What is BS EN 54-23 – Fire visual alarm devices about?
BS EN 54 is a European Standard on fire detection and fire alarm systems. It aims to establish operationally efficient safety equipment and systems that play a positive role during a fire emergency.
BS EN 54-23 is the 23rd part of the multi-series that specifies the requirements, test methods, and performance criteria for visual alarm devices in a fixed installation intended to signal a visual warning of fire between the fire detection and fire alarm system and the occupants.
BS EN 54-23 is intended to cover only those devices which derive their operating power by means of a physical electrical connection to an external source such as a fire alarm system.
BS EN 54-23 applies only to pulsing or flashing visual alarm devices, for example, xenon beacons or rotating beacons. BS EN 54-23 is not intended to cover visual indicators, for example, those on detectors or on the control and indicating equipment.
Who is BS EN 54-23 – Fire visual alarm devices for?
BS EN 54-23 on visual alarm devices is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of fire alarm devices
- Manufacturers of visual alarm devices
- Product design engineers
- Fire safety department
- Alarm receiving centres
- Insurers
- Entities involved in fire safety engineering
- Local authorities
Why should you use BS EN 54-23 – Fire visual alarm devices?
The purpose of a visual fire alarm device (VAD) is to warn person(s) within, or in the vicinity of, a building of the occurrence of a fire emergency in order to enable such person(s) to take appropriate measures.
BS EN 54-23 allows manufacturers to specify VADs in terms of the range at which the required illumination is met. Three categories of device are defined, one for ceiling mounted devices, one for wall mounted devices and an open category. The maximum range of the VAD is tested by measuring the light output in a hemisphere surrounding it to determine its light distribution. As the light output of some VADs can change over time due, for example, to the effect of self-heating, a test has been introduced to check that the variation of light output over time is within an acceptable limit.
BS EN 54-23 gives common requirements for the construction and robustness of VADs as well as for their performance under climatic, mechanical and electrical interference conditions which are likely to occur in the service environment. VADs are classified in one of two application environment types, i.e. Type A and Type B. More severe climatic conditions are applied to devices that are primarily intended for outdoor applications (Type B) than those primarily intended for indoor applications (Type A).
BS EN 54-23 also specifies the evaluation of conformity and the marking of the visual alarm devices.
Overall, BS EN 54-23 can ensure your visual alarm devices play a positive role in the optimal performance of fire detection and fire alarm systems, for successful emergency response.
