FOGTEC announces new Water Spray System for tunnels

by Products

FOGTEC has designed and tested its state of the art Low Pressure Water Spray System for tunnels with the design complying with the requirements of NFPA 502 and the SOLIT Engineering Guideline.

Full scale fire tests proved the effectiveness of the system for severe HGV fires and have been carried out in compliance with Annex 7 of the SOLIT Guideline. The system consists of corrosion resistant pipework and nozzles, all of stainless steel, for a long lifetime in the tough tunnel environment.

FOGTEC’s well-known remote service section valves allow for highest system availability at lowest maintenance costs and there is no extra intervention in the tunnel for maintenance purposes required.

Low pressure systems are an option especially for shorter tunnels. For longer tunnels, high pressure water mist systems are more favourable due to low water consumption and reduced pipework sizes.

Further information will be published soon.

fogtec-international.com/

Apollo launches hybrid wireless fire detection range for schools

by Products
Apollo’s new XPander hybrid wireless range offers a comprehensive solution to many problems that present themselves when installing a fire detection system. It is quick to install and requires minimal cabling and is reportedly 75% quicker to install, in comparison to a wired system.
XPander has many applications, its versatility key to deciding on which type of system fits best for a building. Ideal applications:
  • Time-sensitive Projects
  • Minimising Disruption to Building Operations
  • Temporary Structures (i.e. marquees)
  • Annexes
  • To Minimise Disturbance of Asbestos Materials
  • To Preserve Building Fabric (e.g. in Heritage / List Buildings)

A great example of a time-sensitive ­project where XPander excels is in schools. A school is generally occupied most of the time and therefore being able to install an entire fire system without jeopardising safety is a tricky line to walk. So, a quick and compliant solution is needed.

XPander can be used during a remodelling project, for an off-campus outbuilding, or even to protect a temporary structure like a graduation marquee. The physical interface is wired onto the loop as standard, but the detectors can be placed inside of these areas wirelessly during the event and then can be removed when the marquees are taken down. This is much faster than hard wiring each time. You can take comfort in the knowledge that students are kept safe in every scenario.

Another challenge is making upgrades to a school system during summer holidays. You might only have a small window of opportunity to make the upgrades before the students return. Having to wire in a complete system just so that building work can be completed, only to remove all of that wiring hard work, is both costly and time-consuming. A wireless solution is ideal, it removes the need to delay construction, and shaves off time at the end of the project as there are no wires to remove. Just simply detach the detectors.

Similar issues occur in the healthcare sector. A hospital, for instance, is almost never vacant and therefore extensive wiring work would cause uncomfortable disruption. XPander would eliminate these concerns and installing a compliant fire system would cause minimal disturbance.

“XPander allowed for an easier install where the project area was an Emergency Care Department (inc A&E) where minimal intrusion on a live site was key. Wireless was the logical solution to bring these areas up to L1 standards with a new system.” : Apollo Customer Testimonial.

Temporary structures offer a unique challenge when trying to keep people safe from fire. COVID-19 Pods and temporary accommodation for medical staff / resources need to be protected without unwanted complications. XPander can be quickly added to the existing hospital fire system. An interface is placed on the loop, this device ‘manages’ all of the wireless devices fitted in the temporary structure. The devices even show up on the panel, as if it was wired into the loop. This secures the integrity of the existing system and makes sure that any necessary expansion is protected from fire.

COVID-19 has caused unexpected slowdowns within the construction and fire industry communities. But as the restrictions lift there will be an influx of work. And having a quick and easy solution at the ready could mitigate any further frustrations.

www.apollo-fire.co.uk/products/range/xpander

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection: bringing differentiation to a competitive market

by Products

Following Teledyne Technologies, Inc´s acquisition of 3M´s gas and flame detection business, a new company, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, has been established under the Teledyne banner. The business has a long and successful track record spanning more than 100 years, supporting a wide range of industries and customers with their gas and flame detection needs.

So, will Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection bring differentiation to this competitive marketplace? With the formation of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, the market can indeed expect a major USP that sets it apart from existing players: the company has become the specialised brand in gas and flame detection, offering wide product knowledge and expertise in this niche area.

