Enhanced fire resisting cable shall meet the PH120 classification when tested in accordance with EN 50200 and maintain circuit integrity if exposed to the following test:
• A sample of the cable is simultaneously exposed to flame at a temperature of 930 degrees Celsius and mechanical shock for 60 minutes, followed by simultaneous exposure to water spray and mechanical shock for a further 60 minutes.

Translator Modules

• The system shall utilise loop translator modules to integrate the wireless and wired elements of the system.
• Each translator shall be capable of communicating with a minimum of 128 field devices.
• Each translator should allow for the addition of a minimum of 7 expander modules.
• When the system design uses addition expanders for boosting wireless device signals these shall be configured in a dual redundant path or dynamic routing configuration.
• Loop translator modules shall take their power from the communication loop and should not require a separate power supply unit.
• Translator units should be fully monitored by the fire alarm control equipment.
• Translators should be programmable without the need of special tools or software.
• Translators should be provided with licence free software to for support programming.
• A compatible wireless key pad and PC link should be available for the translator, to make the programming of larger systems easier.
• Translators should be complete with in built signal strength display.
• Translator modules shall be rated to at least IP65 allowing them to be mounted outside for improved system coverage.
• The translator shall include:
  • Radio transceiver using a licence free 868 MHz
  • CPR approval to EN54 part 18 and 25

Expander Modules

• The system shall have the facility to use expander modules to boost the signal strength and coverage of the translator modules where required.
• Each expander module shall be capable of communicating via a minimum of two communication pathways commonly known as dynamic signal routing or routing path redundancy.
• Each expander module shall be capable of communicating with a minimum of 32 Field Devices.
• Expander modules shall require a separate power supply unit capable of working on voltages between 10 – 27V dc. (See power supply section 7)
• Expander modules should be programmable without the need of special tools or software.
• Translators should be provided with licence free software to for support programming.
• Expander modules shall be rated to at least IP65 allowing them to be mounted outside for improved system coverage.
• The translator shall include: Radio transceiver using a licence free 868 MHz CPR approval to EN54 part 18 and 25

All Devices Listed below will have the following:

• Integral tamper switch to detect removal from its mounting
• Universal ceiling base
• Bi-coloured LED for visual confirmation
• Dual 3v lithium battery supply (1 x CR123A & 1 x CR2032)
• Radio transceiver using a licence free 868 MHz
• The option to lock the detector to the base
• Low battery warning algorithms
• CPR approval to EN54 part 7 and 25

Wireless Optical Smoke Detector

The optical smoke detector shall be a low profile of a two-part construction:

a. Smoke chamber, radio transceiver and batteries.
b. Ceiling mount

• The detector shall be fitted with a double dust trap to protect from airborne contamination and a dust compensation algorithm.
• The detector shall have automatic drift compensation for the effects of dirt and temperature.
• The optical smoke detector shall have alarm threshold sensitivity adjustment options. This feature can be used to prevent false alarms in certain environments
• All detectors shall be available in special finishes for installation in areas requiring low visual impact.
  

  Wireless Point Heat Detector

• The point heat detector shall be a low profile of a two-part construction:

a. Heat Sensing Probe, radio transceiver and batteries.
b. Ceiling mount

• The detector shall have settings for A1R and 76° fixed temperatures.

All detectors shall be available in special finishes for installation in areas requiring low visual impact.

Wireless Manual Callpoint – MCP

The MCP shall be a low profile of a two-part construction:

a. Industry recognized fascia, radio transceiver, and batteries.
b. Wall mounting plate

All manual call points shall be of the resettable type.

Wireless Output Module

• The output device shall provide the facility of sending and receiving signals from the CIE and is used to interface with third-party devices.
• The relay shall be rated at 30 volts dc with a maximum switch rating of 2A and provide a normally open or closed contact.
• The output device shall provide the facility for a 24 or 12-volt output rated at 20mA.
• Wireless output modules shall be rated to at least IP65.

24 volt Powered Wirelessly Controlled Output Module

• The output device shall provide the facility of sending and receiving signals from the CIE and is used to interface with third party devices.
• The relay shall be rated at 30 volts dc with a maximum switch rating of 2A.
• The relay output shall be programmable between normal open and normally closed
• Wireless output modules shall be rated to at least IP65

Wireless Input Module

• The input device shall provide the facility of sending and receiving signals from external third party devices to the CIE.
• The Input module operates using the normally open circuit with an end of line (EOL) resistor.
• Wireless input modules shall be rated to at least IP65.

