ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION GUIDE

Detection Systems: Point Detectors This document has been produced by the RISCAuthority Active Suppression & Detection working
group to provide information and outline guidance on the application of Point Detectors in Fire
Detection and Alarm Systems.

Summary a flat ceiling. For higher apexes, the device should be installed Arrangement of detectors
Refer to AFPG-30 Detection Series Overview, and all core at the highest point. The maximum installed height for a heat To create a working system point detectors are arranged into
Standards listed as installation requirements may change. detector is between 7.5 and 9m dependent upon type. ‘Detection Zones’ and ‘Alarm Zones’ to support accurate fire
Point detectors: Carbon monoxide detectors: Fires tend to produce carbon location and effective evacuation.
• are the primary means of alerting people and attached monoxide in situations in which there is insufficient ventilation Detection Zones: A detection zone should cover no more than
systems to the potential outbreak of a fire. They may be to enable fire to burn rapidly and as such the detector is well 1 storey unless the total floor area is less than 300m2. Voids in
designed primarily for the protection of life or business and suited to provide early warning of slow smouldering fires. Slowly the same fire compartment should be included in the same
property (and combinations thereof). If a system is intended developing and smouldering fires produce large quantities floor zone. The maximum floor area of a zone should not be
to fulfil the objectives of more than one category of system, of carbon monoxide before detectable smoke aerosols and greater than 2,000m2, except for some large open plan areas
then the system needs to conform to the recommendations particulates reach smoke detectors in sufficient quantities that incorporate manual call points only, which can be extended
for each of the categories (see AFPG-30). to detect the fire. These detectors can often be used in to 10,000m2. The maximum search distance for the firefighters
• are the most common type with each unit measuring a applications in which heat detectors are insufficiently sensitive, to see the seat of the fire within a zone should not exceed 60m
single, or combination of many, fire fingerprinting indicators. but smoke detectors may cause false alarms from sources such assuming the route taken is the worst possible option. Vertical
• should be discerning enough to detect fire robustly and as steam from a shower or smoke from burnt toast. structures like stairwells, lift shafts etc., should be considered
quickly and not trigger on false or unwanted influences. Point detector selection – general principles Performance requirements for point carbon monoxide as separate zones. A manual call point within a staircase
The avoidance of false and unwanted alarms (FaUwA) is best Each type of detector responds to a particular fire product detectors are laid out in BS EN 54-30; and design, installation, should be connected to the zone associated with that floor and
addressed by the correct equipment selection and placement and therefore the relative speed of response of the detector is commissioning, and maintenance requirements are given ideally be mounted on the accommodation side of the corridor
within the protected space. Combined multi-sensor detectors dependent upon the type of fire being detected. in BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6 for commercial and domestic exit. Automatic sensors on the stairwell remain as part of the
have the potential to eliminate the FaUwA problem if used premises, respectively. stairwell detection zone.
more widely. Smoke detectors: As smoke is normally present at an early
stage in most fires, smoke detectors are considered the most The sensing element of a carbon monoxide detector (which Alarm Zones: An alarm zone generally coincides with the fire
Within British and European Standards there are currently no useful type available for giving early warning. When smoke includes a heat detector and electrochemical cell) must be compartment boundaries. There must be a clear break between
fire tests for immunity (scenarios that detectors should not enters the chamber of the detector, the signal between an within 25-150 mm of the ceiling. They have an assumed coverage these alarm zones to ensure alert and evacuation messages are
respond to), and until it changes, it is unlikely that poor FaUwA emitting source (radioactive or optical) and receiver, is reduced of 5.3 m radius and must be arranged so there are no blind spots not overheard from adjacent areas. The only other criteria is that
performance by single species point detectors will improve (test allowing detection. Performance requirements for point smoke (an effective separation of 7.5 m and 3.6 m to a wall). For ceilings an alarm zone may consist of a number of detection zones but
regimes for the oil and gas industry do include immunity tests). detectors are laid out in BS EN 54-7 and BS EN 54-27 (Duct with an apex that is less than 150mm, they may be installed as for not vice versa. Alarm zones are required when phased or staged
It is vital to check local Fire Service turn-out policy for smoke detectors), design, installation, commissioning; and a flat ceiling. For higher apexes, the device should be installed evacuation is required. It is therefore important that care should
automatically generated alarms – some will not turn out until maintenance requirements are given in BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6 at the highest point. The maximum installed height for a carbon be taken to ensure only one message is heard at any one time
confirmed by another means. for commercial and domestic premises respectively. monoxide detector is 10.5m. particularly where two alarm zones are attached.
The sensing element of a smoke detector must be within Flame detectors: In situations where a burning liquid, for
Property protection vs. life safety sprinkler 25-600mm of the ceiling. They have an assumed radius of
Challenges and considerations
example alcohol, paint thinner etc. is likely to be the prime
systems function of 7.5m and must be arranged so there are no blind source of a fire, and flame is most likely to be the first indication Management of false and unwanted alarms: Comprehensive
spots (an effective separation of 10.6m and 5.3m to a wall). a fire has started, then an infrared (IR) or ultra-violet (UV) flame recommendations for the management of fire detection and
For information on the differences between life safety and alarm systems for the reduction of false and unwanted alarms
In corridors less than 2m wide they may be installed at their detector could be incorporated into the system. IR is detected
property protection detection systems, please refer to AFPG-30. are given in RISCAuthority document RC47: Recommendations
full radius separation (15m). For ceilings with an apex that is in a bandwidth appropriate to hot carbon dioxide molecules, a
less than 600mm, they may be installed as for a flat ceiling. by-product of combustion. for the management of fire detection and alarm systems in
Types of detector For higher apexes, the device should be installed at the the workplace.
Point detectors are the most common form of detector used for highest point. The maximum installed height for a smoke Performance requirements for point flame detectors are laid
out in BS EN 54-10; and design, installation, commissioning, and Understanding fire and rescue service response: In the face
the protection of buildings and include: detector is 10.5m.
maintenance requirements are given in BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6 of budget cuts, Fire Services across the UK are focusing on
• Smoke detectors reducing the resources given to the attendance of false and
Heat detectors: Most fires, in their later stages, emit detectable for commercial and domestic premises, respectively.
• Heat detectors unwanted alarm activations. The means to achieve this are many
levels of heat. Therefore, in areas where rapid fire spread
• Carbon monoxide detectors As line-of-sight devices, flame detectors should be installed in and varied and include:
is unlikely and environmental conditions preclude the use
• Flame detectors accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
of smoke detectors (such as kitchens), heat detectors are a • not turning out until notified by another means such as a 999
• Combined multi-sensor detectors (combinations of the
common alternative. Performance requirements for point heat Other requirements for all point detectors: A myriad of other call
above in a single unit).
detectors are laid out in BS EN 54-5, and design, installation, rules apply to the location of detectors including inside voids, • call challenging; phoning the premises to see if the alarm is
All detectors connect to common electrical infrastructure that commissioning, and maintenance requirements are given proximity to ceiling fittings, on perforated ceilings, clear space legitimate
interprets signals, communicates alarms, and controls other fire in BS 5839-1 and BS 5839-6 for commercial and domestic requirements around, honeycomb ceilings, close beamed • providing a reduced attendance in the first instance
systems (see AFPG-30). premises respectively. ceilings etc. (Refer to BS EN 54-1 and BS EN 54-6). • proving a small vehicle response in the first instance.
The suitability of each point detector type depends upon the The sensing element of a heat detector must be within Methods adopted are often different for day and nighttime due
environment in which they are being placed to achieve the 25-150mm of the ceiling. They have an assumed coverage of to sleeping risks and levels of occupation and vary greatly for
correct balance of reliability and speed of response. They are 5.3m radius and must be arranged so there are no blind spots the type of building occupancy. An improved response may
generally ceiling mounted to best access rising smoke, heat, and (an effective separation of 7.5m and 3.6m to a wall). For ceilings be given to systems that have a greater immunity to false and
gases, or gain line of sight visibility of an area for flaming. with an apex that is less than 150mm, they may be installed as for unwanted alarms.

