Engineer
Handbook

Review event log. Check for access denied events, door forced alarms, door held-open alarms, and any unusual access patterns.

Test each door: present valid credential — verify door unlocks and re-locks after hold-open time. Test REX button. Test door contact.

Inspect all electric/magnetic locks. Check mounting security, armature plate alignment, and holding force. Lubricate door hinges and closers as required.

Inspect all readers for physical damage, loose mounting, or tampering.

Test fail-safe operation: disconnect power to lock — verify door opens freely (fail-safe) or remains locked (fail-secure) as per design.

Test fire alarm integration: trigger fire alarm input — verify all fire escape doors release to fail-safe position.

Carry out cardholder audit: review active credentials. Remove credentials for leavers, temporary staff, and contractors. Advise client to report leavers promptly.

Review access levels and time zones. Confirm they still reflect current business requirements.

Check software and firmware versions. Apply updates if available and appropriate.

Verify backup of system configuration is current.

Issue service report. Record all test results, defects found, and recommendations.

Inspect all cameras: check physical condition, mounting security, lens cleanliness, and IR illuminator operation (at night or in a dark environment).

Verify live image quality for all cameras. Check for focus drift, condensation, spider webs, or vegetation obscuring the field of view.

Verify all cameras are recording. Check NVR/VMS for any cameras showing offline, no signal, or recording errors.

Test playback: retrieve and play back footage from each camera. Verify footage is clear, timestamped correctly, and covers the required retention period.

Check storage health: verify HDD/SSD SMART status on NVR. Check available storage and confirm retention period is being met.

Verify NVR/VMS time and date are correct and synchronised (NTP).

Check network connectivity: verify all cameras are reachable on the network. Check for IP conflicts.

Review motion detection settings. Confirm detection zones are still appropriate and sensitivity is not causing excessive false triggers.

Check firmware versions on cameras and NVR. Apply security updates if available.

GDPR review: confirm CCTV signage is still in place and legible. Confirm retention period policy is being followed. Confirm ICO registration is current.

Issue service report. Record all findings, any cameras replaced or adjusted, and any recommendations.

Review the fire alarm log book. Note any faults, false alarms, or activations since the last visit.

Inspect the panel for any current faults or warnings. Clear any outstanding faults and investigate root cause.

Test a representative sample of detectors and call points (minimum one-third of all devices per visit, rotating so all devices are tested within 12 months).

Test all sounders and VADs. Verify correct operation and adequate sound levels.

Test all cause and effect outputs (door releases, AHU shutdown, lift recall, suppression system interface).

Test ARC signalling. Confirm ARC receives test signal correctly.

Inspect all visible cabling for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised modifications.

Inspect all detectors for contamination, damage, or obstruction. Clean or replace as required.

Check battery condition. Measure voltage under load. Replace if below manufacturer's minimum threshold.

Verify panel time and date are correct.

Test 100% of all detectors and call points.

Full battery load test: disconnect mains and verify standby duration meets BS 5839-1 requirements (typically 24 hrs standby + 30 min alarm for L-grade systems).

Inspect all junction boxes, terminal connections, and cable entries for security and condition.

Review zone plan and as-installed drawings. Update if any changes have been made to the building or system.

Issue a service report and update the log book. Note any recommendations or defects requiring remedial work.

Review system log / event history. Note any false alarms, faults, or activations since last visit. Investigate any patterns.

Inspect panel: check for faults, tamper alerts, low battery warnings. Clear and investigate all outstanding events.

Test all detection zones: open each door contact, walk each PIR, trigger each shock sensor. Verify correct zone identification on panel.

Test all tamper circuits: open each device housing. Verify tamper alarm is generated on panel.

Test all PA (personal attack) buttons.

Test bell box: trigger alarm and verify external sounder and strobe activate. Confirm bell cut-off timer operates correctly.

Test ARC signalling: arm system, trigger alarm, and confirm ARC receives correct signal. Test restore signal.

Battery load test: disconnect mains. Verify battery voltage remains above minimum under load. Check charger output voltage (typically 13.8V for 12V SLA).

Inspect all visible cabling for damage or unauthorised modifications.

Verify entry/exit delays are appropriate and have not been changed without authorisation.

Verify user codes are known to the client. Advise client to change codes if there has been a change of staff.

Issue service report. Record all test results, any defects found, and any remedial work carried out or recommended.

Primary path: Broadband IP (SIA DC-09). Fastest and most reliable for modern installations.