Wireless Electronic Sounder (Wall mounted)

The conventional electronic sounder shall be of a design generally used by the fire industry and of a two-part construction:

a. Sounder, radio transceiver and batteries.
b. Wall mounting plate

Wireless Visual Indicator (Wall mounted beacon)

The conventional electronic visual indicator shall be of a design generally used by the fire industry and of a two-part construction:

a. Sounder, radio transceiver and batteries.
b. Wall mounting plate

• The wall mounted sounder shall be available in red or white.
• Flash rate options of 0.5Hz or 1Hz.

Wireless Electronic Sounder Base including Visual Indicator

• The electronic sounder base shall be of a design generally used by the fire industry and be constructed to include:
  a. Sounder, radio transceiver and batteries.
• The ceiling mounted sounder shall be available in white.
• The unit shall be capable of 85dB(A)
• The unit shall be capable of generating different tones set via the sounder.
• The base shall be compatible with the wireless optical smoke, point heat and Multi-sensor(s).
• The unit shall be equipped with a red 360° visual indicator.

Wireless Remote Indicator

The wireless remote indicator shall be a device that provides a remote visual indication of a wireless detector’s activation. Its design is to be generally used by the fire industry and of a two-part construction:

a. Sounder, radio transceiver and batteries.
b. Wall mounting plate

• The wall mounted sounder shall be available in red or white.

Test and Diagnostic Equipment

The system shall have PC based diagnostic and commissioning tools for use when commissioning or testing the system. These tools shall include:

• System Configuration Software
• RF Signal Scanner
• Signal Strength and Quality testing
• Dynamic path routing matrix
• System Status display
• Event Logging

The system shall include a portable site survey tool which will determine the signal strength of field devices prior to installation.

Training

The fire alarm contactor shall provide full user training to the end client over two sessions at a time to be agreed at system handover.

These shall include:

• System operation
• Agreeing location text used
• Completing the weekly test
• Using the log book
• Activation event logging

When wireless fire alarms first came onto the market back in the 70’s, there was no guidance in the fire alarm design code BS5839 or equipment code to set a standard for the performance of the radio equipment used in these types of systems.

Over the last 5 years, wireless fire alarms have improved immensely, and the fire code BS5839 has tried to keep pace with the progress of the technology of wireless fire alarm systems.

However, as of March 2011, all compliant wireless fire alarm systems must comply with the Radio fire alarm equipment code EN54 Part 25. This code is now the standard for all wireless fire alarms across Europe.

EN54 Part 25 is a European Product standard specifically for wireless fire alarms. All wireless systems sold in Europe as 2013 must have been tested by a 3rd party test house and a certificate issued stating the system operates and complies with this standard.

European Fire Alarm Design Code EN54 Part 25

This new standard was established to ensure that wireless fire alarms provide the same level of protection as per their wired counterparts. The EN54-25 is an improvement over what was expected in BS5839-1. The new standard has made many major changes to the way wireless fire alarms operate, such as the introduction of bi-directional communication, dual battery back up sources, improved fault monitoring, and a defined product testing procedures.

The frequency now dedicated to wireless fire alarms is 868 Mhz. All the compliant systems on the market in the UK have moved over to this frequency. The old frequency used by many manufacturers use to be 468Mz. The lower frequency of 468MZ does provide an advantage of a larger signal range than the 868Mz; however, the big disadvantage of using the 468Mz bandwidth, is it is very congested with such items as wireless car alarm fobs, baby alarms, remote controls etc.

With the EN54-25 now in place, it is important to ensure that if you are considering having a wireless fire alarm, it is important the installer does not mislead you into purchasing a system that is not EN54-25 compliant.

Wireless Fire alarm manufacturers in the Market

The wireless systems we would recommend that offer compliant systems are as follows:

• Hyfire – Sterling Safety Systems
• Fire Cell – EMS
• Zerio Plus – Electro-Detectors (EDA)

The Hyfire range, which entered the market in 2005, has always been EN54-25 compliant and operating at the 868Mz frequency.

EMS had a wireless range call “FirePoint 5000” operating at 468Mz. But due to the enforcement of the EN54-25, they had to redesign their wireless fire alarm and brought to the market their new range called “Fire Cell” This is EN54-25 compliant.

EDA, had an old range called the Millennium, their newer range called the Zerio was launch in 2004.However, like EMS, the Millennium and the first Zerio panel did not comply with EN54-25. Therefore the Zerio Plus was introduced to comply with EN54-25.

To make sure you get the right Radio fire alarm, why not contact the specialist in this field. Fire Systems Ltd specialise in all types of wireless fire alarms and are able to design, install and maintain all types of fire alarm systems. We also carry out fire alarm servicing on wired and wireless fire alarms.

For more information why not give us a call on 020 8541 5646 or visit our website on www.firesystems.co.uk and complete the contact form.