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Rafiki Multipoint Sita for the Sita 200 plus System, high technology fire detectors
Posted by sparksdirect in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, fire alarms, guest expert, in-house announcements, new technologies, products pictures, technical data, website update on October 25, 2011
The specifiers and the installers who choose the Multipoint detector do so secure in the knowledge that the fire detection performance of the detector can be matched to the environment in which it is installed –and changed at any time during the lifetime of the installation.
With the Sita 200 plus System a high technology approach has been adopted, with a microcomputer in each detector implementing a large degree of distributed intelligence. The system can support 200 Multipoint combined detector/sounders on a single loop. Each one not only provides detection, but also the option of a built in sounder. Integrity of the system is maintained by way of a built-in isolator in each device. The Rafiki Sita system intelligence has been harnessed in such a way that equipment used is very easy to install, commission and maintain.
The system has been designed to high specification and quality standards, and is intended to fully comply with the new EN54 -2 and EN54 – 4 standards and EU directives.
Rafiki Multipoint Sita – Main Features
- Fast short circuit isolator in every device;
- 15 combinations of smoke & heat detection modes;
- Multi stage alarms – pre alarm feature;
- 7 sound patterns – plus off, 3 different volume settings – if using Sita Multipoint with integral sounder;
- Auxiliary digital inputs and outputs are available at any Addressable Multipoint device;
- Automatic continuous self calibration;
- Addressable Multipoint detector is monitored for all failures of sensor chamber – warning is indicated when a smoke detector head requires servicing;
- Maintenance is made easy with the unique disposable optical chamber, designed as a cost effective solution to cleaning and re-calibration;
- All modes are compliant with European detector type specifications, and are suitable for use in installations compliant with BS5839: Part 1: 2002;
- More details about the Rafiki Multipoint: eliminate the false alarms; more on the Rafiki detectors; The Multipoint Detector; new Multipoint ASD detectors, and the modes of detection.
Rafiki Multipoint Sita – Modes of detection
- SMOKE 1: Highly thermally enhanced optical
Used where ionisation detectors are normally fitted, especially when there are high ceilings or a risk of free burning fires - SMOKE 2: Thermally enhanced optical
Used where optical detectors are normally fitted, when there is a risk of a smouldering fire and for escape routes. - SMOKE 3: Thermally enhanced optical with pulse rejection
Used where optical detectors are normally used in positions exposed to brief concentrations of water vapour or smoke e.g. from a bathroom, kettle etc. - HEAT 1: Rate of rise to 58°C
Used where a standard rate of rise detector would normally be used - HEAT 2: Low fixed temperature 58°C
Used where a standard fixed temperature heat detector would normally be fitted, suitable for kitchens etc - HEAT 3: High fixed temperature 90°C
Used where a high fixed temperature heat detector would normally be fitted, suitable for boiler rooms etc. - Combinations
Any combination of smoke and heat modes may be selected, and differing alarm responses selected for each mode.
If the Multipoint with integral sounder is required, then it too can be set to a choice of 7 different sound patterns
Rafiki Multipoint Sita – models available:
- Rafiki 205 0003 smoke and heat Detector with no sounder P (Rafiki Sita Multipoint Detector Addressable);
- Rafiki 205 0001 smoke and heat detector (Rafiki Sita Multipoint Detector with Sounder, ASD detector).
selecting the right Smoke Alarms, grades and categories, and what do the Building Regulations demand
Posted by the electrician in ask Mr Sparks, fire alarms, standards and regulations, technical data, website update on May 27, 2010
Continuing the Aico Tips fitting a smoke alarm into a domestic dwelling, please find below the initial tips for how you should select the correct fire detection system – the Grades and Categories defined by the Building Regulations(including some examples of various Domestic Properties), and What do Building Regulations Demand in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England?
Grades and Categories of Fire Detection Systems
Six different grades of fire detection systems are defined in the British Standard BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 and generally speaking the greater the fire risk the more sophisticated the system should be. Briefly, the Grades are as follows:
- Grade A: A full system with control and indicating equipment installed to BS 5839: Part 1;
- Grade B: Detectors and sounders using simpler specified equipment;
- Grade C: Detectors and sounders or alarms with central control;
- Grade D: Mains powered alarms with an integral stand-by power supply;
- Grade E: Mains powered alarms with no stand-by power supply;
- Grade F: Battery powered alarms;
Three different categories of life protection systems are defined. Briefly these are starting at the highest:
- LD1: Alarms in all circulation spaces that form part of escape routes and all areas where a fire might start, but not bathrooms, shower rooms or toilets.
- LD2: Alarms in all circulation spaces that form part of escape routes and rooms or areas that present a high fire risk.
- LD3: Alarms in circulation spaces that form part of escape routes.
BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 emphasises that no one type of fire detector is most suitable for all applications. Consideration must be given to the most suitable type of detection – optical detector, ionisation detector, and heat detector.
Examples of various Domestic properties
Existing Tenanted Properties
Two and three storey – Grade D, LD3
- Mains alarms with battery back-up;
- Optical alarms in circulation spaces – hallways and landings;
- If a fire risk assessment shows the property or occupier to be a high fire risk, increase the number of alarms installed to meet the risk – e.g. follow recommendations for an LD2 installation;
- All alarms must be interconnected;
- The sound pressure level of the alarm signal measured at the doorway of each bedroom with the door open should be at least 85dB (A). This is the definitive guidance to which Architects, Building Professionals, Enforcing Authorities, Landlords and Installers should refer for recommendations on the design, installation and use of smoke and heat alarms in the majority of domestic dwellings. Landlords in both the public and private sector are considered to have a Duty of Care to fit compliant smoke and heat alarm systems.
Existing Tenanted Properties
Single storey – Grade F, LD3
- Battery powered with a minimum battery life of 5 years;
- Optical smoke alarm in circulation spaces – hallway;
- If a fire risk assessment identifies a concern that the occupier cannot or may not replace a battery, use mains alarms or mains with battery back-up
- If a fire risk assessment shows the property or occupier to be a high fire risk, increase the number of alarms installed to meet the risk – e.g. follow recommendations for an LD2 installation.
What do Building Regulations Demand?
Architects, builders and installers must comply with Building Regulations and install mains powered alarms in new and materially altered dwellings.
Grade D, LD3
- Mains alarms with battery back-up with the mains supply taken from a lighting circuit or a dedicated circuit from the distribution board
- Smoke alarms are required in the circulation spaces such as hallways and landings. In general optical alarms are recommended Heat alarm to be installed in the kitchen where there is no door separating the kitchen from the circulation space;
- Smoke and heat alarms must be interconnected;
- Alarms may be interconnected using radio-links.
Northern Ireland
Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Technical Booklet E (Fire Safety) requirements were amended in June 2005 to:
Grade D, LD2
- Mains alarms with a battery back-up;
- Smoke alarms are required in the circulation spaces, hallways and landings;
- A smoke alarm is required in the ‘principal habitable room’ e.g. living room;
- A heat alarm is required in every kitchen;
- Loft conversions require all the above to be installed;
- Smoke and heat alarms must be interconnected;
- Alarms may be interconnected using radio-links.
Scotland
Building Standards Technical Handbook No 2 (Fire) requirements are currently:
Grade D, LD3
- Mains smoke alarms with battery back-up;
- Smoke alarms are required in the circulation spaces, hallways and landings;
- Smoke and heat alarms must be interconnected;
- Alarms may be interconnected using radio-links.
England & Wales
Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety) minimum requirements are currently Grade D, LD3, but it also defines that installation should be to BS 5839 Pt.6 and therefore Grade D, LD2 is recommended.
This article is similar to & continuing the thought of the Standards and Regulations for the Smoke and Heat Alarms and the Standards and Rules for the Fire Alarms, dealing with the Domestic Fire alarms from Aico(and not only).
Tips: What is a smoke alarm, what’s the purpose and how to choose a smoke alarm?
Posted by the electrician in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, fire alarms, standards and regulations, technical data, website update on May 26, 2010
The following are taken from Aico’s tips and guidelines as presented in “A basic guide to fitting a smoke alarm in a domestic dwelling“. First of all, a smoke alarm can give you those precious few minutes of warning which could help you and your family to get out safely. Many deaths and injuries could be prevented if people had early warning and were able to get out in time. Buying and fitting a smoke alarm could help save your own and your family’s life. The below information describes what smoke alarms are, then goes on to explain the purpose of installing one and how should you choose a smoke alarm.
What is a smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms, or smoke detectors as they are sometimes known, are small devices, about the size of a hand. They are fitted to the ceiling and are able to detect fires in their earliest stages and sound a loud warning alarm. This alarm can give you those precious few minutes of warning time which will help get you and your family out safely. Smoke alarms are cheap and can be easy to install. If you are installing a simple battery smoke alarm follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fit and position the alarm. If you have difficulties, or want more information, you should get in touch with your local fire and rescue service. The local fire and rescue service may be able to make arrangements to have the alarm fitted for you if you are unable to do it for yourself. The instructions will also give you guidance on battery replacement and maintenance. If however you would like to understand the subject more fully then read on.
