Published: 30 April 2014
Category: Q&A
James asks this question, which is about smoke detectors situated in an area with varying ceiling height and whether this is an acceptable solution under BS 5839. 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: I’ve been asked to carry out a fire detection and alarm system design, part of which covers an area having a varying ceiling height - please refer to attached sketch of the arrangement for details (please use the link below to see it).
If I allowed for a smoke detector to be mounted on the higher level of ceiling, would this provide coverage over the lower level of ceiling area and be an acceptable solution under BS 5839?
Answer: As a rule, a detector should be mounted at the highest allowable point.
However, if there are many ceilings within a particular part of the building where ultimate fire detection is required, then the manufacturers of the detectors should be contacted to confirm whether the equipment situated in that position will afford adequate detection for full compliance with BS 5839 and for the intended use of the equipment.
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