There has recently been some interest in new standards – prEN54 parts 22 and 28 – that will apply specifically to linear heat detection cables. Currently, both these standards are provisional (pr) and cannot be used as a benchmark for performance or quality, or quoted in the specification for the design of a fire alarm system. However, at some point in the future, they will be made mandatory standards that all linear heat detection must adhere to.
Existing Standards
Almost all fire detection equipment currently being manufactured for use in Europe must conform to a relevant corresponding European standard (EN standard). In order to meet compliance, the equipment must receive third-party certification from a recognised authority such as BRE in the UK, VdS in Germany, KEMA in the Netherlands and other similar bodies.
When a product receives EN certification, it is approved for use across the entire European Union. Many countries outside of the EU also recognise EN standards and certification schemes as the benchmark standard.
While linear heat detection has been used for a number of years, there are currently no EN standards specifically for this type of heat detection. However, with its increasing popularity and growing acceptance in the marketplace, these new standards are being developed to ensure that new linear heat systems are reliable and safe for use in the EU.
prEN54 part 22 and 28
There are currently two types of linear heat detection available in the market: fixed temperature linear heat detection (FyreLine Digital) and analogue linear heat detection (FyreLine Analogue).
Fixed temperature, or digital, linear heat detection triggers an alarm once its rated temperature is met and cannot be reset after the alarm temperature has been reached.
Analogue linear heat cable continuously monitors for changes in temperature and can be reset once activated.
The two provisional EN standards will be introduced to cover both types of linear heat detection:
- prEN54 part 22 for resettable, analogue linear heat detection and;
- prEN54 part 28 for non-resettable, digital linear heat detection.
A date is yet to be set for the formal publication of these standards and manufacturers do not yet have access to the final draft of the standards since they entered the final review stage in 2011. Therefore, manufacturers are unable to design new cables or upgrade existing equipment to meet the new standards as they will likely dramatically change from the original draft. This, as well having to join the queue for 3rd party testing, will lead to a delay in production once the standards are finally released.
Current Approvals
FyreLine linear heat detection cables have the highest and most comprehensive set of 3rd party approvals compared to other linear heat detection systems and are all approved by internationally recognised testing authorities:
FyreLine Approvals
There is currently no EN standard for digital or analogue linear heat detection. However, well known North American organisations, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) publish standards to which fixed temperature linear heat cables can be tested.
This standard is technically demanding and very hard to meet. Therefore, fixed temperature linear heat and analogue linear heat cables that are certified by UL can be trusted to achieve maximum performance in even the most arduous areas.
According to UL, the spacing and height at which fixed temperature linear heat cables may be installed are comparable to the requirements for EN54 part 5 – the exact same standard to which conventional detectors are approved – making fixed heat linear detection easy to design and install.
Although there is no official requirement for linear heat at this time, it is essential that the systems you chose are safe and reliable in the meantime. By choosing a system with UL approval, you are doing just that.
For more information about the FyreLine Linear Heat Detection system, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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