Our experts cover all aspects of fire detection and fire alarm systems including fire detectors, fire warning devices/components and fire systems used in industrial, commercial and domestic environments to protect people and property.
We have played key roles and hold Chair responsibilities for a number of committees, including the EN 54 series of standards for commercial and domestic fire detection products. BRE Global is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 0578. The research work is conducted to the highest technical standards at our test laboratories in Watford or at our large hangar in Middlesbrough. With many departments specialising in all aspects of the built environment we often call on other BRE experts with expertise in related fields such as fire modelling, lighting, acoustics and social science.
The research work is often proposed by individual or groups of interested parties and supported by the BRE Trust. The work is conducted to the highest ethical standards and with our independent status gives it credibility and leads to outcomes that are accepted and supported by industry. An example of this would be the “Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces” and “Code of Practice for visual alarm devices used for fire warning” that both led to changes in BS 5839-1 the British code of practice for Fire Alarm Systems.
Research projects and guidance documents
The performance of multi-sensors in fire and false alarm tests
Live investigations of false fire alarms (free)
Visual Alarm Devices – their effectiveness in warning of fire (free)
Characterising the smoke produced from modern materials for the evaluation of smoke detectors (free)
For more information
For our training courses
BRE Publications
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems: an introductory guide to components and systems
(BR 510) DOWNLOAD - Developments in fire detection and fire alarm systems
PDF Download - Domestic smoke alarms PDF Download
- New requirements for fire detection and alarm network systems PDF Download
- Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces (2-part set) PDF Download
- Visual alarm devices for fire: an introduction and guide to BS EN 54-23 PDF Download