Businesses differ from each other, and so do the fire alarm categories. By choosing a fire alarm of the correct category, you can ensure that your staff remains safe and there are no risks to your property. MM Electrical, the leading company for fire Alarm installation in London, has brought you this blog to know more about the categories of fire alarms.
Fire Alarm Installation London: Fire Alarm Grades
Fire alarm grades range from A to F, with A being the highest and F being the lowest. Domestic properties in London should have a fire alarm in the range D to F that requires connection to the mains supply.
Businesses that have grades A to C usually have fire detection and alarm systems that are comprised of heat detectors, fire alarms, and sounders.
Fire Alarm Categories
Fire alarm categories and grades are different. Categories tell the level of protection a system provides as per BS5839 standards. Here is a look at different categories :
Category M: Manual Fire Alarm Installation System
According to electrical services in London, the manual fire alarm systems are the most basic. In this, employees have to operate the alarms physically upon the discovery of fire.
Category L1: Maximum Life Protection Automated Fire Alarm System
The electricians in London define L1 as the most comprehensive fire alarm system that has multiple detectors in all parts of the building where fire could start, including cupboards and roof spaces.
The goal of this system is to provide the earliest warning for the occupants to save their lives.
Category L2: Additional Life Protection
The fire installation company in London uses L2 alarm systems when the clients want advanced warning of a fire in another room. In this, fire and smoke alarms are placed in high-risk rooms, and escape routes are opened, leading to fire exits. L2 fire alarm systems place fire detectors in the areas where the risk of ignition is high such as a kitchen.
Category L3: Standard Life Protection
Category L3 is sometimes known as standard life protection alarm systems that are placed along all the escape routes leading from the interior to the exterior of the premises. The L3 system does not place alarms close to high-risk sources of ignition. The goal here is to ensure that the building occupants receive sufficient warning to get out of the building before smoke and toxic fumes begin to stop their exit.
Category L4: Modest Life Protection
The L4 systems will place detectors only along the escape routes and hallways and not in the individual rooms. Businesses that use L4 systems usually operate in a low-risk environment where anyone can exit quickly in case of fire.
Ground floor offices, for example, may only require Category L4 fire alarm systems at entry points, as staff can evacuate the building quickly in the event of an emergency.
However, London electricians say that L4 systems are generally not suitable for multi-storey office buildings, where evacuation via stairwells may take longer and require earlier warning.
Category L5 – Localised Life Protection Fire Alarm Installation System
Category L5 fire alarm systems are designed to address specific fire risks in high-hazard areas. These systems are typically supplementary and are installed in addition to broader alarm coverage.
For instance, a factory might install additional fire detection equipment in areas where welding takes place due to the increased risk of ignition from sparks.
Unlike other categories, L5 systems are tailored to the unique needs of specific areas rather than the building as a whole. A business might implement an L4 system across general areas, while incorporating L5 protection in high-risk zones.
For example, a company may install an L5-compliant fire detection system in its server room, where equipment is both valuable and fire-prone, without altering the coverage in the rest of the building.
Learn More About Fire Alarm Categories with the Best Fire Alarm Installation Company in London
Knowing so many categories of fire alarms available and knowing which one to install on your premises can be challenging. Fortunately, MM Electrical, company expert in Fire Alarm Installation in London can help you by consulting with your business and providing advice to the clients on what fire alarm category they should be using.
Get in touch with our fire alarm installation company in London for a free survey. Do not leave it to chance, as your safety is in your hands.