AFPG-32 February 2024

Applicable standards
BS 5839-1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings
Part 1: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning
and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in
non-domestic premises.
BS 5839-6 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings
Part 6: Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning
and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in
domestic premises.
BS EN 54-1 Fire detection and alarm systems Part 1: Introduction.
BS EN 54-5 Fire detection and alarm systems Part 5: Heat
detectors - Point heat detectors.
BS EN 54-7 Fire detection and alarm systems Part 7: Smoke
detectors – Point smoke detectors that operate using scattered
light, transmitted light or ionization.
BS EN 54-10 Fire detection and alarm systems Part 10: Flame
detectors – Point detectors.
BS EN 54-30 Fire detection and alarm systems Part 30:
Multi-sensor fire detectors — Point detectors using a combination
of carbon monoxide and heat sensors.

Schemes
BAFE SP203-1 Design, Installation, Commissioning and
Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems Scheme.
LPCB LPS 1014 Scheme requirements for certificated fire
detection and alarm system firms.

Best practice
All providers of systems should be third party certificated to
approved schemes.
Adoption of high integrity combined multi-sensor devices
is preferred.
Fire Services should be consulted on their requirements
and necessary provisions for supporting the fire safety of
the property.
The provision of Regulation 38 information is essential so that
the role the detection and alarm system plays in the overall
fire safety management plan of the building remains front
and centre .

AFPG-32 February 2024