Backup path: 4G/GPRS cellular. Activates automatically if primary path fails. Required for Grade 3 and above.

Dual-path providers: Dualcom (CSL), Redcare (BT), Emizon, Pyronix CloudLink, Texecom Premier Elite IP.

Obtain account number from ARC. Programme into panel communicator.

Programme ARC telephone number or IP address/port into communicator.

Select correct protocol (Contact ID for PSTN/VoIP, SIA DC-09 for IP).

Map all event codes: alarm, restore, tamper, fault, arm, disarm, test call.

Programme periodic test call (typically every 24 hours). Confirm ARC is expecting it.

Test all signals: trigger alarm, tamper, fault. Confirm ARC receives each event with correct account number and event code.

Test backup path: disconnect primary path. Trigger alarm. Confirm ARC receives signal via backup path.

Disconnect mains supply to the panel. The system should switch to battery backup.

Measure battery voltage under load (system running on battery). Voltage should remain above the minimum operating voltage for the required standby period.

After the standby period, trigger the alarm output. Verify the system can sustain full alarm output for the required alarm duration.

Reconnect mains supply. Verify the system returns to normal and begins recharging the battery.

Notify the ARC before disconnecting the panel.

Isolate mains supply. Note: some panels retain memory from battery — do not disconnect battery and mains simultaneously.

Replace battery with same capacity and voltage. Use sealed lead-acid (SLA) or VRLA type as specified by manufacturer.

Reconnect mains. Allow battery to charge for at least 24 hours before carrying out a load test.

A document (and panel programming) that defines exactly which outputs activate in response to which inputs. Agreed between the designer, client, and fire risk assessor before commissioning.

Must be tested in full during commissioning (every cause triggered, every effect verified). Results documented on the commissioning certificate.

Obtain the agreed cause and effect matrix document before testing.

Trigger each cause in turn (use panel test mode to avoid full evacuation during testing).

Verify every expected effect activates. Tick each cell on the matrix as confirmed.

Verify effects that should NOT activate do not activate (negative testing).

Document any discrepancies and correct before handover. Re-test corrected items.

Attach completed matrix to the commissioning certificate and O&M manual.

Add 10–15% overhead for filesystem and NVR metadata.

16 cameras × 4MP H.265 × 3 Mbps bitrate × 24 hrs × 31 days retention.

Storage = (3 ÷ 8) × 3600 × 24 × 31 × 16 ÷ 1000 = 6,220 GB ≈ 6.2 TB

With 15% overhead: 6.2 × 1.15 = 7.1 TB minimum HDD capacity. Specify 2× 4TB or 1× 8TB HDD.

Use surveillance-grade HDDs (e.g. Seagate SkyHawk, WD Purple) — rated for 24/7 operation and high write cycles. Standard desktop HDDs will fail prematurely in NVR applications.

For critical installations, use RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 for redundancy. RAID is not a backup — implement a separate backup strategy for critical footage.

Must be kept at the premises. Must be updated after every visit: commissioning, service, fault attendance, false alarm, and any system modification.

Each entry must include: date, engineer name, company, work carried out, any defects found, and any outstanding work.

The Responsible Person must countersign each entry. The log book is a legal document and may be inspected by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Site name and address. System type and category. Panel make, model, and serial number. Date of commissioning. Engineer name and certification number.

List of all devices tested with pass/fail result. Cause and effect test results. Battery test results. Any outstanding defects or deviations from the design specification.

Declaration that the system has been installed and commissioned in accordance with the relevant standard.

Fire alarm records: retain for the life of the building. Log books must not be disposed of.

CCTV commissioning records: retain for the life of the system. GDPR documentation: retain for the life of the system plus 6 years.

Install cable containment. Run Cat5e/Cat6 for IP-based systems. Run 4-core screened cable for Wiegand readers. Run 2-core for door contacts and REX buttons.

Install door controller back-boxes, reader back-boxes, REX button back-boxes, and door contact frames.

Install electric lock or magnetic lock. Ensure door frame is correctly prepared for lock type. Verify door closer is fitted and adjusted.

Fit all readers, REX buttons, and door contacts. Connect to door controller per wiring diagram.

Connect electric lock to controller. Verify fail-safe or fail-secure operation matches design intent.

Connect door controller to network switch. Assign static IP or configure DHCP reservation. Verify controller is reachable from server.

Power up system. Verify all door controllers appear online in management software.

Configure door schedules, access levels, and time zones in management software.

