Published: 9 September 2014
Category: Q&A
Dan asks this question, which is about fire alarm system cable and/or conduit labelling. It has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Fire, Safety and Security):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: To what extent should we label fire alarm cabling or conduits?
Is there any regulatory requirement? I mean, there should be some identification for future maintenance crews, I would have thought. Can we please have your advice?
Answer: BS 5839 gives reference to the cables of fire alarm systems to be of a common colour, different to that of the general electrical installations, and the preferred colour is red.
These cables should be segregated from other cables.
Clause 37 of BS 5839-1 gives recommended good practice that should be followed by the installer. Where conduits are used, they should be clearly labelled to reduce the risk of any confusion from the general electrical installation. Normally, fire alarm cabling is labelled throughout the run of conduit and at its terminations.
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