Blog Sparks Direct

• a new article: SparksDirect Twitter: Weekly Updates for 2009-06-21 http://cli.gs/L1XHt0 #
• If you want to know more about how do the CO alarms work and where should we locate and situate them, you must read this http://bit.ly/N8bAg #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• a new article: Ashley Norton Designer Collection of wiring devices, the Flat Plate Suite wiri… http://bit.ly/p9zW4 #
• thank you for ordering at sparksdirect.co.uk and letting us know your opinion about our website, including your suggestions to improve it! #
• funny enough, it happens many times that when people order at sparksdirect.co.uk, we charge them at least 1p less Buy cheaper at sparks! #
• The Designer collection of switches, sockets and dimmers from Heritage Brass,the Ashley Norton Flat Plate suite – here – http://bit.ly/fUb4L #
• a new article: Ashley Norton Designer Collection: the Imperial Suite and the Manhattan Suite of wiring devices http://cli.gs/qmgVv #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• we edited Ashley Norton Designer Collection of wiring devices, the Flat Plate Suite wiring de… http://bit.ly/p9zW4 #
• More information about the Fire rated lights and downlights, the technology behind them, and the current regulations BS http://bit.ly/eL4LK #
• Maybe you can't/don't know the Ashley Norton Manhattan Suite/Imperial suite(switches,sockets),but you can enjoy the pics http://bit.ly/Xnxy4 #
• One of the many privileges for being registered at sparksdirect is reviewing the products on the site. Other reviews… http://bit.ly/ekhZZ #
• Looking for some old fashioned bathroom lights in a brass finish and at cheap prices? Check this article out http://bit.ly/qUkOe #
• We have updated the Picture Lights section http://bit.ly/jFAUa; for more reading: The Goya Picture Lights – http://bit.ly/xCSsT #
• a new article: The Harmony Grid Cast Plate Collection from Heritage Brass, switches and sockets http://cli.gs/Dgg9D #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• Some of the most common switches, sockets and other wiring devices from heritage Brass are the Harmony Grid range http://bit.ly/L5O3M #
• we edited How do the Aico Ei Carbon Monoxide Work and where to locate/position them? http://cli.gs/Vg7upX #
• we edited Ashley Norton Designer Collection of wiring devices, the Flat Plate Suite wiring de… http://bit.ly/p9zW4 #
• we edited Ashley Norton Designer Collection: the Imperial Suite and the Manhattan Suite of wiring devices http://cli.gs/qmgVv #
• Easy to install, safe and fast to use, less effort needed – the Hager consumer units; read an article about them here http://bit.ly/O0F9v #
• If you are looking for Stepped Plate wiring accessories on bing http://bit.ly/19Gg31 you find us also, even the 1st http://bit.ly/a8Xtw #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• are u looking for an Airflow Icon 60 Extractor Fan White, or the other Airflow range of extractor fans? Check this out http://bit.ly/K4aNd #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• New ranges of wiring devices from Heritage Brass – presentation: We were busy, on our other blog, to intro.. http://tinyurl.com/lxjc5d #
• soon coming at sparksdirect.co.uk – Infinite Prime Complete wirefree security alarm solution. And, judging by other sites, we'll be cheaper! #
• a new article: Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms – innovative design, and some practical features http://cli.gs/bv3b4 #
• we edited Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms – innovative design, and some practical features http://cli.gs/bv3b4 #
• If you're looking to buy Lutron Dimmers in UK, http://bit.ly/3MeO7d you can find us on the list(North London, Archway) http://bit.ly/HMNj0 #
• a new article: Aico Carbon Monoxide alarms – the 260 series, the specifier's first choice http://cli.gs/QtqYa #
• we edited Aico Carbon Monoxide alarms – the Ei260 series, the specifier's first choice; also: interconnecti… http://cli.gs/QtqYa #
• a new article: Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms – the Contractor's First Choice, the Aico Ei225 series http://cli.gs/W2gGS #
• we edited Fire alarms http://cli.gs/pr18b0 #
• Because of the multitude of finishes, ranges and inserts of the switches and sockets http://bit.ly/r5Fhm we will soon have a search wizard! #
• Just registered with Twellow, the Twitter yellow pages. View my profile here: http://twellow.com/u/sparksdirect #
• and…. switches-and-sockets is back in action!: It has been offline for a while, but now it is back online .. http://tinyurl.com/opjh8p #
• Switches, sockets, dimmers, wiring devices, online store with metal/plastic switches and sockets http://cli.gs/AqU5a #
• 17th edition junction box regulations, including features about the Hager junction boxes and consumer units http://bit.ly/11KyTj #