A proven and extensive range of measurement, detection and wireless technologies, set alongside the unrivalled skills and innovation of employees who have been with the business for many years, can meet the needs of customers in all market segments. Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is adopting a dedicated, one-stop supplier strategy that delivers the optimum solution for the application, every time.

Teledyne is not unfamiliar with this blueprint, as the Gas and Flame Detection business utilises similar technology, which compliments its portfolio of environmental instrumentation products and services supplied to related markets and have proven to be highly successful for many years.

The products of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection comprise both fixed and portable instruments designed for demanding applications in sectors such as oil and gas, food and beverage, marine and public utilities. These rugged yet reliable and precise gas and flame detection solutions offer fast response times, durability and intrinsically safe instrumentation, while satisfying multiple international certification standards.

The company has pledged to bring stability to the established brands of Oldham Simtronics, Gas Measurement Instruments (GMI), Detcon and the former Scott Safety gas detection range, which together have amassed over 100 years of experience across a wide range of standard and customised products, solutions and services.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection unifies these four industry leaders, creating a strategic insight that provides smart, first-in-class solutions with a future focus. Teledyne Detcon, for example, is a leader in fixed gas detection and innovative wireless solutions for use in harsh environments, while the Teledyne Oldham Simtronics brand specialises in high-end gas and flame detection solutions using advanced technologies and multi-market, cost-effective fixed gas detection solutions.

The former Scott Safety gas and flame portfolio, now under the Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection brand, is rooted in the safety of people and plants in an industrial setting, and completing the picture Teledyne GMI is an expert in portable gas detection and a market leader in the gas distribution/utilities sector.

Every second of every day, the dependable Gas and Flame Detection systems and portable gas monitors manufactured under these brand names are making workplaces safer around the world. For this reason, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has introduced a new global tagline that captures the capabilities of the business: ´Always sensing safety, everywhere you look´.

Despite the company´s comprehensive and proprietary portfolio of innovative solutions, one size does not always fit all. If a standard solution cannot be identified, the Application Engineering group within Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can provide a bespoke offering based on complete end-to-end consulting that embraces design, equipment specification, installation, maintenance and service. The in-house team, which comprises a global network of professionals with more than 50 years´ combined experience in fixed gas detection and integration consulting, has the capability to assess hazardous environments anywhere in the world.

Working alongside client teams in a consultative approach, the expert perspective offered by the Application Engineering group ensures that custom solutions are according to specific requirements such as advanced technology within nuclear research and space exploration. As part of this customer-first strategy, projects are kept on track using proactive analysis that harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies such as 3D simulations, custom wireless solutions and gas-plume modelling.

Importantly, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can leverage its global network of distributors offering sales and service expertise – alongside its manufacturing excellence and custom engineering – to provide turnkey gas and flame detection solutions for a vast range of hazards. With an industry-leading, comprehensive portfolio of products and services, its commitment to cross-platform integration is purpose-designed to provide protection for today and confidence for tomorrow.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is a leading solutions provider for gas and flame detection products due to many unique qualities that include product expertise, game-changing adaptability in challenging environments, wide reaching international distribution and service, and its Application Engineering group.

Product reliability in critical situations, whether it refers to detectors, controllers, monitoring systems or wireless technologies, is a further business attribute. By using a reputable detection expert such as Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, customers can avoid compromising the health and safety of their teams. The company knows the history of the market, the current landscape, and has a strong handle on innovation and vision for the years ahead.

Ultimately a new – yet established – global leader in safety-focused gas and flame detection solutions is now active in the market; one with detection in its DNA. Based on a relationship-driven business model, the company’s priority is simple: protecting assets, operations, the environment and, most importantly, lives. Every day, hundreds of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection employees are mobilised to offer effective solutions for their customers’ assets, supporting and protecting workforces around the world.

For more information, visit www.teledynegasandflamedetection.com/en

Venari Group partners with Avon Protection for thermal imaging camera distribution

by ProductsThermal Imaging

Avon Protection, has announced Venari Group as its new distributor of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) for the UK fire market.

