New generation fire alarms: 2

Last month we introduced the advantages of new generation fire alarm systems. We ended our introduction on a cautionary note, however, by warning facilities managers to be wary of the indiscriminate claims of those selling ‘intelligent technology’, which is currently something of a fad in building services. Sound experience of analogue/addressable systems in use is not widespread: the potential for extra capital costs with this equipment and the opportunities for customised designs, means that care must be taken in comparing your needs with the varied facilities available. Some companies specialising in new generation systems accept that they are not the answer for all applications. Others do not Coping with this commercial bias, in the face of genuinely different design philosophies, will prove difficult; more so because of the absence of definite codes and standards (BS 5839 is currently being revised). This article hopes to present some useful information to help you procure the right system.