Enrol administrator credentials. Change all default passwords on controllers and software.

Test each door: present valid credential — verify door unlocks and re-locks after the configured hold-open time. Test REX button — verify door unlocks. Test door contact — verify open/close status is logged.

Test access denied: present invalid credential — verify door remains locked and event is logged.

Test fire alarm integration (if applicable): trigger fire alarm input — verify all doors release to fail-safe position.

Complete commissioning documentation. Provide client with administrator login credentials and user training.

Install cable containment. Run Cat5e/Cat6 for IP cameras (PoE). Run RG59 or RG6 coax for analogue cameras. Label all cables at both ends.

Install camera back-boxes and mounting brackets. Ensure mounting surface is structurally sound. Position cameras to achieve required coverage per CCTV design.

Install NVR/DVR in secure location (locked cabinet recommended). Install PoE switch if required.

Fit all cameras. Connect to PoE switch or NVR PoE ports. Verify each camera powers up.

Assign static IP addresses to all cameras. Use a dedicated VLAN for CCTV traffic where possible.

Add all cameras to NVR/VMS. Verify live view is available for all cameras.

Adjust camera angles and focus. Set zoom level. Verify image quality meets design specification (e.g. facial recognition requires minimum 250px/m at point of interest).

Configure recording schedules: continuous, motion-triggered, or scheduled. Set retention period (minimum 31 days recommended for most sites; 90 days for high-security).

Configure motion detection zones and sensitivity. Test motion detection triggers recording correctly.

Change all default passwords on cameras, NVR, and VMS software. Enable HTTPS/SSL where available.

Apply privacy masking to any areas that should not be recorded (neighbouring properties, public areas outside the site boundary).

Verify storage capacity: confirm total storage meets the required retention period at the configured recording quality.

Test remote access (if applicable). Verify VPN or secure remote viewing is functional.

Complete GDPR documentation: CCTV policy, signage audit, Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) if required, ICO registration check.

Complete commissioning documentation and client handover. Train client on playback, export, and system management.

Install all cable containment (conduit, trunking, cable tray). Ensure fire-rated containment where required by design.

Pull all fire alarm cables. Label each cable at both ends with zone number and device type.

Install all detector bases, call point back-boxes, sounder back-boxes, and VAD back-boxes. Do not fit devices at this stage.

Install panel back-box and cable entry. Do not connect cables to panel at this stage.

Connect all loop cables to panel. Verify loop continuity with multimeter before powering up.

Address all devices (if addressable system). Use manufacturer's addressing tool or DIP switches. Record addresses on as-installed drawings.

Fit all detectors, call points, sounders, and VADs.

Power up panel. Check all devices are recognised and showing normal status.

Programme panel: zone labels, cause and effect, time/date, ARC signalling, remote access.

Carry out full walk test (see Walk Test procedure).

Test all outputs: sounders, VADs, door releases, ARC signalling, remote monitoring.

Carry out battery load test (see Battery Check procedure).

Complete all commissioning documentation and handover to client (see Handover Checklist).

Install all cable containment. Use LSZH cable throughout. Segregate intruder cabling from mains wiring by a minimum of 50mm or use a metallic barrier.

Pull all detection zone cables, bell circuit cables, and keypad cables. Label at both ends with zone number and device type.

Install all PIR back-boxes, door contact frames, keypad back-boxes, and bell box back-boxes. Do not fit devices at this stage.

Install panel back-box. Ensure it is in a secure, accessible location — typically a cupboard or plant room. Panel must be tamper-protected.

Fit all PIR detectors, door contacts, and keypads. Fit bell box. Check all tamper switches are engaged.

Connect all zone cables to panel. Install EOL resistors at the end of each zone (value per manufacturer specification).

Connect bell circuit. Verify bell box tamper and strobe wiring.

Power up panel. Check all zones show normal (closed) status. Check tamper circuit shows normal.

Programme panel: zone labels, zone types (entry/exit, instant, 24hr), entry/exit delays, alarm confirmation timers, user codes, engineer code, ARC signalling path.

Carry out full walk test (see Walk Test — Intruder Alarm procedure).

Test ARC signalling: arm and trigger alarm. Confirm ARC receives correct signal with correct account number and zone description.

Test all outputs: internal sounder, external bell box, strobe, ARC signalling.

Carry out battery load test. Verify standby duration meets EN 50131 Grade requirement (Grade 2: 12 hrs standby + 4 min alarm; Grade 3: 12 hrs + 4 min).