The agreement will see Venari commence distributorship of Avon’s ‘argus’ range of TICs with immediate effect. The British-manufactured argus technology has been the market leader within the UK fire and rescue industry for three decades, having continually invested in R&D and product innovation. Its evolved ‘Mi-TIC’ unit is the world’s smallest NFPA 1801-certified thermal imager for firefighting applications.

After launching into the fire market in early 2020 we have made significant strides forward, having acquired the UK’s biggest and most established ambulance manufacturer, O&H Vehicle Technology. We have also been announced as the UK manufacturer of Ziegler Group’s technologically advanced range of firefighting vehicles – providing world-class fire truck technology whilst wholly manufacturing in Britain.

Now, with the latest evolution in the Mi-TIC’s legacy, Venari will be tasked with spearheading customer care, sales and marketing for the UK fire and ambulance services, from its state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. emergency vehicle manufacturing facility.

Avon Protection European Sales Director, Mark Ridsdale commented: “I’ve worked with Oliver and many of the Venari team in the past and very much look forward to working with them again. Their passion for the Mi-TIC thermal imager completely mirrors that of our own which is an extremely exciting prospect for the UK fire and rescue services.

“With our latest development of Mi-TIC, incorporating the IGNIS engine, it means our thermal imaging camera can provide absolute clarity to firefighters in the most demanding situations. For our TIC be supplied and backed up by Venari’s incredibly efficient team will provide an excellent platform for our market share to solidify its position as the UK market leader.”

Venari Group CEO, Oliver North, added: “Avon Protection’s world-class range of TICs has long been at the forefront of UK firefighting strategy. Alignment of Avon and Venari completely champions the importance and significance of strengthening UK manufactured products.

“Avon Protection is genuinely one of the most exciting companies I’ve had the privilege of working with in my career to-date, and continuation of our previously very dynamic partnership is one which I’m excited to re-ignite.

“I’ve previously had seven years of experience with the Mi-TIC, and I’m thrilled to represent it to its fullest potential in both the UK fire and rescue market as well as the ambulance market with hazardous area response teams (HART) teams. Many of the wider team at Venari are also hugely experienced with the incredible Mi-TIC and wholeheartedly share my passion for the range.”

venari-group.com

Holmatro introduces the new Pentheon Series

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The Pentheon Series offers a much higher speed than other rescue equipment. This is thanks to a new and patented mechatronic system inside these tools. This system continuously optimises the motor and pump settings to deliver a maximised oil flow over the full pressure range. Where all other rescue tools show a significant decrease in speed when switching to another stage to deal with higher loads, Holmatro Pentheon tools stick to the ideal stepless speed curve.

Being much faster than previous generations of rescue tools Pentheon tools are equipped with a two-mode control handle for ultimate speed control. This enables rescuers, at any time during the rescue operation, to choose between the tools’ high-speed and low-speed modes. Within these modes, the speed is still proportional to how far you turn the control handle to its left or right.

With Holmatro Pentheon tools battery management is as easy as just plugging it in. Thanks to On-Tool Charging you can charge the battery while it remains on the tool. This means you don’t need to swap batteries all the time. Simply connect the tool to the charger and the whole charging process will regulate itself. The battery on the tool always has priority over the one on the charger, which will resume charging when the battery on the tool is 100% full. Three chargers can be connected in series to be powered from a single outlet. This allows you to charge a total of 6 batteries without any management, whether placed on a charger or on a tool connected to it.

The Pentheon Series consists of the following rescue tool models: Inclined Cutter PCU50, Spreader PSP40, Telescopic Ram PTR50 and Combi Tool PCT50.

The tips on the spreader have pointed teeth on both sides that bite into the material. The middle row of teeth is taller and offers instant grip. The teeth on the outside alternately point in the opposite direction, which allows for a superior grip over the full spreading range. Finally, an interlocking profile results in reduced insertion dimensions.

