Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
Fixfire® employs DualCom signalling devices which communicate with the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) via two alternative channels. The most common signalling method is GPRS (mobile phone network) using a different Mobile SIM service provider for each path. Alternatively, one of the channels may be a LAN connection.
If the communicator is unable to signal via the primary path eg due to Mobile network being down, then it automatically utilises the secondary path. You should be aware of the below considerations.
Preparing for the Nationwide Landline Phase-out
In the UK, all providers are progressing towards switching off their Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) ie Landlines and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) infrastructure.
This is an industry-wide change and consequently any communication devices that rely on this type of connection will cease to operate.
Since DualCom communicates via GPRS or a LAN connection any new installations are unaffected by this imminent change.
However, if your current device utilises a PSTN or ISDN line, it will need to be upgraded before this transition takes place.
Fire Alarm British Standard – BS5839 Part 1 2025
The Fire Alarm British Standard BS5839 Part 1 2025 includes requirements that may call for the complete upgrade of older installations including how they are interfaced and connected with the Fire Alarm System.
It is recommended that the Fire Alarm monitoring is fully fault-monitored including:
- Failure of both communication paths e.g. mobile phone network should be detected at the Alarm Receiving Centre and indicated on the Fire Alarm Control panel.
- Failure of the power-supply serving the signalling device should be indicated on the Fire Alarm Control panel.
- Any cable fault between the signalling device and the Fire Alarm Control Panel should be indicated on the Fire Alarm Control panel.
The elapsed period between the occurrence of any such fault and the Alarm Receiving Centre and/or Fire Alarm Control panel being notified depends on the Category of Fire Alarm System. This also determines the type of DualCom unit that should be installed.
- If the system is Category L (Life Safety), an alarm transmission must be received at the ARC within 90 seconds and a ‘catastrophic failure’ within 3-minutes.
- If the system is Category P (Property Protection), an alarm transmission must be received at the ARC within 120 seconds and a ‘catastrophic failure’ within 31-minutes.
Other requirements for a fully compliant connection include:
- The ARC should be provided with all relevant information about the premises, e.g. incorporates sleeping accommodation.
- Where practicable, the information confirmed to the ARC should include ‘additional’ information e.g. device type and location. This is then relayed to Keyholders and the Fire Service.
- The Power Supply serving the DualCom should be compliant with EN54.
- The area where the DualCom is installed should be protected with a Fire Detector.
- A label should be fixed on, or adjacent to the Fire Alarm Control panel(s) alerting that the system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre.
- Automatic transmission should not be prevented by silencing the alarm sounders. i.e. the fire signal should not be derived from an alarm sounder circuit.
Fire & Rescue Service Response Policy
Fire and Rescue Services are now only responding to activations from Commercial and Workplace premises if the alarm is verified as not being a false alarm.
Verification means, when the keyholder(s) receive a notification from the ARC that the Fire Alarm has activated at the premises, the ARC will not contact the Fire Service unless it is confirmed that there is actual signs of a fire by them.
Conclusion
There are many considerations when installing fully compliant Fire Alarm monitoring and it is important that you engage with a professional accredited specialist to ensure this vital transmission device is correctly installed.
If you would like goodwill advice or a quotation to install this service for your premises, please reach out to the experts at Fixfire®.
For almost 50 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems, and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone: 08000 891 999.
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Most fire safety courses offer a mix of classroom-based learning and practical training experience, educating attendees on how to respond in the event of an emergency.
In order to fulfil your obligations under current Fire Safety Law, it is essential that you have a documented regime of Fire Safety tests and checks and personnel who are suitably trained to respond correctly in the event of an emergency.
All Fire Safety Training is provided by experienced, time-served and qualified persons from a Fire Safety background.
Even if the cameras don't identify the culprit, they can identify who was in the area at the time of the false alarm activation. Fixfire® specialises in integration and will bring together your Fire, Access and Security systems providing enhanced functionality.
Fixfire® provides leading-edge integration with ancillary systems and equipment. Our mission is to deliver reliable, well-engineered installations that provide you with peace of mind 24/7.
Smoke detectors that are placed too close to kitchens, cooking appliances, locker rooms or bathrooms will most likely be accidentally activated by the smoke or steam emitted by these sources. Detectors might need to be relocated.
Smoke detectors are more sensitive and are installed in any environment where smoke or steam would not normally be present. Heat detectors are installed in areas such as kitchens where smoke detectors would constantly false alarm during routine cooking. Multi-sensors combine smoke and heat in one detector and offer immunity to false alarms in certain applications.
New detectors have improved technology and can measure a range of conditions to potentially be more effective at detecting a fire condition.
Flush Fire Detectors ensure protection is not compromised in any areas where conventional ‘un-pluggable’ detection could be subject to abuse. It is widely used in SEN Schools.
Make sure the alarm system is properly and regularly maintained.
Fixfire® is BAFE accredited for the Design, Installation, Maintenance and Servicing of Fire Alarm Systems.
All works are carried out by our employed, uniformed and trained Fire Alarm engineers.
Following each visit, a Certificate of Inspection is issued.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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