Set engineer code to a unique value. Do not leave factory default. Record in site documentation.

Complete commissioning documentation and handover to client (see Handover Checklist).

An analogue addressable panel generates a "dirty detector" or "service required" fault when a detector's analogue value has drifted beyond the panel's compensation range, indicating contamination that cannot be automatically corrected.

Do not ignore dirty detector faults — a contaminated detector may be insensitive to real smoke, or may generate false alarms. Attend within the maintenance contract SLA.

Isolate the zone at the panel (or use panel test mode) to prevent false alarms during cleaning.

Remove the detector from its base. Note the address before removal.

Use a detector cleaning kit (compressed air or specialist vacuum with HEPA filter) to remove dust from the detection chamber. Do not use water or solvents.

Refit the detector. Check the panel — the dirty detector fault should clear. If it does not clear, replace the detector.

Re-enable the zone and confirm normal operation. Log the cleaning in the system log book.

For ceilings sloped at more than 20°, place the first row of detectors within 600mm of the apex (ridge).

Subsequent rows are spaced at the standard horizontal distance measured along the slope.

For very steep roofs (>45°), the apex row may be the only row required if the floor area per detector is not exceeded.

Smoke detectors mounted on walls: top of detector must be between 25mm and 600mm below the ceiling.

Heat detectors mounted on walls: top of detector must be between 25mm and 150mm below the ceiling.

Fail-safe (fail-open): MANDATORY on all fire escape routes. Door must open freely without power. Magnetic locks are inherently fail-safe.

Fail-secure (fail-locked): Used where security is the priority (server rooms, cash offices). Must NOT be used on fire escape routes without a fire alarm override.

Always confirm fail mode with the fire risk assessor and building control before specifying.

Sum the current draw of all locks on each power supply. Add 20% headroom. Include the door controller current draw.

Example: 4 magnetic locks × 400mA = 1.6A + controller 200mA = 1.8A. Use a 3A PSU minimum.

Access control power supplies must provide 12V DC ±10% at the lock terminals. Voltage drop in cable must be accounted for.

BS EN 13637: Electrically controlled exit systems for use on escape routes.

BS EN 1125: Panic exit devices (push bar / push pad) — required on public escape routes.

BS EN 179: Emergency exit devices (lever handle) — for staff-only escape routes.

Coincidence detection: Two detectors in the same zone must activate before alarm is raised. Reduces false alarms from single-detector faults.

Sequential confirmation: A second detector (in the same or adjacent zone) must activate within a set time period after the first.

Investigation mode: Panel delays the alarm output for a set period (typically 3 minutes) to allow a keyholder to investigate before the FRS is called.

CCTV verification: ARC operator views CCTV footage before calling FRS. Requires integration between fire alarm and CCTV systems.

Audio verification: ARC operator listens to audio from the premises before calling FRS.

Fail-safe requirement: All doors on designated escape routes must release (fail-safe open) on fire alarm activation. This is a legal requirement under the RRFSO 2005 and Building Regulations Approved Document B.

Integration method: Fire alarm panel relay output → access control panel input (or direct to door lock power supply). When the relay de-energises on alarm, power is removed from the lock, releasing the door.

Ensure the access control system is notified of the fire alarm condition so it can log the event and restore normal operation after reset.

Fire alarm can trigger CCTV to display the camera nearest to the alarm zone on the operator's screen (alarm pop-up).

Integration via: dry contact relay to NVR/VMS alarm input, or IP integration using manufacturer APIs (e.g. Genetec, Milestone).

Fire alarm panel provides: alarm relay output, fault relay output, and zone-by-zone status via BACnet, Modbus, or dry contacts.

BMS actions on fire alarm: AHU shutdown, smoke damper operation, pressurisation fan activation, smoke extract fan activation.

On fire alarm, lifts must be recalled to the designated floor (usually ground) and taken out of normal service. Firefighting lifts remain available for fire brigade use.

Wiring: fire alarm relay → lift controller recall input. Must be tested during commissioning and annually.

Standard: BS EN 81-73 (Behaviour of lifts in the event of fire).

Typically: 1 detector in zone = pre-alarm warning (abort opportunity). 2 detectors (coincidence) = discharge sequence initiated.

Pre-discharge: warning sounder activates (distinctive tone), abort button available (typically 30-second window).

Discharge: suppression panel releases agent. Fire alarm panel activates door releases, AHU shutdown, and ARC signalling.

