We’re thrilled to announce the release of the Smoke Control Association (SCA) Guidance for Electrical Control Equipment within Smoke and Heat Control Systems, a groundbreaking resource that new provides new interpretations for the industry. This pivotal guide, developed over three years, was spearheaded by our very own Simon Sheldon, who led the working group with his exceptional commitment and expertise.
Why it matters:
The guide addresses critical challenges in the application and use of manual controls, an area that has long been a source of difficulties for FDS, our customers, and approval authorities. These updates provide much-needed clarity and introduce significant improvements that simplify processes while ensuring compliance.
The guide has received notable support from London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and have demonstrated their support by contributing a foreword.
What’s in it for the Industry?
- Clarity and Consistency: The guide simplifies the complexities of the requirements for control systems, making it easier for professionals to navigate.
- Enhanced Safety Standards: By addressing longstanding issues, the new guidance elevates safety across smoke and heat control systems.
- Streamlined Approvals: These changes aim to reduce friction between stakeholders, improving outcomes for all parties involved.
What does the guide contain?
Product Compliance
The guide outlines best practices for control equipment used within electrical control systems that effectively manage smoke and heat ventilation. It emphasizes the importance of robust products that ensure reliability during fire emergencies.
Manual Controls
One of the key focuses of the guide is addressing the challenges associated with manual controls. It provides a new perspective on requirements and clear instructions on their application, aiming to resolve ambiguities that have caused issues with customers and approval authorities in the past.
Safety Enhancements
The guide emphasizes the importance of safety, incorporating lessons learned from real-world applications to mitigate risks and improve performance.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The document reflects collaboration with the fire & Rescue Services, including endorsements from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The foreword emphasizes the guide’s importance for achieving consistent safety practices.
Addressing Variability in Systems
It tackles inconsistencies in how control systems are implemented across projects, providing clarity that helps streamline approvals and fosters greater confidence among stakeholders.
This guidance is an invaluable tool for engineers, designers, contractors, and approval authorities, ensuring that smoke and heat control systems are safe, reliable, and compliant with current standards. By addressing longstanding challenges and ambiguities, it sets a new benchmark for excellence in the field.
We couldn’t be prouder of Simon’s leadership in creating this transformative resource, and we’re excited to see how it will shape the future of the industry.
Explore the guide and see what’s new: https://www.smokecontrol.org.uk/resources
