UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 1.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
Fire Safety
Technical Guide


FIRE ALARMS SYSTEMS - UCL GENERAL
INSTALLATION EMPLOYERS &
REQUIREMENTS DESIGN GUIDANCE
(Student Hals of Residences - Sleeping Accommodation)
Contents
1.0. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0. UCL Fire Alarm Device Standards ....................................................................................................... 2
3.0. General Requirements & Design Standards ...................................................................................... 3
4.0. Fire Alarm Panels & Electrical Supplies ............................................................................................. 5
5.0. Manual Call Points (MCPs) ................................................................................................................... 6
6.0. Sounders (Sound Pressure Requirements) ....................................................................................... 7
7.0. Beam Detectors ..................................................................................................................................... 8
8.0. Facilities for Hearing Impaired People ............................................................................................... 8
9.0. Fire Resistant Cabling .......................................................................................................................... 8
10.0. Marking and Indicating of Fire Alarm Devices ................................................................................... 9
11.0. Ceilings, Ducts & Voids ........................................................................................................................ 9
12.0. Door Hold Open, Fire Dampers & Other Automatically Released Equipment ................................ 9
13.0. Provision of Audible & Visual Warning at Internal Building Boundaries ...................................... 10
14.0. Access Control Devices Connected to Fire Alarm Systems .......................................................... 10
15.0. Mechanical & Electrical, Air Handling & Smoke Control Equipment ............................................ 10
16.0. Cause & Effect Matrix Fire Alarm System ........................................................................................ 10
17.0. Passive Fire Protection ...................................................................................................................... 10
18.0. Fire Brigade Communications ........................................................................................................... 10
19.0. General Commissioning Requirements ........................................................................................... 11
20.0. Sleeping Risk Equipment Overview .................................................................................................. 13
1.0. Introduction
1.1. The raising of the alarm and warning to occupants in case of fire is a legal
requirement; the addition of Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) is very often desirable to
assist in early detection, property protection and in some instances an offset to
extended Means of Escape (MoE) conditions. Therefore, the design, complexity and
cost of a fire alarm system including both capital and whole life maintenance costs
will need to be considered carefully during project design.
1.2. UCL strives to improve its standards, only fire alarm system designers, installers and
maintenance companies that can demonstrate BAFESP203 or LPC1014 and with
ISO9001 Quality Management System compliance or equivalent, will be acceptable to
undertake works on our estate.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 2.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
1.3. The following information will be of assistance to Design Consultants, Project
Managers and Contractors employed by UCL or its agents. It is to be regarded as a
general statement of requirements and is in addition to any British Standard
Recommendation or other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building
Control Authorities.
1.4. Other Related Technical Notes:
(a). UCL Student halls of residence fire detection and alarm system commission of
software cause and effect confirmation of room testing schedule =TN055A;
(b). Specification for smoke alarms in UCL owned domestic flats, apartments,
dwellings and similar accommodation =TN055B;
2.0. UCL Fire Alarm Device Standards
2.1. New fire detection and alarm system provided in UCL properties must use standard
equipment and open protocols to ensure communality of systems, efficient
maintenance, control of software and engineering access. No other fire alarm
panels or systems will be acceptable unless written permission through the
UCL Chief Engineer / UCL Fire Safety Manager is sought first.
2.2. Loop Capacity - loops should be designed so that the numbers of devices on the
loop is limited so that there is some (approx.) 20% spare capacity - e.g. maximum
loop capacity = 126 devices - then the actual loop device numbers should be no more
than 105 devices as a general rule.
2.3. Fire Detection - residential and sleeping accommodation must generally be
designed to meet a minimum of BS5839-1 - Life Risk 2 (L2) provision of Automatic
Fire Detection.
2.4. Where Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing heads are used; they will need to be
programmed to meet the local conditions by changing the ratio of heat to smoke
detection. Generally (as rule of thumb guidance only), Apollo discovery multi-
sensing heads have five settings (check the latest specification by Apollo for accuracy
before instructing):
Mode 1 - the most sensitive setting using both heat & smoke monitoring and reacting at around
less than 3% obscuration of the optical head,
Mode 2 - optical sensing setting only, that reacts at less than 3% obscuration of the optical head,
Mode 3 - medium sensitivity setting, which uses both heat & smoke monitoring and reacts at less
than 3% obscuration of the optical head,
Mode 4 - least sensitive setting using both heat & smoke monitoring and reacting at around 5%
obscuration of the optical head - use this setting in all laboratories and periphery kitchen
areas,
Mode 5 - heat sensing setting only,
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 3.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
3.0. General Requirements & Design Standards
3.1. All fire alarm systems in UCL premises are to be designed to comply with the latest
edition of BS 5839-1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of
practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-
domestic premises; and other relevant parts of BS5839 series, as necessary.