Standard: BS EN 15004 (Gas extinguishing systems), BS ISO 14520.

The fire alarm engineer does not carry out the fire risk assessment — this is the responsibility of the Responsible Person (RP) or a competent fire risk assessor.

The engineer must read and understand the FRA before designing or modifying a fire alarm system. The FRA specifies the required system category (L1, L2, P1, etc.) and any specific detection requirements.

If no FRA exists, the engineer should advise the client that one is legally required under the RRFSO 2005 before proceeding.

The fire alarm system design must be documented and provided to the RP. The O&M manual must include: as-installed drawings, commissioning certificate, cause and effect matrix, and maintenance schedule.

The log book must be maintained at the premises and updated after every visit (commissioning, service, fault attendance, false alarm).

For higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act 2022, all fire safety information must be included in the Golden Thread of information.

Commissioning certificate (signed by engineer)

As-installed drawings (zone plan, cable schedule, device schedule)

Panel programming printout or configuration backup

User manual (manufacturer's manual + site-specific user guide)

Log book (BS 5839-1 requires a log book for all fire alarm systems)

ARC monitoring confirmation (if applicable)

NSI/SSAIB certificate (if applicable)

Warranty documentation

How to silence and reset the alarm

How to arm and disarm the intruder alarm (if applicable)

How to change user codes

How to identify and respond to different alarm conditions

Weekly test procedure (fire alarm)

Who to call in an emergency and for maintenance

PD 6662:2017 is the UK guidance document for applying EN 50131. It defines specific requirements for UK installations including signalling path categories (SP2, SP4, SP6).

SP2: Single-path signalling (e.g. IP only). Suitable for Grade 2 non-police-response systems.

SP4: Dual-path signalling (e.g. IP + 4G). Required for Grade 2 police-response systems.

SP6: Dual-path with enhanced supervision. Required for Grade 3 police-response systems.

A Unique Reference Number (URN) is required for police to respond to an intruder alarm activation. Issued by the local police force.

Requirements for URN: system installed by NSI Gold or SSAIB-certified company, ARC monitoring to BS EN 50518, system meets Grade 2 minimum, keyholder available within 20 minutes.

Two false alarms in a rolling 12-month period will result in URN withdrawal (NPCC policy). Three false alarms in 3 months = automatic withdrawal.

URN can be reinstated after a 3-month false-alarm-free period and system inspection.

Always isolate security systems on dedicated VLANs — do not share with corporate IT traffic. Recommended VLAN allocation: VLAN 10 = CCTV, VLAN 20 = Access Control, VLAN 30 = Fire/Intruder signalling.

Use managed PoE switches for IP cameras and access control readers. Unmanaged switches are not recommended for security installations.

Configure inter-VLAN routing only where required (e.g. VMS server on IT VLAN accessing camera VLAN). Use ACLs to restrict traffic.

PoE (802.3af): max 15.4W per port. Suitable for standard IP cameras and access readers.

PoE+ (802.3at): max 30W per port. Required for PTZ cameras, IR cameras, and some access control terminals.

PoE++ (802.3bt): max 60W or 100W per port. Required for high-power PTZ cameras and multi-sensor cameras.

Total switch PoE budget must exceed the sum of all connected device power requirements. Allow 20% headroom.

Change all default passwords on cameras, NVRs, switches, and access control panels before commissioning.

Disable unused services and ports on all network devices (e.g. Telnet, HTTP — use HTTPS/SSH only).

Enable firmware auto-update or schedule regular firmware updates for all IP devices.

Do not expose NVR or access control server directly to the internet — use VPN for remote access.

Document all IP addresses, MAC addresses, and credentials in the O&M manual. Store securely.

Add 25% ageing allowance: Battery Ah = Required Ah × 1.25

Standby current: 200mA (0.2A). Alarm current: 2A (all sounders). Required: 24 hrs standby + 0.5 hrs alarm.

Required Ah = (0.2 × 24) + (2 × 0.5) = 4.8 + 1.0 = 5.8 Ah

With 25% ageing: 5.8 × 1.25 = 7.25 Ah minimum battery capacity. Use 7.2 Ah or 12 Ah battery.

Read the panel display carefully. Note the exact fault description, zone number, and device address (if addressable).

Check the event log. When did the fault first appear? Was it after a power cut, maintenance visit, or change in weather?

Isolate the fault to a specific zone or device. Use the panel's zone test or fault isolation features.