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website update ceiling lights, fire alarms, heat alarms, sparksdirect, wall lamps

• a new article: SparksDirect Twitter: Weekly Updates for 2009-06-14 http://cli.gs/WzRpNh #
• Ever considered the Balun Pendant – beautiful "hanging" ceiling light? Check out more info(including technical specs) http://bit.ly/AHCN3 #
• ever wondered who talks about sparskdirect online, on the blogs/friendfeed/twitter/technoratti/wordpress/plurk, etc? http://bit.ly/NjTS5 #
• some of the latest updates on sparksdirect, including: what do we write on twitter about + what is twitter for Sparks? http://bit.ly/1VAyb #
• updates on sparksdirect, including the twitter account: We apologize for not updating this account with news con.. http://tinyurl.com/qvu7g4 #
• The Elite Flat Plate 2 Gang Intermediate 6 AMP Rocker Switch, style: Satin Brass with Black Trim – is now online here http://bit.ly/yiSwS #
• what protection do you need for smoke detection to comply with the 17th electrical standards;17th edition consumer units http://bit.ly/P0nzM #
• LED light strips and LED lights from Aurora Lighting, LED lights for outdoors found here – blog sparksdirect http://bit.ly/GsO9W #
• a new article: Introducing the Antique Brass Elite and the Black Nickel Elite from Heritage Brass http://cli.gs/VZH1gn #
• we edited Introducing the Antique Brass Elite and the Black Nickel Elite from Heritage Brass http://cli.gs/VZH1gn #
• out of over 185.000results in bing.com for Forbes and Lomax, http://bit.ly/wMl0r you find us very close to the top there http://bit.ly/KA67q #
• a new article: Heritage Brass Georgian Elite flat plate metal switches, sockets and dimmers http://cli.gs/ZdzX1r #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• The Aico RadioLink wiring http://bit.ly/gKuXc and installation advices can be found here http://bit.ly/PK0ac via the sparksdirect blog #
• Heritage Brass has an excellent range of Flat Plate – the Georgian Elite – with a nice rope edge, introduced here http://bit.ly/12UzbD #
• just finished updating the data of most of the fixed ceiling lights, recessed downlights, found here http://bit.ly/83ypk #
• there are so many instances you can find sparksdirect online: blogs, articles, pictures, sites, twitter, etc – see here http://bit.ly/DgjG6 #
• a new article: The Rafiki Multipoint Detector, central to all Rafiki fire alarm systems http://cli.gs/eYGYEy #
• we edited The Rafiki Multipoint Detector, central to all Rafiki fire alarm systems http://cli.gs/eYGYEy #
• A very interesting finish: Pivot Die Cast Downlight, adjustable recessed light, colour: Satin Gold http://bit.ly/HVGSC Just updated #
• Lots and lots of magnetic downlights, especially the adjustable / rotating recessed ceiling lights, listed @sparksdirect http://bit.ly/TV3iR #
• Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671: 2008 (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition) can be found here http://bit.ly/S18lY #
• Rafiki Conventional fire alarm systems,the Multipoint detector is unique: detects both smoke and heat, and has a sounder http://bit.ly/LTLJ1 #
• some really interesting Illuma and other renown manufacturers adjustable/rotating round/square downlights updated here http://bit.ly/JzVUZ #
• a new article: The Heritage Brass Stylist Grid Flat Plate Collection of switches, sockets and dimmers http://cli.gs/may5Dv #
• Twitition: Google Earth to update satellite images of Tehran #Iranelection http://twitition.com/csfeo @patrickaltoft #
• we edited Fire alarms http://cli.gs/pr18b0 #
• we edited Switches & Sockets http://cli.gs/LtA9pB #
• introducing the MK wiring devices, the MK Albany Plus switched sockets(stylish and robust looks for classical interiors) http://bit.ly/eVM2p #
• It was nice to find other people interested in Electrical Items, like @abacuselect1998, @Electricalblog, @Engineers_Forum, @mylocalelectric #
• Lutron dimmers – short introduction to the Lutron Lyneo, Lutron Solina and Lutron Rania, new models http://bit.ly/3A9qhL #
• Undershelf lighting solutions, T5 fluorescent fittings in different sizes, also for cabinets lighting http://bit.ly/poXNs #
• we edited The Heritage Brass Stylist Grid Flat Plate Collection of switches, sockets and dimmers http://cli.gs/may5Dv #
• we edited Heritage Brass Georgian Elite flat plate metal switches, sockets and dimmers http://cli.gs/ZdzX1r #
• we edited Introducing the Antique Brass Elite and the Black Nickel Elite from Heritage Brass http://cli.gs/VZH1gn #
• Heritage Brass and the switches, sockets, dimmers, etc from the new ranges: On our other blog we have introduced.. http://twurl.nl/6n3gz3 #
• a new article: The answer to Carbon Monoxide Reliable Detection – calibration http://cli.gs/tHMXPQ #
• we edited Fire alarms http://cli.gs/pr18b0 #
• it is better to visit us here http://bit.ly/3GbQAw than to call us at 0207 263 8007: you get free consultance/advices on the items you buy! #
• a new article: How do the Aico Ei Carbon Monoxide Work and where to locate/position them? http://cli.gs/Vg7upX #
• Emergency Lighting solutions – we took out the Addressable Systems category & made it all Conventional Systems – check http://bit.ly/188ZJJ #
• Low voltage Microlux ceiling light with 3 spotlights finished in black or bronze, polished http://bit.ly/pUTeO – only £10 !!! #
• just changed the presentation/introduction pictures to the Fire & Security section on our site: We hope u enjoy them http://bit.ly/Capdl #
• Read more info about the Dimplex PLX Thermostatic panel heaters here http://bit.ly/OHjzy or buy these Dimplex heaters http://bit.ly/1aEi0q #
• Choose Megaman Energy Saving lamps to save up to 80% of the electricity bill – http://bit.ly/FGGoJ – and now with updated even lower prices #