The purpose for installing a fire alarm
The first consideration is to establish what the purpose for installing a fire alarm is. The most obvious is to warn you that there is a fire in the premises but more importantly to warn you when you are at the most vulnerable e.g. when you are sleeping or in another room. It also needs to warn you that your primary escape route and circulation areas are being threatened from fire. The primary escape route is the quickest route from any room to the final exit door that leads outside the premises and to ultimate safety. In dwellings on the upper floors, it would be from the room, onto the landing, down the stairs, into the hall and out of the front door. If you are on the ground floor then the escape route would be from the room, into the hall and out of the front door. To protect this means of escape route then all doors should be kept closed especially at night to prevent smoke from a fire, smoke logging it.
If there is a fire in a room and left to its own devices it will eventually burn through the door and make the escape route impassable. Before this happens a small amount of smoke will percolate between the frame and the door, because no door is a perfect fit and there is always a small gap. If you install a fire detector in the escape route, then this small amount of smoke will actuate the sensor and set off the alarm giving you and your family time to escape before the escape route is impassable.
Any rooms or cupboards that you consider are a high fire risk and open onto the means of escape route, you may consider installing a fire detector in that room or cupboard to give a quicker warning and improve you escape from the premises. If you deem this necessary then those detectors should be linked together.
How should you choose a smoke alarm?
There are many types of alarm on the market and they cost from around £5.00 upwards and can be operated by battery (Dry Cell) or mains powered, with or without a backup battery. Where you require more than one detector they should be linked together using hard wiring or wireless network(like the Aico RadioLINK wireless interconnection). You can buy these Domestic Fire/Smoke alarms at the Fire Alarms section on our website – these alarm conform to the British Standard (meaning that the alarm has achieved a standard acceptable to the British Standards Institution, BSI). To ensure the fire alarm meets the minimum standard you should always select one that carry the wellknown kite mark.
There are a number of fire alarms that use various methods of detection and it is important to select the most appropriate – see the Ionisation Alarms, the Optical Alarms, the Multi-sensor alarms, and the Heat Alarms. The Code of practice for the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings is BS 5839-6:2004 and a copy should be available at your local reference library. Of course, if you are unable to obtain a copy, your local Fire and Rescue Service will be happy to give you advice on which one is best suited for you. You can also consult one of our specialists in our showroom in Archway, North London – visit us to find out more!
Checkpoint alarm confirmation and HMO’s: Eliminate the problem of false alarms
Posted by admin in ask Mr Sparks, fire alarms, standards and regulations, technical data, website update on June 13, 2009
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).
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems BS5839, fire risk assessment & system zoning, Rafiki
Posted by admin in ask Mr Sparks, customer service, fire alarms, standards and regulations, technical data on June 11, 2009
A fire risk assessment should identify:
- Possible hazards;
- Sources of ignition;
- Persons at risk of fire;
- Means of escape;
- Fire detection and alarm systems;
- Fire fighting facilities;
- Routing procedure in the event of fire;
- Any difficulties with the above – and plans to put them right.
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems BS5839 – Risk Assessment
- The ‘Fire precautions (Workplace) Regulations’ require any business employing five or more persons to hold a written ‘Fire Risk Assessment’ and ‘Emergency Plan’. This must be periodically reviewed.
- The local fire brigade can enforce compliance, and close any building that does not meet this act.
- In the event of a fire in a building without a written ‘Fire Risk Assessment’, those responsible may face fines and imprisonment, and/or private litigation.
The Law requires you to
- Complete a fire risk assessment for your work place (considering all employees, the public, disabled people and people with special needs).
- Identify and record any significant findings or persons at risk.
- Provide and maintain fire precautions.
- Provide information, instruction and training.
- Nominat e persons responsible to implement your emergency plan.
- Consult employees about the above nominations and your proposals to improve fire precautions.
- Inform other employees who may have work places in the building about any significant risks which may affect their safety and co-operate with them to reduce/control these risks.
- If you are not an employer, but control premises which contain more than one workplace, you are responsible for complying with fire regulations.
- You must establish a suitable means of contacting the emergency services.
- Your employees must co-operate to ensure the workplace is safe from fire and its effects.
Fire Risk Assessment – System Zoning Information
In order to aid identification of the source of a possible fire, the protected building should be divided into ‘zones’. When deciding on a suitable zoning scheme for a building, consideration should be given to the size, any existing fire routines, escape routes, zone accessibility, and structural fire compartmentation.
The following guide lines should be observed:
- If the total floor area of the building is less than 300sqm then the building needs only one zone, regardless of the number of storeys.
If the total floor area is greater than 300 sqm: - The maximum area for a zone is 2000sqm.
- If a stairwell (or similar) extends beyond one floor it should be a separate zone.
- If a zone covers more than one fire compartment then the zone boundaries should follow the compartment boundaries.
- The search distance within the zone in order to ascertain the position of the fire should not exceed 60m. Remember that the use of Remote Indicator lamps may help to reduce the distance traveled.
- If a building is divided between occupiers, zones must not be shared between them.
These are 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).