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#1 Posted : 17 October 2005 15:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Steven
Can Fire Alarm Control Systems be boxed in? I have been asked the question as our control system is situated in the reception and it looks like an eye sore – apparently!!!!

I cannot find any information on this and would like to have some reference points when giving my answer.

My personal view is that as long as it is labelled so that appropriate personnel recognise its location then it should not be an issue

Your thoughts or advice appreciated.

Steve
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#2 Posted : 17 October 2005 15:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Smiff
I don't see why not, as long as the emergency services can access it as it shows the location of the alarm signal activiation.
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#3 Posted : 17 October 2005 22:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By ivorfire

Steven,
The purpose of the fire alarm panel in the reception is so that if the fire alarm was activated and someone phoned the fire service (passer by) when the premise was unoccupied, the fire crew who attends should be able to see the panel externally.

This information is contained with in the BS 5839. Therefore it is advisable not to "box in" the panel.

Hope this helps,
Shaun
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#4 Posted : 18 October 2005 11:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Modern panels tend to look impressive and 'high-tec'. I don't know why you want to cover yours but you will need to ensure that it is readily identifiable by the brigade when they turn up.
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#5 Posted : 19 October 2005 08:15:00(UTC)
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Posted By Fred Pratley
The problem with boxing the alarm panel in, is that the panel displays a visual and audible alarm for faults - If the power supply failed locally to the panel, you will have a panel alarm going, but that will be nicely muted (if not silenced) by the box and you can't see the warning light! Once the battery fails thats that, and also your insurance cover....(required to have a working alarm??)

There is nothing wrong with fitting an outer cover to supply wires etc to improve appearance, and if anything, look at improving the labels on the panel. Clean it up and make it a feature, giving the message that safety is taken seriously!

I don't think there is any rule on boxing in a panel, but I would strongly advise against doing so.

regards Fred
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#6 Posted : 19 October 2005 13:22:00(UTC)
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Posted By Steven
Thank you for all your opinions and advice. I have given my point of view regarding health and safety matters and thankfully they have agreed to not box in the control panels.

steve
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#7 Posted : 20 October 2005 00:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Allen Higginson
Basic advice from 5839 (20020 is as follows -
Location.
Ideally locate at entrance in an easy to access and view location with low ambient noise unless there is a permanently manned control room. In non 24 hour buildings it is desirable that the panel or the information on the area in fire can be viewed from the outside.
The area in which the panel is located should be covered by automatic detection unless it is in a very low risk area or permanently manned area.
In multiple occupancy premises it should be in the communal or most generally occupied part.

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#8 Posted : 21 October 2005 19:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Graeme Millar
to back up Allen the answer is no.
For reasons that it has to be visable at all times and easily accessible for users and engineers.
If the control panel is old then it will probably be an eyesore,if it's a old conventional type then upgrade the panel.They are relatively cheap.
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