Another user-friendly feature of the Pentheon Series is the Smart Extension of the telescopic ram. As soon as you connect the optional extension pipe, the ram will automatically adapt its force to the new maximum length of 1804 mm / 71 inches that can be achieved. Thanks to this solution Holmatro can offer you one compact ram for all applications, including cross ramming over a large distance.

There are many more unique features & benefits of Pentheon rescue tools, such as temperature management technology (which allows you to keep working in extremely hot conditions) and underwater use.

www.holmatro.com/pentheon

Danfoss launch new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun

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Danish engineering group, Danfoss, have launched the new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun product version 2.0.

Through engineering and research, the company have developed a fire fighting product that is an immediate and efficient tool for the fire brigade and non-professionals to use in the fight against fire. The fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun is part of the 1st emergency response strategy in case of a fire – saving fire departments valuable time.

The new SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun replaces the traditional design consisting of sprinkler system and separate hose reel system, whilst adding a series of advantages within installation, integration and operation. The most important goal is to offer the best possible efficiency when fighting fire and protect people, equipment and assets.

The SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun is designed for direct connection to a high-pressure water mist system for fire fighting, meaning there is no need for separate installations and separate systems.                                                      

Precision & simplicity in handling have been crucial parameters in developing the product, according to the manufacturer. The 50m hose is thin and extra flexible for added ease of handling and a larger coverage area.

There is also extra flexibility in installation – by turning the cabinet around and by reassembling the internal main components, the fire cabinet door can be changed to left or right hinged. The fire cabinet has pre-cut holes for piping, which allow for extra flexibility in installation.

The SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinets can be connected directly to the high-pressure water mist piping network with very small branch pipes (OD 12 mm). Thus, a dedicated separate piping network is not needed. This means less time is spent on piping work, planning and installation as well as fewer components need to be installed on-site.

The SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system and the SEM-SAFE® fire hose reel cabinet with spray gun can share the same pump unit, leaving more space for other money generating activities.

semsafe.danfoss.com

Jactone achieves UL listing for detection tube range

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UK manufacturer of fire safety and signage products, Jactone, have recently achieved a UL listing for all variations of its detection tube, used in its range of PAFSS Fire Suppression Systems, whether Direct or Indirect application.

According to the company, the detection tube acts as a linear heat and flame detector and is at the heart of all PAFSS systems, providing fast and effective detection.

The UL Listing qualifies all Jactone PAFSS detection tube as a ‘Heat-automatic Fire Detectors – Component’, after comprehensive testing in accordance with ANSI / UL 521 – ‘Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems’.

Distributors and end users alike, can now be further assured of the increased level of approvals and quality that a PAFSS system offers.

Specifically, this new UL Listing applies to detection tube used in the following PAFSS fire suppression systems:

• LPS1666 certified Electrical Enclosure Systems
• LPS1223 certified Commercial Kitchen Systems
• UNECE107R Bus and Coach Systems
• PAFSS Fume Cupboard Systems
• All other PAFSS Systems

Jactone says: “We are confident this will be a welcome addition to our growing list of 3rd Party certifications for our comprehensive range of PAFSS Fire Suppression Systems.”

www.jactone.com/

ADJ Fire & Security and Hikvision launch thermal imaging cameras at Recycling Lives

by ProductsThermal Imaging

ADJ Fire & Security has provided a solution to improve fire safety via Hikvision’s thermal bullet cameras for Recycling Lives.

Recycling Lives is a recycling and waste management operation, using a commercial element to support and sustain charity programmes for offender rehabilitation, residential support and food redistribution. It’s reportedly an effective approach to social aid, and one that has earned four prestigious Queens Awards and numerous admirers, including Andy Moore, Managing Director of ADJ Fire & Security Limited. ADJ works with Recycling Lives to provide technology-based solutions to minimise risk at its sites.

“The whole company’s called Recycling Lives, because that’s what it does,” Moore explains. “It gives people a second chance, people who have come out of prison or who are homeless, and they help them back into society. It’s providing help to people who really need it, by giving them jobs and if necessary rehoming them if they need somewhere to stay until they get their own place. They’re a special company, definitely. ADJ is extremely proud to be associated with a company like Recycling Lives.”

