Visual alarm devices for fire: An introduction and guide to BS EN 54-23

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

On 28 February 2012, BRE published Visual alarm devices for fire: An introduction and guide to BS EN 54-23.

The purpose of a visual alarm device (VAD) is to visually alert people within a building that there is a fire emergency. The primary means of giving warning of fire in a building is an audible signal (from a bell or electronic sounder) or a verbal message (from a voice alarm system). However, in many buildings the audible message needs to be supplemented by a visual alarm signal, eg as a means of giving warning to deaf and hard-of-hearing people, in areas of high ambient noise, in operating theatres or in broadcasting studios.

The product standard for VADs, BS EN 54-23, was published in 2010 and the deadline for compliance with the requirements of the Construction Products Directive (CPD) was March 2013. This Information Paper provides interpretations of the standard and guidance on how, together with Loss Prevention Code of Practice CoP 0001 for VADs used for fire warning, devices can be optimised and specified for use in the service environment.

This 12-page publication is intended for manufacturers of VADs, specifiers and installers. Its contents are:

• Introduction.
• Variables that affect the luminous intensity.
• The coverage volume test.
• Testing and approvals for VADs.
• Codes of practice for VADs.
• Conclusions.
• References.

Ref https://www.brebookshop.com/details.jsp?id=327102

--BRE Group

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