Physically inspect the affected device. Check for: loose connections, corrosion, physical damage, insect ingress, condensation.

Test the cable. Use a multimeter to measure resistance and check for open circuits or short circuits.

Voltage Drop (V) = Current (A) × Cable Resistance (Ω)
Cable Resistance (Ω) = (Resistivity × 2 × Length) ÷ CSA
Resistivity of copper = 0.0172 Ω·mm²/m

Supply voltage: 24V DC. Max permitted drop: 10% = 2.4V. Total sounder current: 500mA (0.5A). Cable run: 80m one way (160m total). Cable CSA: 1.5mm².

Cable resistance = (0.0172 × 160) ÷ 1.5 = 1.835 Ω. Voltage drop = 0.5A × 1.835Ω = 0.92V (3.8%). Pass.

If using 0.5mm² cable: resistance = (0.0172 × 160) ÷ 0.5 = 5.504 Ω. Voltage drop = 0.5A × 5.504Ω = 2.75V (11.5%). Fail — upgrade to 1.0mm² or 1.5mm².

Put the panel into Walk Test mode (or Commissioning mode). This allows devices to be tested without triggering the full alarm output.

Activate each detector in turn using the appropriate test method:
• Optical smoke: use aerosol smoke test spray (Firecheck or equivalent)
• Heat detector: use a heat gun or hair dryer (do not use open flame)
• Multi-sensor: use smoke test spray (activates both optical and heat elements)
• Beam detector: use test filter or reflector alignment procedure
• CO detector: use CO test gas

Activate each manual call point using the test key. Do not break the glass element during testing.

Verify that each device activation is correctly identified on the panel display (correct zone and device address/label).

Verify that all sounders and VADs activate correctly when a zone is in alarm.

Verify all cause and effect outputs (door releases, AHU shutdown, lift recall, etc.).

Reset the panel after each test. Confirm the panel returns to normal status.

Record all test results on the commissioning certificate. Note any devices that failed to respond.

Notify the ARC that the walk test is complete.

Enter engineer access on the panel. Navigate to Walk Test or Zone Test mode.

Walk through each PIR detection zone. Walk slowly across the full detection pattern — near, mid, and far range. Verify the PIR triggers on the panel display.

Test each door contact by opening and closing the door/window. Verify the zone triggers and resets correctly.

Test each shock/vibration sensor by tapping the protected surface firmly. Verify the zone triggers.

Test each passive infrared curtain detector by walking through the detection beam.

Test each PA (personal attack) button by pressing it. Verify the panel registers the activation.

Verify entry/exit delays are correct. Arm the system and walk through the entry zone — confirm the entry delay starts and the keypad is reachable within the delay period.

Test the bell/sounder output by triggering an alarm (with ARC notified). Verify the external sounder and strobe activate.

Record all test results. Note any zones that failed to respond or showed incorrect behaviour.

Fire alarm cables must be segregated from mains wiring. Minimum 50mm separation or use a metallic barrier (BS 5839-1 Clause 26).

Intruder alarm cables must be segregated from mains wiring by minimum 50mm or metallic barrier.

Do not run fire alarm cables and intruder alarm cables in the same containment.

Screened cables: connect screen to earth at one end only (panel end) to avoid earth loops.

Simultaneous evacuation: Any zone activation triggers all sounders throughout the building. Simplest design, suitable for small buildings.

Phased evacuation: Alarm in one zone triggers evacuation of that zone and adjacent zones first. Remaining zones are alerted to stand by. Used in large buildings, hospitals, and high-rise.

Cause and effect matrix: Defines exactly which outputs activate in response to which inputs. Must be documented and agreed with the client and fire strategy consultant.

Ancillary outputs: Door releases (hold-open devices), AHU shutdown, lift recall, suppression system interface, and smoke control systems must all be included in the cause and effect matrix.

A zone plan (floor plan showing all zones, detector positions, and call point positions) must be provided at the panel and at all repeater panels.

Zone plan must be kept up to date. Any changes to the building or system must be reflected in the zone plan.

Entry delay: Minimum time for user to reach keypad and disarm. Typically 30–45 seconds. Must not exceed 45 seconds for Grade 2 (EN 50131).

Exit delay: Time for user to leave premises after arming. Typically 30–60 seconds. Must not exceed 45 seconds for Grade 2.

Alarm confirmation time: For confirmed alarm systems, the panel waits for a second activation before signalling the ARC. Typically 30 seconds.