Recycling Lives has sites across the UK was founded, and is run, by second generation recyclers, time-served experts with a wealth of industry knowledge, insight and contacts. Their charity and social enterprise teams provide residential accommodation for the homeless, help to reduce reoffending and redistribute food, directly supported by recycling, recruitment, compliance and waste management businesses. As a result, they create more than just environmental and financial value from their activities: they provide significant social value too.

At the Recycling Lives site in Preston, on Longridge Road, ADJ was asked to help devise a solution which could help the Recycling Lives staff prevent and detect fires on-site during and out of office hours, explains Moore.

“These fires can happen within waste piles on site, and can end up burning inside without any notification,” he says. “They can seriously flare up when the pile is disturbed. There are batteries stored on site from depolluted cars and these can also be a serious fire hazard if ignited.”

The camera uses image processing technology, including Adaptive Automatic Gain Control, Digital Detail Enhancement, 3D Dynamic Noise Reduction, and a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference of less than < 40mk. Its powerful behaviour analysis algorithm enables automatic smart detection including Line Crossing, Intrusion, and Region Entrance & Exit, and it also provides a reliable temperature exception alarm function and advanced fire detection algorithm. Temperature measurement range is -20℃ to 550℃ with ±2℃ accuracy.

The thermal imaging module provides 384 by 288 resolution, a high sensitivity sensor, and supports contrast adjustment and shutter adjustment in various modes. There are 15 palettes of adjustable colour available, and because this is a thermal imaging camera rather than a conventional CCTV device, there’s no need for additional lighting. 19 thermometric cameras were installed initially at the Preston site, with more set to be added in future.

“Cameras are located in the high-risk areas where fires could break out such as the plant rooms and stockpiles, shredder, and depollution areas,” Moore says. “When the cameras detect an increase in temperature that signifies a potential fire risk, they automatically raise an alarm and alert the client to the issue. That allows them to take action much more quickly than relying on traditional video or other forms of fire detection – they can react immediately even to the risk of fire breaking out.”

Recycling Lives Compliance Manager Dave Gallagher says: “The prevention of fire, and early detection of any fire that may break out, is of critical importance to protecting our people, infrastructure and the local environment. Whilst our risk controls have proved effective year after year, the opportunity to invest in new technology that enhances our ability to react fast in the event of an emerging fire hazard was one that was not to be missed.”

adjfireandsecurity.co.uk/adj/

Xtreme Mask – the latest advance in respiratory protection for wildfires

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Wildland firefighters are exposed to several labour risks; heat, humidity, radiation, incandescent particles, microparticles, nanoparticles, smoke, fog, aqueous dispersions, viruses, bacteria, enzymes, proteins, gases, organic and inorganic vapours, acids, amine and formaldehyde in slow combustion.

The lack of solutions to protect firefighters from these contaminant agents limits the time of fire management’s interventions and represents significant damage to the health of firefighters, with short-term consequences (causing discomfort, choking sensation and poisoning) and long-term sequel (continued exposure to CO and formaldehyde can lead to disabling occupational diseases and even cancer).

The Xtreme Mask is an effective solution to protect the face and the respiratory tract in extreme situations*.

A multipurpose device specifically designed for wildland firefighting

The Xtreme Mask adapts completely to every protection need that can occur in a wildfire. It allows the coupling of different filters according to the operative:

  • Firefighting – Reusable P3 particle filter (included). Protection against heat, humidity, radiation, incandescent particles, microparticles, nanoparticles, smoke, fog, aqueous dispersion, viruses, bacteria, enzymes, proteins.
  • Finish and interface – Reusable ABEK1P3 multigas filter (optional). Protection against heat, humidity, radiation, incandescent particles, microparticles, nanoparticles, smoke, fog, aqueous dispersion, viruses, bacteria, enzymes, proteins, gases and organic and inorganic vapours, acids, amine and formaldehyde in slow combustion.

Respiratory comfort with a high level of protection

Set consisting of a half mask with two exhalation valves (so that carbon dioxide escapes faster, increasing respiratory comfort), an interchangeable filter and a textile mask, certified according to EN 15614: 2007, which offers high protection against radiation.

