LIBRARY // MEP COORDINATION

Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems Coordination

Detectors, sounders and call points are small, but they're among the most important devices in a building.

Fire alarm and life safety systems detect fires, warn occupants and support safe evacuation. They include detectors, alarms, control panels, emergency lighting and signage. Many of their elements are visible, and they interface with other building systems, so coordination matters.

Fire alarm system elements

• Smoke and heat detectors
• Manual call points or pull stations
• Sounders, beacons and voice alarm speakers
• Fire alarm control panels
• Interfaces with other systems

Design standards

Fire alarm systems follow standards such as:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, widely used in the US
• BS 5839: fire detection and alarm systems in the UK, with parts for non-domestic and domestic buildings

The engineer applies the relevant code and standard.

Detector positions

Detectors have spacing and position rules. Coordinate them with ceiling layouts, lights, diffusers and sprinklers. Avoid placing detectors where airflow from diffusers affects them.

Control panels

Main panels are often located near the main entrance or fire service access point, as required by the fire strategy. Repeater panels may be needed at other entrances. Coordinate their location and wall space.

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting helps people find exits when normal lighting fails. Coordinate fittings with lighting layouts and ceiling designs. In the UK, BS 5266 provides guidance.

Exit signage

Exit signs must be visible and positioned according to code. Coordinate them with interior design and wayfinding.

Interfaces with other systems

Fire alarms often interface with:

• Sprinkler flow switches
• Smoke control systems
• Fire dampers
• Door hold-open devices and access control
• Lifts
• HVAC shutdown

Interfaces need coordination between engineers and suppliers. A cause and effect matrix often documents how systems respond.

Smoke control

Smoke control systems, such as smoke vents and pressurisation, interact with fire alarms and Architectural elements like vents, louvres and doors.

Refuges and communication

Some buildings need disabled refuge areas with emergency voice communication systems. Coordinate their locations with stair layouts.

Visible appearance

Detectors, sounders and signs are visible. Coordinate their positions with ceilings and walls, and discuss options that reduce visual impact.

Testing and maintenance

Coordinate the cause and effect

The cause and effect matrix explains how each system responds to an alarm. Review it with the fire engineer, because it may affect doors, lifts and ventilation that the Architect has specified.

1. 01Fire alarm system elements
2. 02Design standards
3. 03Detector positions
4. 04Control panels
5. 05Emergency lighting
6. 06Exit signage

Plan for phased occupation

If parts of a building open in phases, fire alarm systems must protect occupied areas while work continues elsewhere.

Coordinated fire alarm and life safety systems protect occupants and integrate neatly into the building.

If your team needs extra production capacity for work like this, take a look at our Architectural production services, or tell us about your project.