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website update ceiling lights, fire alarms, heat alarms, sparksdirect, wall lamps

• a new article: SparksDirect Twitter: Weekly Updates for 2009-05-31 http://cli.gs/aWybn1 #
• bing beta, the microsoft powered search engine, is live; check out sparksdirect search http://bit.ly/JLoJU. I like the small preview, right #
• we edited Bathroom wall lights, Argenta wall shelf lights, illuminated shelf http://cli.gs/vLNuJr #
• for those interested in the magnetic lights http://bit.ly/9T6FE we have recently modified the prices for both the adjustable and fixed ones #
• it is getting warm outside and even warmer/hot indoors; why not check & get an Aidelle powerful centrifugal fan, http://bit.ly/17NyvO #
• most of the switches, sockets, air ventilation solutions, fans, etc are in stock, so the ones who ordered today will get the items tomorrow #
• RT: @stefan4m: 3215BS search on google http://bit.ly/Iiq0T returns 435 results, on bing http://bit.ly/CdvPJ just 5.Example of google vs bing #
• wall lamps and wall sconces – via the Wall Lights section http://bit.ly/6F8Mq we updated the details, pictures, and user manuals #
• bing is becoming more and more our friend @ the thorn fluorescent luminaireshttp://bit.ly/pqWsM & switches and sockets http://bit.ly/uzWoH #
• if it is too warm in the office/at home, try the fans/ventilators/cooling fans @sparksdirect, found here http://bit.ly/RBp9R #
• a new article: Fans and portable air conditioning solutions, desk fans and dehumifiers, air conditioners http://cli.gs/L8PtUY #
• we are not only online: visit Sparks Electrical Wholesalers at the Sparks&Lights showroom, Archway, London, 659-661 Holloway Road, N19 5SE #
• a new article: Desk fans, fans for home and fans for the office, fixed and oscilating fans http://cli.gs/qMyURd #
• we edited Fans and portable air conditioning solutions, desk fans and dehumifiers, air conditioners http://cli.gs/L8PtUY #
• we edited Desk fans, fans for home and fans for the office, fixed and oscilating fans http://cli.gs/qMyURd #
• Some of the nicest and yet simplest fans both for desks in the office/at home and for wall mounting, are the 12inch ones http://bit.ly/pJv4O #
• if you like the underfloor heating solutions, like the Devimat, then this article is for you to read&enjoy http://bit.ly/5xja5 #
• a new article: Heating/Ventilation http://cli.gs/R59qgZ #
• we edited Heating/Ventilation http://cli.gs/R59qgZ #
• the X-Flex Xenon lights (the concealed lights http://bit.ly/3PJte) were re-arranged a little.Also, see the virtual house http://bit.ly/d84Ew #
• Just search for Lutron Dimmers on Bing.com http://bit.ly/zcxCi filtering for the UK pages, and you'll see this as no1 http://bit.ly/NDFh2 #
• Heritage Brass has so many ranges of switches and sockets, among which is the Victorian range, introduced here http://bit.ly/Wj8Jj #
• good morning to everyone, we welcome all the people who want to see our lighting showroom with amazing light fittings http://bit.ly/5yuBV #
• we don't usually take orders over the phone, but if some extreme cases take place,do not hesitate to contact us. Or visit us, N19 5SE London #
