Appendix 8 – Fire Alarm System Categories & Meanings

Manual

Grade M

Manual: The least sophisticated of systems that rely on the venue’s occupants to detect a fire and warn others. When a fire is discovered, the alarm must be activated manually to alert everybody else in the building to the danger. (This can include break-glass devices, tannoy’s, or verbal calling.

Manual fire alarm systems can be effective in certain circumstances but due to reliance on people, errors can occur. These systems are not recommended for larger spaces or those with a lot of visitors.

The following grades relate to automated FAS

Grade L1

Life 1: The most comprehensive fire alarm system, which includes detectors in all areas of a building where a fire could feasibly start. Detectors are linked up to a centralised alarm system which alerts the whole building should a fire break out.

This enables all occupants to have the earliest notification of a fire being detected and maximises the chances of escaping. Suitable for venues where there is a large footfall.

Grade L2

Life 2: Systems that fall into this category feature smoke detectors in all rooms forming part of an escape route. Detectors will also need to be installed in all high-risk rooms, such as kitchens, boiler rooms and areas with heavy plant machinery.

L2 systems are effective at providing an early warning to occupants beyond the source of the fire and those working in high-risk areas.

Grade L3

Life 3: A system features detectors in all escape routes and rooms that open onto an escape route. This ensures that all inhabitants of the building are given enough warning before being impeded by flames, smoke, or toxic fumes.

This category is normally used in office blocks and commercial buildings that have flights of stairs.

Grade L4

Life 4: This system has detectors in escape routes only and can include corridors and stairs. This category is for the lower levels of risk such as single-storied buildings.

Grade L5

Life 5: This is where detectors are installed in a specific area because of the activities taking place in there or items stored in that space.

Grade P1

Property 1:  This grade of system installs detectors across the whole building to protect the building and contents as far as reasonably practicable.

This grade of system lowers the risk of damage and disruption, which in turn, reduces losses that a fire could inflict.   

Grade P2

Property 2:  In this system, detectors are installed in high-risk areas only, providing early detection for the most likely sources of a fire.

This will help to minimise any damage to the property and contents, but not as well as a P1 system.