What is BS EN 54-13 - Fire detection and fire alarm systems about?
BS EN 54 is a European Standard that discusses fire detection and alarm systems, so as to reduce the risk of death or serious injury during a fire outbreak.
BS EN 54-13 is the 13th part of the multi-series that specifies the requirements for compatibility and connectability assessment of components of fire detection and fire alarm systems.
BS EN 54-13 also specifies requirements for the integrity of the fire detection and fire alarm system when connected to other systems.
BS EN 54-13 is applicable to systems where the components are interconnected by electrical wires or optical fibre or by radiofrequency links or by any combination. For other interconnection technology between components, this standard may be used as guidance.
Note: BS EN 54-13 does not specify the manner in which the system is designed, installed, and used in any particular application and does not cover components or functions which are not included in FDAS like functions achieved by a building management system.
Note: Other European Standards are expected to cover the requirements of the other systems which may be connected to the fire detection and fire alarm system.
Who is BS EN 54-13 - Fire detection and fire alarm systems for?
BS EN 54-13 on fire detection and fire alarm systems is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of fire detection and fire alarm devices
- Entities involved in design, installation, maintenance, commissioning of fire detection and fire alarm systems
- Fire safety engineering
- Fire safety department
- Installers
- Regulatory bodies
Why should you use BS EN 54-13 - Fire detection and fire alarm systems?
The fire detection function is to detect a fire at the earliest practicable moment and to give signals and indications so that appropriate action can be taken. Meanwhile, the fire alarm function is to give, at least, audible and/or visible signals to the occupants of a building who may be at risk from fire.
BS EN 54-13 provides a separate voice alarm system that can be assessed for compatibility and connectability independently of the fire detection and alarm system.
The intended use of BS EN 54-13 is to demonstrate the compatibility and connectability of components even if they are not defined by an EN 54 standard.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 54-13:2017+A1:2019 supersedes BS EN 54‑13:2017, which is withdrawn. The main technical modifications are the following:
- The standard is applicable to electrical wires, optical fibre, or radiofrequency connection
- EN 54-1:2011 is taken into account and leads to delete the flowchart of functions
- Introduction of levels (field, control, and management) and network transmission path to consider the new technique of configuration
- Transfer of product requirements covering partial open and partial short circuits to an optional clause included in EN 54-2