• actually, the ones that order/come to pick up the Ex-Display Lights range http://bit.ly/MZkoV are in for a treat: reduced prices for lights! #
• a new article: recessed downlight in white or satin chrome finish, adjustable recessed spotlight http://cli.gs/zv41B4 #
• we edited Lights http://cli.gs/HuLzy4 #
• if the Post Code Lookup does not work, visit the index page http://bit.ly/7CzqN and then resume your checkout process http://bit.ly/bXROY #
• we edited recessed downlight in white or satin chrome finish, adjustable recessed spotlight http://cli.gs/zv41B4 #
• Just changed my twitter background, check it out! Found it at http://www.TwitterBackgrounds.com #
• just in case you don't seem to get the confirmation email after placing your order at sparksdirect.co.uk, please check your spam folder #
• the disadvantage of not checking the fire alarms http://bit.ly/10fwKd – see more about the Aico Fire Alarms http://bit.ly/v98jl #
• the recessed spotlights (the fixed downlights) are now with slightly more information added to themhttp://bit.ly/83ypk – check it out! #
• a new article: Electrical floor heating with Devimat, under-floor heating for all-year-round housewarming http://cli.gs/VhLWEz #
• we edited Heating/Ventilation http://cli.gs/R59qgZ #
• @stefan4m that is an excellent idea. What connection & what's the point of following people who tweet randomly, with no purpose? in reply to stefan4m #
• we edited Electrical floor heating with Devimat, under-floor heating for all-year-round housewarming http://cli.gs/VhLWEz #
• a new article: Devimat is the perfect choice for your well being, DEVI floor heating http://cli.gs/r3gRSg #
• Just added myself to the http://wefollow.com twitter directory under: #shopping #hotdeals #switches #
• we edited Heating/Ventilation http://cli.gs/R59qgZ #
• the Adelphi Plus Mirror Light is a nice switched modern bathroom light http://bit.ly/ZWrES come&see it in our showroom http://bit.ly/3GbQAw #
• The Dimplex slimline storage heaters – the XL and XLS ranges – are introduced in a thorough way here http://bit.ly/17mVp1 #
• there are some pretty interesting recessed downlights here http://bit.ly/VcuFR, fixed recessed ceiling lights in different finishes #
• yes, that is true: the 150W ES light bulbs are not in stock anymore and are discontinued; available: the 100W ES ones http://bit.ly/zpvza #
• we edited Devimat is the perfect choice for your well being, DEVI floor heating http://cli.gs/r3gRSg #
• One of the most popular screwless sockets from GET, ultimate flat plate screwless switched socket – GU3420 – bit.ly/11VfC7 #
• One of the most popular screwless sockets from GET http://bit.ly/11VfC7, switched socket – GU3420 – http://bit.ly/7rNnc #
• sparksdirect pictures in yellow http://bit.ly/TJSy2, red http://bit.ly/LJMKH, grey http://bit.ly/17biyY or brown http://bit.ly/5U0l5 COOL #
• Consumer units and the 17th edition wiring regulations – explanations and a short guide http://bit.ly/P0nzM #
• what are the Ryefield Boards? What are the Ryefield cut-outs and service head dis fuseboards? Some details here http://bit.ly/HRspe #
• Over mirror bathroom lights on bing.com – http://bit.ly/vWxjO you find them here http://bit.ly/xwdoO and here http://bit.ly/ik6M6 #
