Specification 23 Residential fire safety systems
S23C1
Scope
2019: Spec E2.2d: 1
This Specification describes the requirements for residential fire safety systems referenced in Specification 18.
To state the criteria for residential fire safety systems as referenced in Specification 18.
S23C2
Application
2019: Spec E2.2d: 1
- apply to Class 3 residential care buildings; and
- cover installation requirements for local fire indicator panels (or alarm panels) that provide information to staff when a fire alarm is activated.
S23C3 to S23C7 provide directives for all fire control centres. They address the installation of local fire indicator or alarm panels that notify staff of fire alarm activations specifically in Class 3 residential care buildings.
S23C8 and S23C9 outline the procedures to connect residential sprinkler systems of Class 2 buildings, Class 3 buildings and residential care buildings, to fire stations or other monitoring services.
S23C3
General requirements
2019: Spec E2.2d: 2(a)
- directly from the low voltage supply mains; or
- from an extra-low voltage power source originating at a local fire indicator panel with a battery back-up facility.
- an audible alarm is given in the area in which the smoke alarm activates; and
- visible and audible indication of an alarm is provided at the local fire indicator panel; and
- an audible alarm is given in any area (including sleeping quarters and staff outbuildings) set aside for staff use.
- be determined by the maximum current output rating of the system source; and
- not exceed 10.
- an audible fault signal must sound at the local fire indicator panel if that power source fails; and
- the local fire indicator panel must be permanently connected to a reliable 240 V separate low voltage final sub-circuit; and
- source power must be protected by a separate circuit breaker, or fuse, supplied from the live side of the main switch.
To prescribe installation parameters for residential fire and smoke alarm systems.
Includes the installation parameters for residential local fire alarm systems. These systems can either be directly powered from the mains or powered from a local fire indicator panel equipped with a battery back-up. Variations and specific criteria, including sound pressure levels and wiring specifications, are provided.
S23C4
Local fire indicator panel
2019: Spec E2.2d: 2(b)
- A suitable mains power supply with battery back-up (capable of operating the system for 12 hours) for the local fire indicator panel and extra-low voltage smoke alarms supplied directly from the local fire indicator panel.
- Terminals for input signal conductors from the smoke alarm and residential sprinkler system and, if the signal source is from a low voltage smoke alarm, external isolation must be provided.
- Visible indication of the alarm zone in which the actuating device is located.
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Automatic audible and visible indication of the following faults:
- A break in the wiring of any circuit between smoke alarms or sprinkler alarm switch and the local fire indicator panel.
- Low battery condition.
- Automatic visible indication of mains power failure.
- Initiation of any ancillary control facilities such as smoke door release or air-conditioning shut-down.
- Local operation of individual smoke alarms, in the event of alarm zone isolation at the local fire indicator panel.
- must be on separate and distinct circuits; and
- when disabled or isolated, must not interfere with the operation of fire alarm circuitry.
To set out the technical and location specifications of the local fire indicator panel.
S23C5
Smoke alarms
2019: Spec E2.2d: 2(c)
To ensure the compatibility and configuration of both extra-low voltage and low voltage smoke alarms connected to the local fire indicator panel.
S23C6
Signal isolation interface units
2019: Spec E2.2d: 2(d)
To prescribe requirements for signal isolation interface units, ensuring proper operation and clear identification.
S23C7
Wiring
2019: Spec E2.2d: 2(e)
To specify technical requirements for wiring and ensure provision of standardised diagrams.
S23C8
Connection to monitoring service
2019: Spec E2.2d: 3(a)
- in a secure, accessible position; and
- in a weatherproof housing, if located externally; and
- not more than 500 mm from the system flow switch.
To provide the requirements for connecting residential sprinkler systems to external fire stations or other monitoring services.
S23C9
Indication at the fire indicator panel
2019: Spec E2.2d: 3(b)
The fire signal from the alarm signalling equipment must be mimicked by an audible and visible signal at the fire indicator panel.
To provide accurate information at the fire indicator panel to assist fire response activities.