To those working within the security sector who may be unfamiliar with fire protection products, EN54 is the series of standards for fire detection and alarm systems (FDAS). Most of the standards in this series are related to individual product types. These standards define the requirements and related tests for different components of FDAS. EN54-2 covers control and indicating equipment while EN54-5 covers point type heat detectors for instance. There are 23 of these product standards. 

EN54-13 is different and is concerned with the ability of all the individual components to work together in a system.

Detection devices and manual call points need to be able to signal to the control panel which in turn needs to activate sounders and visual alarm devices to alert occupants. In addition, control outputs are necessary to operate other fire protection methods such as releasing fire doors, returning lifts to the ground floor or the shutting down of plant. The system may also need to call the Fire & Rescue Services via an Alarm Receiving Centre or connect to an extinguishing system.  

EN 54-13: 2017 

It might seem rather obvious that the individual products have to work in a system and an assumption made that manufacturers will obviously ensure compatibility for their products. However, it is unlikely that individual manufacturers are able to meet all applications with their own products. Installers therefore need to select components from other sources to use with their chosen system. 

How then is an installer to know if these products are indeed compatible with the system and how can this be verified by the end user. This is where EN54-13 approval helps to give confidence to both the installer and end user that everything works as it should.

EN54-13 is entitled “Compatibility and connectability assessment of system components” and is concerned about the overall compatibility and connectivity of components into a full fire detection and alarm system.  

Type 1 & 2 components 

One aspect to understand is that EN 54-13: 2017 classifies components into two types.  

Type 1 components have to work correctly in the system as well as not adversely affecting any other Type 1 component.  Type 1 components are tested for compatibility (i.e. the ability to work with the other components of the fire detection and alarm system).

Type 2 components are slightly different in that they are tested for ‘connectability’ to the system.  These components are tested only to ensure that they have no adverse effect on any Type 1 component and to ensure that they have the ability to operate without jeopardizing the performance of the fire detection and alarm system.

Type 1 components include any components covered by an EN54 standard and approval bodies will expect the corresponding EN54 approval to be in place before any EN54-13 approval can be given.  

Any devices not covered by an EN54 standard may be declared as a type 1 or type 2 component. For a declaration as type 1 the product must conform to the functionality declared by the manufacturer as well as compliance to the appropriate EMC and environmental standards

Type 2 components may include items such as printers, BMS (Building Management System) interfaces, pagers and repeat indicators used for supplementary indication (e.g. maintenance use). 

The manufacturer shall declare if products are to be tested as type 1 or type 2 components.

Why is this standard important/significant?

EN54-13 was first published in 2005. In some European countries it is an essential requirement for FDAS. In others it is heavily specified. The UK has been a little slower in take up of the standard with it first appearing in the 2013 edition of BS5839pt1.

BS5839pt1:2017 Clause 11.1 commentary, advises that “It is essential that compatibility between components is taken into account by the designer of the system. BS EN 54-13 can be used to confirm system compatibility”.

Manufacturers accompanying data sheets and technical manuals are of course important documents relating to system limits. These will include information regarding maximum and minimum voltages, current limitations, number of devices, cable resistance, capacitance and inductance limits as well as other fictional limitations. However, analysis of such information is not always as easy as might be imagined and manufacturers data can sometimes be out of date or inaccurate especially where older products are concerned. EN54-13 approval ensures the products have been tested and/or analysed together by a third-party testing body. 

Approval of systems to this standard are on the rise since the incorporation into BS 5839-1.  This can only be a positive thing, since there are a multitude of compatibility problems that can occur.

What problems can occur?

One area of particular concern regarding compatibility surrounds conventional systems. Some installers assume that conventional devices work with any conventional panel. On a good day any exceptions are found quickly upon testing the installed system. More worrying are the instances where the system appears to function correctly. Such systems may be close to operational failure where a small change in system parameters leads to the system not functioning as required. It is therefore essential that installers check with manufacturers and confirm compliance for their proposed configuration. 

Another issue that can be encountered surround accountability where products from different manufacturers are required to work together. This can lead to the installer and/or end user finding it difficult to ascertain where any problem lies. Again EN54-13 solves this potential problem because the holder of the EN54-13 certificate will have full responsibility.

Connectability is also an essential aspect of EN54-13 approval. Fire systems are often connected into other systems. Fire systems are being increasingly specified with connectivity to BMS, paging, CCTV, access control and other systems. This trend is likely to increase as we progress into an increasingly digitized world. It is hugely important then that this connectivity does not lead to a degradation of the core functions of a FDAS. Such integration must not jeopardize the prioritization of life safety protection. EN54-13 approval that includes components for the integration of other systems gives the specifier confidence that any such connectivity is safe and reliable.

What’s new with EN54-13: 2017?

The latest 2017 edition of EN54-13 has many technical revisions of interest to manufacturers and approval bodies. For the installer and end user the main differences of interest surround the removal of the partial open / partial short requirements and the types of transmission paths covered.

In the 2005 edition there was a requirement for the system to identify partial open and partial short circuit faults. In essence the system would identify changes of plus or minus 10% in the resistance of its transmission paths. The purpose of this requirement was to identify such faults before the fault could develop to a point where a failure could occur (e.g. under full load). The 2017 version removed this requirement as it was deemed to be more relevant within EN54-2 the standard covering control and indicating equipment. It is likely therefore that the requirement will re-surface in the next edition of EN54-2 as an option with requirements.

Previously EN54-13 only applied to wired products. The 2017 edition now covers optical fibre and radio frequency connections. 

When does the standard apply/not apply?

EN54-13 is not a harmonized standard under the Construction Products Regulation and therefore there is no legal obligation to use EN54-13 products.

However as described above the specification of EN54-13 approval has significant benefits for the installer and end/user alike. 

EN54-13 applies to all FDAS in and around buildings which is the scope detailed in the EN54 series of standards. In essence EN54-13 approval is applicable to any system covered by BS5839pt1. It is not applicable to systems for residential premises covered by BS5839pt6.

Where to seek help

The FIA has a range of resources to help break down EN 54-13:2017, including a recently published Fact File, called ‘Fact File 48 – Guide to BS EN 54-13:2017’.  This short but comprehensive guide includes some background information on this part of the standard, information about transmission paths, software design documentation, and a flowchart for assessment. 

Additionally, Fact File 48 also lists all of the changes from EN 54-13: 2005 to EN 54-13: 2017, which will give you a concise accurate update (in case you weren’t already familiar with the changes).

The guide is available free of charge on the FIA website. Simply go and search the publications library under the ‘Resources’ tab.

Download Fact File 48>>>