• The bathroom lights need to be IP rated(at least IP20); these Wall Lights, introduced here http://bit.ly/RX7JJ, are an excellent solution! #
• BG Electrical has a new range of RCD protected wiring devices, some of which are introduced here http://bit.ly/Rc3lk (sockets, FCU, etc) #
• advice: when ordering at sparksdirect.co.uk, please enter Your Correct & Full Post Code and press Look-up here http://bit.ly/1ucZ5T #
• though powertwitter is an excellent plugin4firefox, offering some nice options , it tends to freeze the browser @ every refresh/visit! #
• a new article: Introducing Rafiki Twinflex, conventional fire alarm systems, multipoint http://cli.gs/EQM5Jh #
• More about the Multipoint detector, Rafiki Twinflex, and the Twinflex Hatari sounder – the conventional fire alarms http://bit.ly/O4gy8 #
• Introducing some nice and elegant bathroom lights, DAR Empire http://bit.ly/gs9Na – Spotlights from DAR, nice light fixtures #
• Most of the buildings regulations in UK for wiring (for taking off the kitchen door to the hallway, for instance) http://bit.ly/d9Ndm #
• If you are interested to find out more about the BS Standard for smoke and heat alarms, http://bit.ly/T8XJC here it is http://bit.ly/loSni #
• a new article: Fire Detection & Alarm Systems BS5839, fire risk assessment & system zoning, Rafiki http://cli.gs/04Z0ad #
• we edited Fire Detection & Alarm Systems BS5839, fire risk assessment & system zoning, Rafiki http://cli.gs/04Z0ad #
• Rafiki recommends: fire risk assessment steps http://bit.ly/I0nhT Other Rafiki conventional fire alarm systems http://bit.ly/cTuH #
• a new article: Rafiki: Manual Call Points, Automatic Detectors, Smoke and heat detectors, cabling http://cli.gs/NQpvMy #
• we edited Fire Detection & Alarm Systems BS5839, fire risk assessment & system zoning, Rafiki http://cli.gs/04Z0ad #
• a new article: User responsibilities in the testing and maintanance of the fire alarm system http://cli.gs/m6nuhy #
• we have updated the Junction boxes and connectors section http://bit.ly/NVtE7 with new Ashley Rock Junction Boxes, plugs and connectors #
• There is a range of invisible plate switches and sockets(Forbes and Lomax): http://bit.ly/rXIlm and online here http://bit.ly/raLDo #
• we edited IP rating in the bathrooms – bathroom IP zoning http://cli.gs/0A1MeT #
• we edited Lights http://cli.gs/HuLzy4 #
• it helps to have a visual aid to understand the IP zoning and the IP rating http://bit.ly/cjxVP More info here http://bit.ly/Yh8XU #
• excellent images with Some "restaurant ceiling spot lights" http://bit.ly/L5nTC found here http://bit.ly/j3SnB or here http://bit.ly/nmQFy #
• we edited User responsibilities in the testing and maintenance of the fire alarm system http://cli.gs/m6nuhy #
• RCCB, the Residual Current Circuit Breaker, is explained and exemplified here http://bit.ly/1ajzhJ – RCD Residual Current Device, principles #
• definitely lots of people/customers today in our showroom in 659-661 Holloway Road, N19 5SE, Archway, London. You all are welcomed #
• a new article: Checkpoint alarm confirmation and HMO’s: Eliminate the problem of false alarms http://cli.gs/jq4rq6 #
• a new article: Fire alarms http://cli.gs/pr18b0 #