3.2. Unwanted alarms - the London Fire Brigade and other local Fire Authorities require
all possible measures to be taken to reduce the instances of unwanted fire alarm
activations and calls to the fire authority. Electrical Service Engineers are to take
considerable care to ensure that their fire alarm design reduces unwanted fire alarms
through thoughtful consideration and understanding of room / space function where
detection is provided. This will help substantially to reduce the potential for unwanted
alarms through positioning of detection to avoid activation from on-suite showers etc.
3.3 Halls of Residence Fire Alarm Design Principle
Given the prominence of unwanted fire alarms in halls of residence, and in view of
London Fire Brigades policy of charging for attendance, the configuration of each fire
alarm in halls of residence will be subject to review by UCL. UCL requires that initial
detection will warn local occupants. This may be just within that room, or within every
room in the surrounding corridor, decided on a case-by-case basis. Control and
indicating equipment that supports such flexible configurations is therefore required.
3.3. Unwanted Alarm & Design Principles - in all new installations or upgrade of fire
alarm systems within UCL residences, the general design principle shall be:
(a). smoke detector activation in a bedroom will trigger the sounder in the room
only or each room within that particular corridor (subject to risk
assessment based on building construction) to act as a local warning
(similar to Domestic BS 5839-6: Smoke Alarm). This will generate a pre-fire
alarm signal and warning at the master panel, but not a global fire alarm
activation or occupant evacuation, unless:
(1). the sensor detects heat gain as well as smoke obscuration;
(2). a second detector activates;
(3). if a Manual Call Point is activated;
(b). fire alarm panel is to self-cancel room or rooms off that corridor (subject to site-
specific configuration) fire pre-alarm, if the condition does not progress into
full fire activation mode automatically after suitable time out delay (5
minutes).
(c.). Cause & Effect of detector heads used in this fire alarm strategy must follow
the following principals:
(1). Heat detector (either RofR or fixed type) on activation, is to cause full
fire evacuation of occupants.

UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 4.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(2). Smoke detectors located in corridors stair enclosures forming part of the
Means of Escape (other than Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing
combination type) on activation, is to cause full fire evacuation of
occupants.
(3). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensing smoke detectors installed in student
bedrooms or studio flats on activation:
(i). local alarm mode indicates pre-alarm on master panel
warning sounder in room (or rooms throughout that corridor
depending on risk assessment) only, for approx. 5 minutes; if no
change in conditions, then the fire alarm system is to reset
automatically;
(ii). local alarm mode on change of room conditions such as
increasing levels of obscuration or heat is detected at
combination head, system to change mode and cause full fire
evacuation of occupants immediately;
(iii). No change to the local room conditions - local alarm activates
in room (and surrounding rooms if necessary under design risk
assessment) only and pre alarm at main fire panel;
(iv). any change of local room conditions - full fire evacuation of
occupants immediately.
3.4. Cluster Flat Design Principals - provided with least sensitive setting using heat &
smoke monitoring and reacting to approximately 5% obscuration of the optical head to
be used & programmed in the following way:
(a). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensor - detector heads to be used in all bedrooms in
sleeping accommodation:
(1). Detectors are to be programmed on installation for operations at
MODE 4 (student setting) for all cluster bedrooms and areas such
as corridors outside of showers or kitchens that may be effected by
cooking products or steam from bathrooms etc.;
(2). Programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 for areas such
as cluster flat corridors, that may be affected by cooking products from
kitchens or rooms etc.;
(b). Apollo heat detection to be used in kitchens - provide Rate of Rise heat
detectors;
(c). Manual Call Points (MCP) - are to be provided so that there is a shorter
distance for occupants in a real fire situation to operate a call point, as follows:
(1). Cluster Flats (containing six rooms with kitchen unit etc., with access to
a main corridor) - provide a MCP complete with security covers to
prevent accidental use to be provided at the cluster flat exit on to main
corridor.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 5.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(2). Grouped Cluster Rooms (containing rooms with kitchen unit etc.,
formed around a central corridor) - then additional MCPs complete with
security covers to prevent accidental use, located where cluster flat
groups stop and a new cluster group starts requiring additional MCPs
and with shorter travel distances.
3.5. Studio Flats - Design Principals:
(a). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensor - detector heads to be used in all bedrooms in
sleeping accommodation:
(1). Detectors are to be programmed on installation for operations at MODE
4 (student setting) for all Studio Flats bedroom areas.
