Manual systems rely on the building’s occupants to detect and provide a warning to others. The definition of manual is because there is no automatic trigger and fire alarms have to be manually activated. The most common application is a series of break glass call point units.
Category L – Automatic Fire Alarm Systems For The Protection of Life
Within the L category are five subcategories based on their effectiveness. L category fire alarm systems are categories as the most suitable for protecting life in premises and are specifically designed for this purpose. These systems are automatic and more advance than the previous category Manual (M) systems.
Category L1 Fire Alarm Systems – Maximum Life Protection
This is the fire alarm system with maximum coverage and is installed throughout all areas of the building. Automatic detection and manual call points are linked to a centralised alarm system which alerts the whole building if a fire starts. This is crucial as it offers the earliest possible warning of fire, so as to achieve the longest possible available time for escape, ensuring the safety of people inside. Because of the features of an L1 system, there are ideal for large premises and premise where early detection is crucial to increase the chances of escape and protect life.
Category L2 Fire Alarm Systems
L2 fire alarm systems include smoke detectors in all rooms and corridors that form parts of an escape route. Detectors also need to be included in rooms that are deemed high risks such as boiler rooms and plant rooms. L2 fire alarms are incredibly effective at warning people of fire before escape routes are impassable owing to the presence of fire, smoke or toxic gases.
Category L3 Fire Alarm Systems – Standard Life Protection
L3 standard life protection systems include detectors in all escape routes and also rooms that open onto escape routes. The primary objective of these systems is to give individuals in the building enough of an early warning to escape the premises before their exit is hindered by flames, smoke or toxic fumes.
L3 fire alarm systems are typically installed into commercial buildings such as office blocks.
Category L4 Fire Alarm Systems – Modest Life Protection
L4 Category fire alarm systems include detectors on escape routes only, comprising circulation areas and spaces such as corridors and stairways
Category L5 Fire Alarm Systems – Localised Life Protection
L5 fire alarm systems are typically used to tackle specific fire risks in a single location of the building. In some cases, a level 4 system may be appropriate with L5 system being installed in a high-risk area of the premises to recognise the increased risk.
Category P – Automatic fire alarm systems for the protection of property
Category P fire alarm systems are designed to protect property. These types of fire alarm systems need to have a remote link to an external monitoring station. The objective of category P fire alarm systems is to provide the earliest warning of a fire and minimise the time taken from ignition of a fire to detection and the subsequent attendance by the fire services, minimising loss to the property.
Category P1
Category P1 fire alarm systems are installed into premises where the building is crucial to the day to day operation of the business. Fire detectors are installed into all areas the property has maximum protection and any fire breakouts as detected as early as possible, reducing the risk of fire damage and subsequently reducing the financial impacts.
Category P2
With less coverage category, P2 systems are installed into high-risk areas of a premises only. The purpose of P2 fire alarm system is to provide early detection to high-risk areas which are the most likely sources of fires.
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