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website update ceiling lights, fire alarms, heat alarms, sparksdirect, wall lamps

With the Rafiki Twinflex Solutions, you have a ‘Checkpoint’ alarm confirmation and HMO’s and you eliminate the problem of false alarms in: Hostels, Nursing Homes, Flats, Hotels, Bedsits, B&B’s, etc.

The Rafiki Twinflex plus is a patented, 2 wire intelligent fire alarm system suitable for the majority of fire alarm installations. The Twinflex plus also has the option of the added feature of  ‘checkpoint’ alarm confirmation.

Checkpoint alarm confirmation drastically reduces the disruption and cost associated with false alarms, particularly during the settling-in-period following installation. Introduction of mandatory licensing of HMO’s of three stories or more was introduced in April 2006.

Licensing of HMO’s is mandatory for all local authorities and all buildings that are registered must comply, amongst other things, with fire regulations contained within BS5839 part 6, the main code of practice for installations within HMO’s and in some cases BS5839 Part 1 may also be applicable in communal areas.

False alarms are a huge problem in within these types of buildings and installers are constantly looking for an early warning fire alarm system without the disruption of false alarms.

There are over 485,000 false alarms attended by the Fire Services each year and hundreds of thousands more that are not recorded, sixty-five per-cent of which are attributed to equipment. In the main, detecting fire when no real fire is present, e.g. cooking fumes, steam etc. Even though these fire detectors are doing what they are designed to do they obviously can’t differentiate between a real fire and a false alarm, but the disruption caused and cost to the community is enormous. To tackle this problem Rafiki Protection has developed the Twinflex plus system incorporating ‘checkpoint’ alarm confirmation.

Extract from BS5839 Part 6 (Clause 12. Limitation of false alarms)

In some (usually larger) houses in multiple occupation, high levels of false alarms sometimes occur, simply as a result of the number different occupants, each of whom carry out activities, such as cooking, that can lead to false alarms. In such circumstances, occupiers have been known to compromise or even cause damage to, the fire detection and alarm system, or to ignore fire alarm signals. This makes it important to minimise, as far as practicable, the extent to which occupiers are disrupted by false alarms in other occupiers’ accommodation. This might, for example, be achieved by use of a mixed system (see 9.1.5)*. Alternatively, other measures might be adopted; for example, in the event of a fire signal in one dwelling unit, a short time delay might be incorporated for the occupier to investigate the cause and, if appropriate, reset the system before a fire alarm signal in other dwelling units.
* Mixed system BS5839 part 6 and BS5839 Part 1

Rafiki Checkpoint – Definition

Alarm selection, the main feature of the Rafiki Twinflex plus is the ability to set a pre-alarm in individual rooms or apartments but at the same time initiate full alarm should fire be detected in any communal area. This is made possible by a detector sounder ‘logical link’ feature. This is the first time that this feature has been made available on a conventional system and is beneficial where two stage alarms are required.