(2). all studio flat bedrooms (care on positioning in room - away from cooker,
showers & steam),
(3). all studio flat corridors particularly outside rooms that could be affected
by smoke from kitchens),
(b). Manual Call Points - position additional MCPs so that studio flat occupants
travel no more than 15m in any direction, to operate a unit.
4.0. Fire Alarm Panels & Electrical Supplies
4.1. The fire detection system shall be designed, installed and commissioned in
accordance with, and all elements shall meet the requirements of BS 5839-1, BS EN
54 Parts 1, 2 & 4 and other relevant Codes of Practice. The designer or new systems
should be able to demonstrate their competence to design, install and commission the
system, e.g. by certification to BAFE SP203, LPS1014 or other relevant standard.
The Fire Alarm Control Panel shall be independently certified as complying with
requirements of EN54-2&4. The Independent approvals body shall be either British
Standards Institute (BSI) or Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB) 429C.
4.2. The panel must be capable and compatible of using and switching between all modes
of Apollo Discovery detection heads, using alarm confirmation facilities. In addition,
have pier-to-pier networking and IP gateway facilities. Furthermore, they must have
adjustable time to alarm and be programmable to meet the local conditions.
4.3. The following fire alarm panel manufactures MUST be used (adjoining building FA
panel types and other consideration may need to be taken into account in the choice
of panels) but Advance at present panels can provide desired approach at Para 3.0.:
C-TEC - ZFP Range of 2 to 8 loop touchscreen controlled panel (depending
on size and complexity of premises) www.c-tec.co.uk;
Advanced Electronic Ltd - Mx Range (see: www.advel.co.uk)
4.4. Electrical Supplies & Batteries - UCL requires standby batteries for fire alarm
systems to last for 60 hours not for the minimum specified by the British Standard of
24 hours. Where standby generator provide then this may dropped for standard 24-
hour battery backup.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 6.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
4.5. Main Electrical Supply to Fire Alarm Panels - any new fire alarm system will require
a dedicated 240v ac supply in accordance with the latest editions of BS 7671 & BS
5839-1. This circuit is to be installed using fire resistant cable and terminated into a
double pole, isolating spur with key switch as defined in BS 5839-1.
4.6. Main Electrical Isolation to Fire Alarm Panels - means should be provided for
double pole isolation of the mains supply to all parts of the system; the isolation
facilities should be suitably sited, near the equipment served, for use by maintenance
technicians without the need for access to remote parts of the building. It should be
possible to lock the facilities in both the normal and isolate positions to prevent
unauthorised use. It should be possible to lock the facilities in both the normal and
isolate positions to prevent unauthorised use.
4.7. UCL requires a Fire Safety Isolator Switch (available from www.firesafe.co.uk) to
be provided which is a secure method for safely isolating the mains voltage supply to
fire systems in accordance with BS 5839: Part 1.
The 'Fire Safety Isolation' switch can only be isolated by an authorised person, by
means of a keylock switch - the key is removable in both ON/OFF positions,
The fuse cannot be removed without taking the cover off & when in the off position
the FUSE is disconnected from the supply,
A neon indicator is provided to indicate mains present at the switched output,
Technical Specification:
o Working Voltage : 250AV
o Switch Contact Rating : Double Pole -
250V AC 4Amp
o FUSE Rating : Max - 6A Fast (20mm)
supplied
o Enclosure Material : RoHS Compliant
FR ABS
o Weight : 175g
o Switch Surge Rating : 80Amp
o Key Number : 901
o Housing Size: Single Gang : W.86 x
L.86 x H.56.5mm

5.0. Manual Call Points (MCPs)
5.1. The following Manual Call Points (MCPs) should be used for all systems:
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 7.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(a). Apollo MCPs suitable for product range being installed
(see: www.apollo-fire.co.uk);
(b). KAC MCPs Alarm Company Ltd (see: www.kac.co.uk);
5.2. In student halls circulation spaces, common rooms, bars of UCL Students Union
occupancy and vulnerable places - Anti-Tamper security covers are to be fitted to
each call point, supplied by:
Apollo - transparent hinged Cover (Apollo Ref: 26729-152);
KAC Ltd - as above under 'accessories' (KAC Ref: PS200 Plain Hinged Cover);
5.3 All instances of anti-tamper covers on manual call points are to be recorded as a
Variation in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5839-1 by the company
installing the covers / main fire alarm contractor.
6.0. Sounders (Sound Pressure Requirements)
6.1. Sleeping Accommodation - loop driven Intelligent sounders compatible with Apollo
protocol and detectors are to be used to ensure devices can be programmed using
unwanted fire alarm strategy as per Para 3.0 above.
