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Does fire alarm wiring have to be red, asks one of our readers? This Q & A is one of the thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area and answered by our Voltimum Experts.
Question:
Does fire alarm wiring have to be wired in red cable?
Answer:
Dan Jackson FIET,
No. Fire alarm wiring on a system designed to BS5839-1:2017 doesn’t have to be red, but it does have to be a unique colour that is different to other types of electrical wiring within the building.
Therefore, it is far more practical to wire fire alarms in red as it is industry practice.
If another cable colour is used, the client should agree a variation as part of the design prior to installation.
On handover of a fire alarm system, the as-fitted drawings should show the wiring routes and cable types. If another cable colour is used, you could make a note on the drawings for future maintenance and so other contractors are aware of the location of the cabling.
The mains power supply to the fire alarm panel forms part of the fire alarm system so would be subject to the colour requirement.
Fire alarm wiring for a domestic mains heats and smoke alarms can be wired in suitable domestic wiring in accordance with BS7671:2018.