At the planning stage of installation fire zones are designated as ‘dwelling’ or ‘communal’. Detectors in dwelling zones (e.g. apartments, hotel rooms etc.) are enabled with the ‘logical link’ feature by way of a dil switch in the detector. This then allows the control panel to be, simply, programmed with a variable time alarm confirmation period (1-5 minutes at one minute increments). In the event of a fire being detected in a dwelling only the local (room) sounder will operate to alarm occupants of that particular dwelling.

The control panel will then carry out a number of checks over this period (which may be 2 minutes, for example ) to confirm the detector is still in alarm and is a genuine fire, not a false alarm generated by cooking fumes, steam etc. If at the end of this checking period the detector ceases to signal alarm the control panel will automatically reset the detector/sounder and the system will revert to its normal state.

If, however, at the end of the confirmation check the detector is still generating an alarm signal the control panel will instantly sound all alarms in the building for full evacuation. Detectors sensing fire, or, call point activation (in any zone) in communal areas instantly generate a full alarm throughout the building.

• The control panel meets all the requirements of EN54-2 and EN54-4:1997.
• The detector meets the requirements of EN54-5 and EN54-7 :2000.
• The sounder meets the requirements of EN54-3:2001.

NOTE: Twinflex Plus panels are configured to have ‘Dwelling’ or ‘Communal’ zones at the time of commissioning. Dwelling zones are then set with the ‘checking’ period – between 1 and 5 minutes. Rafiki advises that this panel should only be installed and configured by qualified fire alarm installers or equivalent personnel.

Using the Twinflex Plus system in an installation

At the planning stage, fire zones are designated as either ‘Dwelling’ or ‘Communal’. Multipoint detectors in the dwelling zones have the facility to use ‘checkpoint’ technology. By simply enabling the logical link dil switch in the detector. The ‘Checkpoint’ technology is the ability to select a checking period for individual detectors to confirm the smoke/heat detected as a genuine fire not an false alarm. This checking period can be selected between 1 – 5 minutes at commissioning stage after consultation with fire officers or other authorized bodies.

Communal Zone
Communal area, e.g. hall/stairway; kitchen; lounge. When a detector alarm is activated on this type of zone, the control panel enters the fire state and the alarms are activated immediately in all zones throughout the installation.

Single Dwelling per Zone (Zonal confirmation alarm) e.g. flats with more than one room

When a detector alarm is activated on this type of zone, all sounders on the zone are activated and then the control panel carries out the configured number of confirmation checks.If the detector alarm is confirmed, the control panel enters the fire state and the alarms are activated throughout the installation; if the detector alarm is rejected, the sounders on the zone are silenced, and the detector in alarm is reset.

Multiple Dwellings per Zone (Local confirmation alarm)
Dwellings requiring a single detector/sounder, e.g. hostel; hall of residence; hotel rooms; bedsits.

When a detector alarm is detected on this type of zone, the integral sounder in the detector that generated the alarm signal is activated and then the control panel carries out the configured number of confirmation checks. If the detector alarm is confirmed, the control panel enters the fire state and the alarms are activated throughout the installation; if the detector alarm is rejected, the sounder is silenced, and the detector reset.