6.2. The following standard sounders may be used:
(a). Apollo - loop driven sounders at should have a defaulted setting of 90+dB(A)
(b). Fulleon - further information can be found at: www.fulleon.co.uk;
6.3. General Note on Sound Levels (Sleeping Accommodation) - UCL require an
average sound pressure level in all areas of 85 dB(A) (not 75 dB(A) as specified in
the BS 5839-1), particularly at the bed head. Where sound pressure levels fall below
this standard, additional sounders MUST be installed or other means used, to raise
the sound pressure levels. Often the BS minimum sounder levels are not adequate
for this task; furthermore, fire doors can reduce sounder levels by up to 40 dB(A)
when closed further reducing overall sounder levels. It is expected that each room in
a halls of residence will be supplied with a sounder within the room to achieve a
suitable warning of fire.
Note - Consultants and contractors are to ensure that contingency funds from the
project are available at pre-contract, to ensure that additional sounders can be
installed at commissioning should the sound pressure coverage fall below
acceptable levels any particular area. Where sound levels fall below this standard,
additional sounders MUST be installed or other means used, to raise the sound levels.
6.4. At the commissioning of the system (regardless of the size of installation), a sound
pressure check MUST be carried out with sound pressure levels being recorded on a
log sheet. The log is to be submitted with the Commissioning Certificate; short falls
are to be addressed through addition of extra sounders within the area.
6.5. Visual Alarms - meeting BS EN 54-23 to be provided (visual flashing Red strobe
lights or new LED Technology) in the following locations:
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 8.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(a). Disabled Refuges - where disabled or hearing impaired persons may use
facilities (such as WCs) and in Disabled Refuges to allow communications with
other by users,
(b). Find the Panel - to identify and locate the main fire alarm panel particularly in
property with identical frontage, or where the panel location is not obvious or in
the normal location of the main entrance area,
7.0. Beam Detectors
7.1. Where there is a requirement for covering large open spaces then Open Area Smoke
Imaging Detection (OSID) by xtralis Ltd beam detectors should be considered. These
beam detectors use two wavelengths to distinguish between particle size and solid
intruding objects, thus helping to reduce unwanted alarms. Moreover, one unit
because of its design, cover much more area with multipoint viewing from a single
beam detector head reducing the need for point detection. Further information can be
found at www.xtralis.com.
8.0. Facilities for Hearing Impaired People
8.1. UCL has a specific policy and procedures for accommodating people with disabilities -
please discus with UCL Fire Safety Manager prior to design. UCL will not accept
blanket coverage of a building with supplementary visual alarms (LED) as per
guidance in BS 5839-1.
8.2. Hearing Impaired requirements connected to the fire alarm may need to be supplied -
Please see www.ucl.ac.uk/fire - UCL Fire Safety Technical Note (TN) 007.
8.3. Visual Alarms - visual alarms are to be provided (visual flashing Red strobe lights or
new LED Technology) where disabled or hearing impaired persons may use facilities
(such as WCs or common rooms etc.),
8.4. Deaf Message Service (DMS) - for Deaf messaging within student Halls provide a
DMS system which deaf or hard of hearing person enters the residence, they will see
clear signage asking them to text a location code to the DMS number. Once a
connection text has been sent, the person will be connected to DMS for that location.
After 12 months they will receive a text asking them to reconnect, connection text
costs the same as a standard SMS text.
9.0. Fire Resistant Cabling
9.1. Fire cables used in the installation of fire alarm systems meeting the latest edition of
BS 5839-1 / BS 6387 / BS 7629 in design, construction and installation.
9.2. All cables shall be coloured Red, unless there is overriding aesthetic reasons for
White to be used. Special attention is to be paid to the terminating of cables to ensure
that earth faults are eliminated.
9.3. The following cables should be used in all instances:
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 9.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(a). FP 200 Gold or cabling that is equal and approved;
(b). MIC cabling is required where routes provide mission critical signals or pass
through a high risk or vulnerable areas (as required under BS 5839-1);
9.4. Fixing - all fire alarm cabling is to be fixed to the structure of the building, fixed in a
cable tray or cable management system only using metal ties. No other fixing is
acceptable.
10.0. Marking and Indicating of Fire Alarm Devices
10.1. Labelling - all fire alarm devices are to be permanently marked or using suitable
adhesive labels, to indicate the device Zone and Address number.
10.2. Identification - where remote or hidden detectors / devices are placed in voids, ducts
or above ceilings, a suitable LED repeater indicator is to be provided in a logical
and adjacent location. All LED indicators are to be clearly marked specifying type of
device, address number and remote device location.
