Q & A of the Day - Must I segregate a fire alarm system LV supply?

23.03.2009
ECA
 

Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning fire alarm panel LV supply segregation, is answered by the ECA:



LV wiring segregation from ELV?
LV wiring segregation from ELV?
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Question: Could you please advise me as to whether the LV (230V) supply to a fire alarm control panel should be segregated from the ELV (24V) fire alarm circuits themselves.

The ELV fire alarm wiring is to be installed onto a basket system at least 300mm away from the general LV wiring. Can I install the supply cable in the same basket as the ELV fire alarm cables or can it go in with the general LV wiring? Or, should it be segregated from both the general LV wiring and the ELV fire alarm wiring? This fire alarm system will be wired using Red FP '200' on both LV and ELV.

Answer: It is good practice to segregate ELV cables from LV cables. However, where the fire alarm system ELV cables have an integral screen and the same rating as the LV cables, they can be run on/in the same containment. However, I do recommend that you check your client's specification - if one exists.

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The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)
ECA Head Office, ESCA House,
34 Palace Court, London W2 4HY
Tel: 020 7313 4800
Fax: 020 7221 7344
Email: electricalcontractors@eca.co.uk
Web: www.eca.co.uk
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Source: ECA & James Hunt

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