Note: Activation of any manual call point will override alarm confirmation

Read more about the generally accepted guidelines by Rafiki, Aico, and other Fire Alarms manufacturers, (they are also commonly accepted for all the domestic, commercial and industrial properties in UK); the Rafiki advices for Fire Alarms, some of the guidelines provided by Rafiki(intelligent fire technology) – check out the Rafiki series of industrial/commercial fire alarm systems (like the Rafiki Twinflex), found at The Conventional and Analogue Fire Alarms. For more details about the fire alarms, visit the Fire-Detect website(see a list of articles about the fire alarms here and here).

ask Mr Sparks, fire alarms, standards and regulations, technical data, website update bs5839, checkpoint alarm, false alarms, fire alarms, fire detectors, integral sounder, multipoint detector, Rafiki, Rafiki checkpoint, Rafiki control panel, rafiki multipoint, rafiki twinflex, Twinflex plus

In a case of a fire alarm, and not only, the following rules are the general User Responsibilities for Fire Systems.

• The responsible person is required under BS5839 to undertake certain tasks with respect to the testing and maintenance of the Fire Alarm System.
• The responsible person is also required to liaise with the building maintenance personnel to ensure that their work does not impair or otherwise affect the operation of the Fire Alarm System, and to ensure that a clear space is maintained in the vicinity of detectors, and call points (break glass units) remain unobstructed and conspicuous.

Routine Testing

• The responsible person should also ensure that the following routine testing is carried out. If there is a link to a remote monitoring centre it will be necessary to advise the centre prior to a test.
• On larger systems it may be necessary to isolate building services interfaces to avoid disruption to the occupants.
• In any case the panel should provide audible and visual indication that parts of the system are isolated. This may take the form of a light on the main control panel.

Daily testing
Check that the panel indicates normal operation and that any fault is recorded. Also check that the recorded faults have been dealt with.

Weekly testing
Every week, a different Manual Call Point should be operated to test the ability of the control equipment to receive a signal and sound the alarm. The results should be recorded in a log book.

Biannually (previously quarterly) testing
The system should be checked by a Fire Alarm service organisation. This may be the system installer or an approved maintenance company, and is normally arranged via a maintenance agreement which specifies the number of visits and the level of service. The agreement should also cover non-maintenance visits, eg. call outs to attend faults etc.

The standard specifies a number of maintenance tasks which include a visual inspection of the installation to ensure that there are no alterations or obstructions which could effect the operation of the system, and functional checks to confirm the operation of the system. Any defects should be recorded in the log book and reported to a responsible person. A certificate of testing should also be completed and given to the responsible person.

Annually testing

• Each device on the system should be tested for correct operation as before.
• Any defects should be recorded in the log book and reported to the responsible person.
• A certificate of testing should be completed and given to the responsible person.

Action by user following a fire

• Advise the servicing company to arrange for the system to be tested by them.
• A certificate of testing should be issued to confirm the system operation following the inspection and any remedial work that is necessary.

Action by the user after any false alarm

The user can assist the servicing company in the identification of false alarms by observing the following:

• Always make a note of all illuminated indicators and messages displayed at the control panel
• Try and identify the activated device, i.e. Do not reset the panel until the area of the incident has been inspected
• Record any other incidents occurring at the same time which could affect the system, e.g. Power supply failure, building works etc.
• The service organization will be more likely to trace the false alarm if the above information is available.

Action by the user following a fault

• When a fault is reported by the control panel, the user should note all illuminated LED’s and the circumstances at the time the fault occurred, and report to the servicing company.
• The service company will be able to advise if the system is still able to respond to a Fire Alarm or whether extra vigilance should be observed until the fault is rectified.
• Faults should, under no circumstances be left unreported.

These are the generally accepted guidelines by Rafiki, Aico, and other Fire Alarms manufacturers, and they are also commonly accepted for all the domestic, commercial and industrial properties in UK. It is also our recommendation to all our visitors and customers to mind these basic rules(which should also be printed/posted especially at the workplaces).  Read more about the Rafiki advices for Fire Alarms, some of the guidelines provided by Rafiki(intelligent fire technology) – check out the Rafiki series of industrial/commercial fire alarm systems (like the Rafiki Twinflex), found at The Conventional and Analogue Fire Alarms. For more details about the fire alarms, visit the Fire-Detect website(see a list of articles about the fire alarms here and here).

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