11.0. Ceilings, Ducts & Voids
11.1. Ceiling Voids (Enclosed & Down Stands - see BS 5839:1 2013/Para 22(d)(2))
where an enclosed or down stand void area is greater than 800mm, but there is no
risk (e.g. electrical equipment etc.) it may be considered as 'low risk', then it is
reasonable not to provide AFD in these spaces. This should be recorded as a
variation on the relevant system certificate. However, where there is an obvious risk
such as significant electrical equipment (other than light units) or air handling units /
chillers / void passes over other rooms or compartments, then the void should be
provided with appropriate automatic fire detection as any electrical / equipment fire
may not be detected at it initial stages. Clarification may be sought for the UCL fire
safety manger.
11.2. Detectors in Voids & Ducts - any void where detection is provided MUST be fully
accessible and not obstructed for maintenance purposes. This means that ceiling tiles
or access panels must be available directly below the detector to allow maintenance
and a testing pole to be used, which requires a clear vertical path from below to be
maintained.
11.3. Identification of Hidden Devices - see Para 10.2 above.
12.0. Door Hold Open, Fire Dampers & Other Automatically Released
Equipment
12.1. These items should adhere to the terms of latest edition of BS 5839-3. It should be
noted that 'door holders' are generally not acceptable on any fire door that leads
directly onto a protected stair (to be discussed with the UCL fire safety manager).
12.2. Electromagnetic door release switches are to be positioned in a clear and accessible
location, to prevent damage to fixings by doors being pulled close against the
magnetic holders. See UCL fire safety technical note TN016.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 10.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
13.0. Provision of Audible & Visual Warning at Internal Building
Boundaries Connected to the Fire Alarm System
13.1. Where the Means of Escape (MoE) routes access and egress passes through a
building boundary, it is necessary to provide Visual and Audible Warning signs
connected to the fire alarm systems and it will be necessary to interface with the fire
alarm system to meet UCL, local fire and District Surveyor Authority requirements.
See UCL fire safety technical note TN058.
14.0. Access Control Devices Connected to Fire Alarm Systems
14.1. Where security Access Control Systems are to be installed in a building, it will be
necessary to interface with the fire alarm system to meet UCL, local fire and District
Surveyor requirements. See UCL fire safety technical note TN001 & TN004.
15.0. Mechanical & Electrical, Air Handling & Smoke Control Equipment
15.1. Where mechanical & electrical systems and smoke control measures are provided
and connected to the fire alarm system, please see UCL Fire Safety Technical
Notes TN038 & TN039 for general requirements.
16.0. Cause & Effect Matrix Fire Alarm System
16.1. Designers are to provide a cause and effect chart for all new systems - see UCL fire
safety technical note TN063.
17.0. Passive Fire Protection
17.1. Passive Fire Protection - in all cases, Building Service Engineers and Contractors
must provide appropriate passive fire protection for all works. Contingency sums to
be provide to ensure that all new works are covered and additionally any failures of
passive fire protection identified during the works is made good and reinstated as
necessary (See UCL Fire Safety Technical Note 066).
18.0. Fire Brigade Communications
18.1. Generally, UCL fire alarm panels are to alert the fire brigade via in all cases where
practicable using UCL Gallagher system and relayed to the UCL Security Control
Room when a:
(a). Fire Signal is generated by the fire panel;
(b). Pre-Alarm and Fault is generated by the fire panel;
18.2. Monitoring Centre - signals are to terminate at the UCL Security Control Room on
the Main Campus, which acts as a 24-hour monitoring service for the UCL estate.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 11.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
(a). The UCL Access Systems Manager can be contacted on 020 7679 7735 and
should be consulted on all signals required to be monitored by the Security
Control Room, including security / lift / plant as well as fire alarm signals.
18.3. In some locations, a specialist Alarm Receiving Company (ARC) may be necessary,
which should be arranged through our fire alarm maintenance provider and Southern
Monitoring Services Ltd. A BT Redcare line and Digital Communications (Digicom)
device will also be required. Requirements and procedures will need to be discussed
with the UCL fire safety manager at the outset of the project.
19.0. General Commissioning Requirements
Design, Installation Commissioning and UCL Acceptance Certificates
19.1. The provision of the appropriate design, installation and commissioning certificates
containing information based on the Model Certificates provided in BS 5839-1: Annex
H, to be provided by the appropriate parties. Copies of the certificates are to be
issued as following:
(a). All original certificate(s) to be placed in the Operational & Maintenance (O&M)
Manuals;
(b). a copy of each certificate to be issued to the UCL Estates Head of Engineering
or his representative;
(c). a copy of each certificate to be issued the UCL fire safety manager for
buildings fire certificate and fire strategy documents;
(d). any additional copies required by an authorised person;
19.2. Design Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by the Design Consultant on
completion of the design stage of the fire alarm.
