In Germany, special buildings such as schools, kindergartens, retirement homes, restaurants and accommodation facilities with up to 60 beds must be equipped with a fire alarm system in accordance with DIN VDE V 0826-2. These do not necessarily have to be commissioned by their manufacturers or fire safety officers. Electricians can also install them, provided they fulfil the approval criteria.
In fire protection, there is a clear distinction between fire alarm systems and fire detection systems: fire alarm systems are not connected to a fire brigade control centre. In addition, fire alarm systems are less cost-intensive to purchase and uncomplicated to install. ‘In the event of an extension to the building or a change in room utilisation, a fire alarm system can be upgraded to a fire detection system with little effort,’ explains Wolf-Dietrich Marschall.
The great advantage of a BC08 series fire alarm system lies in the favourable acquisition costs and the time saved during installation, which should not be underestimated. ‘The BC08 is already pre-programmed, so the time required to commission the devices remains manageable,’ emphasises Wolf-Dietrich Marschall. ‘In principle, the installation works according to the ‘plug & play’ system. The electrician wires the individual components and switches on the control centre. And that's it. On to the next project!’ says the industrial engineer, summarising the added value of the compact control centre.