Question:

Is it safe to just have heat detectors in bedrooms?

Question:

If VAD and VID fire alarm indicator devices do not meet the standards established by EN 54-23, is the system compliant?

Question:

BAFE has changed the criteria for the competence of engineers for fire alarm engineers and technicians. Does that mean I must undertake the BAFE FIREQUAL qualification to be part of the SP203-1 scheme?

Question:

How do you take an insulation reading on a fire cable?

Question:

How do you measure the resistance of a cable? How do you calculate the resistance of a 1.5 mm standard fire alarm cable?

Question:7

We keep getting false alarms in hotel bedrooms, usually caused by steam or deodorants/hairsprays. The fire service is now threatening the hotel with being in special measures. What should we do?

Question:

We’ve just changed fire alarm service companies to save money in the current climate. When I questioned why the new company was not testing voltages, batteries, and some other checks at the six-monthly service that the old company did, they said the old company were doing too much testing and that what they were currently doing met the standard. Is there a checklist of what should be done?

Question:

I’ve been asked to commission a fire alarm system that a subcontractor has installed for our client. The spacing of the detection is all within BS 5839-1:2017. However, the detection on suspended ceilings is just a hole with two lumps of wood screwing the base up without any back box, and no glands or grommets protecting the cable (see picture). I spoke to the contractor, and he said he doesn’t have to do it because it does not say in BS 5839-1 that penetration through a suspended ceiling must have a back to it. Can you clarify please?

Question:

I'm a sub-contractor and like to keep up-to-date with my qualifications and requirements. However, I’m getting confused with all the claims by training providers stating they have a Level 3 qualification. When I look into it, it’s not an official qualification, but more CPD. Post-Grenfell, we all saw the ‘Setting the Bar’ government report recommending Level 2 or 3 qualifications for individuals for installers. What’s available, and how can we check if it really is a government-approved qualification?

Question:

I have recently been asked to look at a fire alarm in a building, which is a category BS 5839-1:2017 L1 system. Correct me if I am wrong, but is an L1 supposed to have detectors everywhere? I have looked at the system, and there are detectors missing from cupboards, a toilet and, worse still, a stairway lobby. Also, are you a real Doctor?