19.3. Installation Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by the Contractor installing the
fire alarm system, on completion of the installation stage.
19.4. Commissioning Certificate - is to be provided in all cases by Commissioning
Engineers (generally UCL Fire Alarm Maintenance provider) on completion of the
testing & commissioning stage of the fire alarm.
19.5. Acceptance Certificate (UCL) - this is to be completed and issued the by Project /
Design Consultant; and witnessed by a Nominated UCL Person on behalf of the
Director of UCL Estates.
19.6. Only on completion of the Acceptance Certificate witnessed by a UCL Nominated
Person may:
(a). a new system, become the primary Warning in Case of Fire for the building;
(b). where the fire alarm system has been replaced / upgraded etc may the old
system be switched off and decommissioned. The new system may then
become the primary Warning in Case of Fire for the building.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 12.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
19.7. Where an addressable fire alarm system is provided, the programming of the device
address must be carefully considered to ensure that its location matches the local,
generic or room numbers to prevent confusion by staff, contractors or the Fire Brigade
in locating the device.
19.8. Drawing and Zone Chart information is to be supplied as part of the commissioning of
the fire alarm system as follows:
(a). Clear fire alarm zone information in A4 Word format, is to be provided in a
suitable clip frame position adjacent to the fire alarm panel. This is to provide
quick reference to incident location.
(b). As Installed Drawings are to be provided on hard copy A1 sheets and in
electronic AutoCAD 2007+Version format scale of 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200 as
appropriate.
19.9. Fire Zone Representation - adjacent to the indicating equipment, the following shall
be supplied to the UCL Fire Safety Manager as part of the commissioning of the fire
alarm system as follows:
(a). Clear fire alarm zone information in A4 Word format, is to be provided in a
suitable clip frame position adjacent to the fire alarm panel. This is to provide
quick reference to incident location.
(b). As Installed Drawings are to be provided on hard copy A1 sheets and in
electronic AutoCAD 2007+Version format scale of 1:50, 1:100 or 1:200 as
appropriate.
(c). a diagrammatic representation with a correctly orientated plan of the
premises should be displayed showing at least the building entrances, the main
circulation areas and the division into zones.
19.10. Installation testing of Bedroom Cause & Affect - is to be undertaken by all
commissioning and witnessing engineers. Guidance on test required and outcomes
provided at TN055A. TN055A is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect
desired but engineers should ensure that panel and device manufactures testing,
commissioning tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant
instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with.
UCL HALLS OF RESIDENCE ROOM TESTING SCHEDULE UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055A
Suggested Room Commission of Software Cause and Effect Confirmation Testing Schedule (local testing or other specific checks may also be required)
[Note to Fire Alarm Commissioning Engineers that this is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect desired but you should ensure that panel and device manufactures testing, commissioning
tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with]:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Issued: Jul 14 / Rev: 2 Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / Tel: 020 7679 1240 / Email: fire@ucl.ac.uk 1. of 4.
This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements, but does not replace the relevant manufactures instructions, British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
1.0. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & DESIGN STANDARDS
1.1. Unwanted Alarm Design Principal - in all new installations or upgrade of fire alarm systems within UCL Halls of Residences, the
general design principle shall be:
(a). Smoke detector activation in a bedroom will trigger the sounder in the local area (which may be the room only or every
room within the effected corridor, depending on the findings of a local risk assessment) to act as a local warning
(similar to Domestic BS 5839-6: Smoke Alarm), and will generate a fire alarm signal locally as well as warning at the
master panel, but not global fire alarm activation or occupant evacuation, unless:
the sensor detects heat gain as well as smoke obscuration;
a second detector activates;
a Manual Call Point is activated;
(b). Fire alarm panel is to self-cancel room / corridor rooms fire pre-alarm, if the condition does not progress into fire activation
mode automatically after suitable time out delay (5 minutes).
(c). It is important to understand the specified cause and effect for the particular building. In some halls of residence, the initial
local warning will be specified to just be given in the room of origin. In other areas, due to design (for example, single
escape condition, potential lack of fire resisting construction around the bedroom, etc.) activation of one detector may be
required to result in warning received within that bedroom, the corridor area, and every bedroom within that corridor. This
is to be determined by the UCL Fire Safety Manager on a case-by-case basis.
