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A GUIDE TO COMPLIANCE AND BEST PRACTICES FOR AS-FITTED DRAWINGS
As part of the documentation process, when installing or modifying a fire alarm system, as-fitted drawings must be provided for the works undertaken. Let us guide you through what these drawings should include.
Firstly, you will need adequate drawings of the building(s). In situations where you can obtain full CAD quality plans, this is a great start. However, as these are not always available, hand-drawn sketches will also suffice if they are an accurate representation of the building. Remember, you will need these for the zone plan too; so, these should include all exits, circulation areas and stairs as a minimum.
Once you have your building drawings, here is a guide on what to include:
1. THE POSITIONS OF ALL CONTROL, INDICATING AND POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT
The positions of all the fire alarm control panels, repeater panels and all associated power supplies. Also include the battery cabinets, if these are installed and remote to the panels, sometimes these are situated in cupboards or storerooms nearby.
2. THE POSITIONS OF ALL MANUAL CALL POINTS, FIRE DETECTORS AND FIRE ALARM DEVICES
Mark the positions of all the fire alarm system devices. Use a different symbol for each type of device, these can be simple if you are not working on CAD. The main thing to remember here is to include a key or legend, detailing what each of the symbols are. When marking the positions of interfacing equipment, detail what these are individually interfacing with the fire alarm. (e.g. Access Control, Lift, Door Holders) Add all address numbers (including loop designation) for addressable systems, and all positions of end-of-line resistors. This is usually just noted as ‘EOL’ next to the relevant devices. It is useful to also state the circuit that the EOL relates to, e.g. EOL Z1 for the end of the Zone 1 circuit or EOL SCCT2 for the end of sounder circuit 2.
3. THE POSITIONS OF ALL EQUIPMENT THAT MIGHT REQUIRE ROUTINE ATTENTION OR REPLACEMENT (E.G. SHORT CIRCUIT ISOLATORS AND REMOVE INDICATORS)
These are all other items pertaining to the fire alarm system installed. Where short circuit isolators are integral to some or all the devices, it may be clearer to add this to the description in the key. (e.g. Manual Call Point c/w integral short circuit isolator). Also, add the routes of any aspirating pipework installed and include the position of the sampling points and any low-level test points that may be present.
4. THE TYPE, SIZES, AND ACTUAL ROUTES OF CABLES
The cable type and size can be taken care of easily. Add a general note to all your drawings detailing the cable type and size. If the note ‘All cable 2c 1.5mm fire rated (red)’ is added, then just any cable that does not fall into this description can be individually identified on the drawing, i.e. 4 core cable. The actual routes of cables must be added. A simple schematic showing just the order in which devices are connected is not sufficient to comply with the recommendations, therefore just ‘joining the dots’ is not acceptable either. Likewise, for addressable systems, adding a note just stating wiring is in address number order does not meet the recommendations. The actual routes must be adhered to as much as possible, whilst also showing the order in which devices are connected. Where multiple cables run together, it is acceptable to show these separately and with enough space to be able to identify separate cables on the drawing. Also add the cable from the mains supply to the control equipment, it is also good practice to note the distribution board reference and/or circuit breaker number on the drawings too. Remember, the purpose of accurate wiring routes is to enable a person to be able to locate the cable in the event of a fault or the need to modify/extend the installed system.
Should a system be extended, the existing as-fitted drawings should be updated to reflect the changes/additions.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ADD TO THE DRAWINGS
To ensure all other documentation works in conjunction with your drawings, give each of your drawings a unique number. These can then be easily referenced in the remaining completion paperwork.
Audibility test readings can also be added to your as-fitted drawings. These can be listed on separate forms, but as you have drawings showing a plan of the premises it is usually clearer to add them here. It is good practice to also add details of your sound level meter, including serial number and calibration date too.
Cable test results can also be added to drawings, if you do make sure you are referencing the drawing numbers in the handover paperwork to make sure all your documentation works together.
You should use CAD to complete your drawings, enabling them to be editable for any future changes to the building or system. Most of the items detailed above can be added to your CAD templates to make the process easier.
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As-fitted drawings are crucial for the efficiency and reliability of fire alarm systems. Following BS 5839-1:2017 guidelines, these drawings serve as blueprints, providing clarity on equipment positions and cable routes. Precision is key in fire safety, and as-fitted drawings, ideally created using CAD, empower professionals to navigate systems seamlessly.
If you are looking for a supplier for your as-fitted drawings and you are in the trade, get in touch with a member of our team today.
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