Integrating fire detection with other building management systems can be challenging, but offers many rewards. Eva Kosanovic explains how successful integration can be achieved using the latest technology developments.

Buildings today can have any number of systems installed to control security, heating, lighting and ventilation. Particularly in larger scale buildings, these different elements will often be combined into a single, integrated building management system (BMS).

However, one essential building service has, to date, resisted full integration – fire detection. This is set to change with the evolution of a new off-the shelf product that takes the information from a fire alarm control panel and connects it to a building management system. But, to understand why this development is so significant in terms of integration, it is first necessary to understand the reasons why fire detection systems have historically been kept separate and explore why integration has become so desirable.

Fire detection is deemed safety-critical and although there may be some advantage in several systems sharing information, there are risks involved should, for example, a fault in the heating system knock out the fire detection system. Fire detection systems are generally subject to much stricter standards than other systems, however there is no legislation on integration as such, only recommendations. The code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance in the UK – BS5839-1:2002 – implies that the fire system should always stand alone. Full integration would therefore negate this code. However, there is no law to enforce the code and building regulations refer to, but do not insist upon, compliance with the British Standard.

Practicalities of integration

So, while regulations may appear to discourage fire system integration, in practical terms, closer interaction between the building management systems is not only desirable but necessary if safety-critical procedures are to be effective. For example, the ability for a fire signal to tell a security system to release certain access doors for use as escape routes is highly desirable.

Interfaces and complex bespoke integration have enabled some degree of fire detection integration, but there are some restrictions because this entails the use of multiple additional devices to facilitate even simple levels of integration between fire devices and other building services equipment.

As commercial buildings become larger and more complex, and the expectations of occupants become more sophisticated, continually adding more physical devices to link building services together becomes impractical. It is therefore important to step back and reconsider what it is we are trying to achieve.

Reaping integration rewards

Communication is key to successful integration. The benefits of having diverse building products and systems co-operating with each other are self-evident. Faster response times, co-ordinated strategies in case of emergency or failure, and pre-planned and pre-programmed evacuation procedures are among the most effective results of inter-system communication.

A solution to these requirements is now available – the result is a simple, off-the shelf product that takes the information from a fire alarm control panel and connects it to a building management system using standard protocols such as BACnet, Modbus or LonWorks. The device is effectively a ‘plug and play’ concept that offers many practical and cost benefits to panel manufacturers, installers and end users.

Opportunity for the taking

Fire detection systems evolved for the purpose of protecting lives and property. For this reason they should always be classed as safety-critical, which means that fire detection devices should be physically separate from other building services equipment. That said, there is no reason why closer information integration should not be pursued if it brings practical benefits such as reduced time and cost without compromising the integrity of the fire system. Developments in technology have made it possible to achieve successful integration using a single device rather than dozens of individual interfaces or bespoke solutions.