1.2. Cluster Flat Design Principals - provided with least sensitive setting using heat & smoke monitoring and reacting to
approximately 5% obscuration of the optical head to be used & programmed in the following way:
(a). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensor - detector heads to be used in all bedrooms in sleeping accommodation:
Detectors are to be programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 (student setting) for all cluster
bedrooms and areas such as corridors outside of showers or kitchens that may be affected by cooking products
or steam from bathrooms etc.
(b). Programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 for areas such as cluster flat corridors, that may be affected by
cooking products from kitchens or rooms etc.

UCL HALLS OF RESIDENCE ROOM TESTING SCHEDULE UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055A
Suggested Room Commission of Software Cause and Effect Confirmation Testing Schedule (local testing or other specific checks may also be required)
[Note to Fire Alarm Commissioning Engineers that this is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect desired but you should ensure that panel and device manufactures testing, commissioning
tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with]:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Issued: Jul 14 / Rev: 2 Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / Tel: 020 7679 1240 / Email: fire@ucl.ac.uk 2. of 4.
This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements, but does not replace the relevant manufactures instructions, British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities

(c). Apollo heat detection to be used in kitchens - provide Rate of Rise heat detectors provided;
(d). Manual Call Point (MCP) - MCP are to be provided within the Cluster Flats by the exit onto corridor, providing a shorter
distance for occupants in a real fire situation to operate call point;
1.3. Studio Flats - Design Principals:
(a). Apollo Discovery Multi-Sensor - detector heads to be used in all bedrooms in sleeping accommodation:
Detectors are to be programmed on installation for operations at MODE 4 (student setting) for all Studio Flats bedroom
areas;
all studio flat bedrooms (care on positioning in room - away from cooker, showers & steam);
all studio flat corridors particularly outside rooms that could be effected by smoke from kitchens);
(b). Manual Call Point to be provided so that studio flat occupants travel no more than 15m to operate the call point.

Notes for Commissioning / Witnessing of the Cause & Affect:

Engineers - a minimum of 2 x Engineers required:
1 x at Master FA Panel control / reset;
1 x with test equipment at room locations
with steps as appropriate;
Equipment Required - fire alarm engineers to provide:
Smoke test equipment for individual heads;
A means of producing Heat to test detectors &
environmental changes to rooms;
Means of operating Manual Call Points (MCP);
Means of testing sounder levels;

UCL HALLS OF RESIDENCE ROOM TESTING SCHEDULE UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055A
Suggested Room Commission of Software Cause and Effect Confirmation Testing Schedule (local testing or other specific checks may also be required)
[Note to Fire Alarm Commissioning Engineers that this is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect desired but you should ensure that panel and device manufactures testing, commissioning
tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with]:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Issued: Jul 14 / Rev: 2 Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / Tel: 020 7679 1240 / Email: fire@ucl.ac.uk 3. of 4.
This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements, but does not replace the relevant manufactures instructions, British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities

Room Test Outcome Test Procedure Outcomes Result
One
Cluster
Bedrooms &
Studio
Rooms
Test to check local fire alarm to
room only or rooms within the
locale only and auto-reset after
appropriate time achieved
[Test to simulate steam from
shower, cooking or individual
smoking type activities within the
room - with the aim that local
occupants resulting actions
prevents unwanted fire alarm
activation for whole building]
1. Smoke combination head using
appropriate test spray;
2. No further fire alarm input;
3. Fire Alarm (FA) sounder activates in
room only or each room within that
corridor;
4. FA room sounder stops after 5
minutes;
1. Head activated in fire mode;
2. Sounder activates in bedroom only or bedroom
and all surrounding bedrooms in corridor area;
3. Main Fire Alarm Panel (FAP) indicates Pre (fire)
Alarm in room address;
4. Sounder stops after 5 minutes;
Pass - if
outcomes
1-4
correctly
sequence
Two
Cluster
Bedrooms &
Studio
Rooms
Test to check local fire alarm to
room to identify environmental
change to room indicating heat
gain
[Test to simulate change in room
environment from warning only - to
fire alarm activation due to room
environment change & heat gain]
1. Smoke Combination Head using
appropriate test spray;
2. FA sounder activates in room only or
all rooms off corridor;
3. After a minute or so and introduce a
heat source to combined head to
simulate environment change that may
indicate a fire event;
1. Head activated in fire mode;
2. Sounder activates in bedroom or bedroom and
surrounding bedrooms within corridor only;
3. FAP indicates pre (fire) alarm in room address;
4. Heat should change FA system to fire event;
5. FAP changes to fire indication to room address;
6. Fire alarm fully activates and building evacuation
initiated for all occupants;
7. Sounders activate across the building for fire;
8. FAP reset manually, once fire alarm dealt with;
Pass - if
outcomes
1-8
correctly
sequence

UCL HALLS OF RESIDENCE ROOM TESTING SCHEDULE UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055A
Suggested Room Commission of Software Cause and Effect Confirmation Testing Schedule (local testing or other specific checks may also be required)
[Note to Fire Alarm Commissioning Engineers that this is a general guide only, to achieving the cause & affect desired but you should ensure that panel and device manufactures testing, commissioning
tests and instructions, British Standards and/or other relevant instructions guidance or requirements are also complied with]:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Issued: Jul 14 / Rev: 2 Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / Tel: 020 7679 1240 / Email: fire@ucl.ac.uk 4. of 4.
