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Should a fire alarm panel 230V mains supply be wired in fire rated cable or is it okay in non-fire rated cable if it has battery backup, asks our reader. This Q & A is one of the thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area and answered by our Voltimum Experts.
Question:
When installing a 230V mains supply from a distribution board to a fire alarm panel, should the cable be fire rated like you would wire zones or loops on a fire alarm system? Or is it okay being wired in non-fire rated cable because the panel has a battery, so if the mains supply is damaged in a fire, the system shall still function?
Answer:
Dan Jackson FIET,
The fire alarm panel mains supply will need to be wired in fire rated cabling. Fire detection and fire alarm systems are covered by BS5839-1:2017. The fire alarm panel mains supply is considered to be part of the fire alarm system.
BS5839-1:2017 section 26.1 states “The integrity of the mains supply to the system is also regarded as essential, even though the system has a standby supply. Accordingly, mains supply circuits need to be adequately protected against the effects of fire.”
In addition to the cabling being fire rated, it shall also need to be segregated from cables of other circuits to prevent any potential of malfunction such as damage from installation of other cables in trunking, conduits and ducting.
The cabling should have appropriate methods of support to provide sufficient resistance to the effects of fire.
Terminations and accessories used should minimize the probability of early failure in the event of fire. Terminals used should be constructed of materials that will withstand a similar temperature and duration to that of the cable.
It is advisable to consult the manufacturer of any accessory, cable or equipment you intend on using to ascertain the fire-resistant ratings.