The excellent fit and sealing of the half mask to the face and its direct connection to the filter multiply its degree of filtration, offering protection of up to 99.92%.

Comfortable and lightweight
Low nasal profile mask, adjustable on Caucasian, Asian, African-American and American faces. Compatible with most glasses available on the market.

Perfect integration with the rest of the protection equipment
Quick adjustment without removing the helmet, thanks to its double velcro® system.

All the components that make up this product have been manufactured following the requirements of the European Regulation.

Textile
EN ISO 11612:2015 – Protective clothing. Clothing to protect against heat and flame. Minimum performance requirements
EN ISO 13688:2013 – Protective clothing. General requirements.
EN 15614:2007 -Protective clothing for firefighters. Laboratory testing
methods and requirements for forestry clothing.

Half mask
EN 140:19998 – Respiratory protection equipment. Half mask.

P3 R Filter
EN 143:2004 + A1:2006 – Respiratory protection equipment. Filters against
particles. Requirements, testing, marking.

ABEK1P3 Filter
EN 14387:2004+A1:2008 – Respiratory protective devices. Gas filters and combined filters. Requirements, testing, marking

* Standards and regulations regarding labour risk prevention must be observed, as well as the suitability of their use and possible limitations.

For more information, visit: www.vallfirest.com

Nittan provides fire safety protection for Nottingham students

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Nittan Europe has had its Evolution analogue addressable fire detection system installed into a new student accommodation development in Beeston, Nottingham. The system was installed by Nottinghamshire based integrated safety and security solutions provider, TIS.

Dagfa House is a unique development of townhouses, clusters and studios adjacent to The University of Nottingham campus. It provides accommodation to 229 students and a range of leisure and study amenities. At the heart of the development is a Grade two listed building that dates back to the 18th-century and was converted into a school in 1948. This latest development has been undertaken by the Cassidy Group, which has over 30 years of experience in construction and property.

One of the key fire safety challenges posed by the Dagfa House development was the mix of accommodation blocks, with some being relatively small. A cost-effective fire detection system was required that could potentially evacuate each site in the event of a fire and that would also be future proof, with spares readily available.

A Nittan Evolution analogue addressable fire alarm system, comprising two individually networked systems, each utilising eight Evolution1 panels and Nittan devices was chosen as the solution. Chris Mills, Head of Fire Division at TIS explains: “TIS carried out market research of a number of fire alarm manufacturers before finally settling on the Nittan Evolution panel with Nittan devices which provided a single source approach while providing a cost effective and reliable solution.”

Evolution is Nittan’s advanced, premium fire system. Evolution uses ASIC technology in the sensors and sophisticated detection algorithms, combining extremely reliable fire detection together with a very high degree of protection against unwanted false alarms.  Its advanced, highly flexible protocol allows for substantial amounts of information to be transmitted at high speed and is not affected by the number of devices on the loop.

At Dagfa House, the Nittan Evolution1 Panel was selected because of its built-in network connectivity, making it extremely cost effective, plus its ease of installation and cause & effect configuration.

For the primary detection in the majority of locations, Nittan’s EV-PYS Optical Detector with built-in sounder was selected for convenience, due to the reduced cost and time required compared to installing separate detectors and sounders, as well as the combined detector/sounder providing a more aesthetically pleasing solution.

In the open areas, such as the cinema room, games room, common room and the communal garden terrace, Nittan EV-HIOP-SB High Output Sounder Beacon VADs were installed.  These devices provide high volume sound, EN 54-23 compliant visual alarm and are waterproofed to IP65, making them suitable for the outdoor areas.

One of the most important devices in any fire alarm system is Manual Call Points, which are strategically located in the Dagfa House development at points of evacuation. Nittan EV-MCP2-SCI Call Point with built in short circuit isolators were chosen to ensure the loops were adequately protected, so the system remains compliant even under short circuit fault conditions.  Each Call Point was also fitted with a hinged front cover for compliance with BS-5839-1: 2017, the code of practice for designing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems.

nittan.co.uk/