This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements, but does not replace the relevant manufactures instructions, British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities

Room Test Outcome Test Procedure Outcomes Result
Three
Cluster
Bedrooms &
Studio
Rooms
Test to check local fire alarm to
room only and second /
consequence fire detection
activates
[Test to simulate that smoke from
room incident migrates from local
room and activates local detection
in adjoining corridor]
1. Smoke Combination Head using
appropriate test spray;
2. FA sounder activates in room or
bedroom and surrounding bedrooms in
corridor area only;
3. After a minute or so introduce smoke
simulation to nearest smoke head in
adjoining corridor to simulate smoke
migration from room of origin to indicate
a possible fire event;
1. Head activated in fire mode;
2. Sounder activates in bedroom or bedroom and
surrounding bedrooms in corridor area only;
3. FAP indicates Pre (fire) Alarm in room address;
4. Activation of second detector outside of room
should change FA system to fire event;
5. FAP changes to fire indication in room and
corridor address;
6. FA fire activates and building evacuation initiated
for all occupants;
7. Sounders for fire activation across the building;
8. FAP reset manually, once fire alarm dealt with;
Pass if
outcomes
1-8
correctly
sequence
Four
Cluster
Bedrooms &
Studio
Rooms
Test to check local fire alarm and
second / consequence fire
detection activates
[Test to simulate that fire or
incident in room or local occupants
raising the alarm due to the
activation of local fire alarm Manual
Call Point (MCP) in adjoining
corridor]
1. Smoke Combination Head using
appropriate test spray;
2. FA sounder activates in room only or
room and surrounding bedrooms in
corridor area;
3. After a minute or activate the local
Manual Call Point (MCP) in adjoining
corridor/staircase to simulate incident or
possible fire event;
1. Head activated in fire mode;
2. Sounder activates in bedroom only or bedroom
and surrounding rooms in corridor area;
3. FAP indicates Pre (fire) Alarm in room address;
4. Activation of local MCP should change FA system
to fire event;
5. FAP changes to fire indication in room and MCP
address;
6. FA fire activates and building evacuation initiated
for all occupants;
7. Sounders for fire activation across the building;
8. FAP reset manually, once fire alarm dealt with;
Pass if
outcomes
1-8
correctly
sequence

UCL Fire Technical Note No: 055
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Aug 14 13.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of requirements,
but does not replace the relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
20.0. Sleeping Risk Equipment Overview
20.1. General equipment overview required by UCL for new and existing fire alarm systems
on upgrading refurbishment etc (where practical):
Items / Devices Details Protocols & Remarks
Fire Panels
C-TEC - XFP Range
www.c-tec.co.uk;
Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable
Manual Call
Points
Apollo or KAC Type to Suite Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable
Smoke Detectors Apollo Range - Type to Suite Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable
Heat Detectors Apollo Range - Type to Suite Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable
Multi-Sensing
Detectors
Apollo Discovery Range Open Protocol / Apollo / Addressable
Bells 8 / 10 To suite Open Protocol / Addressable
Sounders Apollo / Fulleon Range - Type to Suite Open Protocol / Addressable
Voice Sounders Vimpex Firecryer Open Protocol / Addressable
Beam Detectors
Open Area Smoke Imaging Detection
(OSID) by xtralis
Open Protocol / Addressable
(www.xtralis.com)
Building Interface Philip Payne 2784 Range
Fire Alarm Activated Do not Enter
illuminated signs
Cables
FP 200 Gold (or equivalent)
MIC (where required by BS5839-1)
Red unless aesthetic consideration
required
Visual Indicators
Do not blanket cover for DDA - separate
arrangements at UCL
Red LED indicators fitted to sounder
units
Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Warning
Systems
Deaf Message Service (DMS) or similar
texting system
Special purchase arrangments
Alarmscom Ltd
http://www.alarmscom.co.uk
Discuss with UCL Fire Safety Manager
End