Fire Systems Commissioning
When a fire detection system is installed, it is best practice (according to BS 5389-1) to arrange for the commissioning of the system in order to verify that it has been installed, tested and complies with the industry standards and regulations.
Without a certificate of fire systems commissioning, authorities will not accept the system to be safe.
Commissioning can be defined as ‘the process of assessing system performance’. Detectors are exposed to the appropriate level of smoke/heat etc. to verify functionality, and audio-visual units must sound and flash when the fire alarm system is in alarm.
Fire systems commissioning should be carried out by an individual with the appropriate qualifications to meet the technical and vocational standards required. Channel’s Service Engineers not only hold industry level accreditations, but have extensive fire systems design experience and familiarity with a number many different fire systems.
Channel Service Engineers will also train the user to use and operate the system. Where possible this is completed at the same time as the system handover. On extensive and more complicated systems, and where there may be more than one person accountable for the system, separate dedicated training sessions may be required.
There are several types of fire detection system which should be commissioned:
- Non-addressable systems, which are generally found in smaller buildings
- Addressable systems are usually suited for larger premises with multiple ‘zones’ and are programmable to carry out a series of complex tasks i.e. the shutting of fire doors and closing of ventilation systems
- Radio systems are an ideal solution when wiring is not allowed. This is usually where structural work is restricted or where wiring would not be aesthetically pleasing, such as listed buildings
