FSIB

08/05/2026

CHOOSING A SYSTEM CATEGORY 🔥🧯

Choosing the category of system is the very first decision that has to be made before a fire detection design or installation can take place.

The various system categories are to be regarded as a “menu”, from which one can select a suitable system for any building.

Because of the wide range of systems covered in SANS 10139, the specification of requirements for a system, without a reference to a system category, has little meaning.

The category of system to be installed always needs to be included in the specification.

The specification of any category of system, other than Category L1, M or P1, always needs to include details of those areas of the building that are to be protected.

Category L1, L2, L3 and L4 systems should also satisfy the recommendations of SANS 10139 for a Category M system.

The category of system may be stipulated in the requirements imposed by an enforcing authority, by property insurers or by the purchaser of the system, that category should be used.

If the designer has not been informed as to the category of system required, he/she should make the decision on the category in consultation with the end user and /or the fire consultant. It is important that the end user can confirm that the category of system will be compatible with any fire strategy for the premises.

The contractor should never try to fit a system category to meet their installation at the end of the job.

The system category dictates where devices should be installed and the basis for design, installation and inspection.

NOTE: Annex A of SANS 10139 provides information on the categories of systems that are typically installed in various types of premises.

22/04/2026

FSIB has released 2026 system logbooks for fire detection and gas suppression systems - available free of charge.

Get them here:

Fire Systems Information Portal

09/03/2026

Fire Systems Information Portal

10/11/2025

🚨Choosing the Right System Category 🚨

Before designing or installing a fire detection system, the first and most critical step is selecting the correct system category.

📌 Why it matters:
- The category defines where devices go, how the system is designed, installed, and inspected.
- Specs without a category are incomplete and may not meet SANS 10139 standards.
- Categories like L1–L4 must also meet Category M requirements.

🚫 Never decide on the system category after system installation - it must guide the process from the start.

📖 For guidance on which categories suit different buildings, check Annex A of SANS 10139.

15/09/2025

🔥FACILITY FIRE Named 2024 COMPANY OF THE YEAR! 🔥

It may have arrived a little late—but excellence like this is always worth the wait.

We're proud to announce that Facility Fire has officially been recognized as the Company of the Year for 2024! This award celebrates years of dedication and outstanding service in the field.

👏 A huge congratulations to Warren Schmidt (Right-hand side), who accepted the award on behalf of the team, pictured here with Eugene Liebenberg (Still holding the trophy) and the incredible Facility Fire staff.

Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Well deserved!

23/07/2025

As an inspection body, FSIB Fire Systems is committed to helping you uphold the highest safety standards. We offer free logbooks for fire detection and gas suppression systems - no string attached:

Get them here:

Fire Systems Information Portal

14/07/2025

FSIB Fire Systems have released guide notes for fire detection and gas suppression installers.

Two handbooks free of charge specifically for fire system installers.
Get them here:

Fire Systems Information Portal

23/05/2025

FIRE DETECTORS
CO FIRE DETECTORS

The FSIB introduces the sixth in a series, on types of detectors available for the many and varied applications one might face.

CO Fire detectors
CO or Carbon Monoxide detectors are used to detect carbon monoxide gas which is colourless, odourless and tasteless that is extremely harmful to humans and animals. Carbon monoxide (CO) is created as a by-product of incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon.

Applications
CO detectors are used to sense flow burning, smouldering fires, ideal for use in sleeping accommodation such as:
• Hotel rooms
• Student accommodation
• Old age homes

CO detectors are immune to cigarette smoke and steam from showers.

How do they work?

Carbon Monoxide detectors contain a long-life electro-chemical carbon monoxide sensor which is tolerant of low levels of common vapours and household products. It has a shorter lifespan than optical or ionisation detectors.

Where should we NOT use it?

Whilst the CO detector is good for clean environments it should not be used around areas where gas may be present. It is not suited for corridors, kitchens or parking garages.

Where can it be installed?

CO detectors monitor invisible gas that will move around a room and can be installed at any level; however, to comply with fire standards it should be mounted on the ceiling or roof of the protected room.
If it is to be installed into a bedroom it can be mounted on the wall above the door leading to the corridor or adjacent room.

Installation Guidelines

When installing CO detectors, consider the following general guidelines:
Spacing:
CO detectors should be spaced as per smoke detectors and at the same height limitations.
SANS 10139 specifies maximum coverage of 5m from any wall and 10m apart.

Advantages of CO detectors

CO detectors are not susceptible to steam, or cigarette smoke often produced in accommodation units. They have proven to sense smouldering fire conditions quicker than optical detectors due to sensing the gas being produced before actual smoke can be seen, making them ideal for bedroom areas.

Advantages include:

• Enhanced detection capability
• Ideal for smouldering fires
• Less susceptible to false alarms caused by steam than smoke detectors

False alarms and maintenance

CO detectors may false alarm if they are installed near to kitchens or areas where gas may be present, or produced due to production processes.
Choosing the correct application for these devices is important along with regular inspection, testing, and cleaning that can help maintain their reliability.

Conclusion

CO detectors are an important part of the fire detection designer’s armoury and should be considered for use in bedroom areas particularly.

15/04/2025

Linear Heat Fire detectors

Linear heat detection cables are specialized fire detection devices that detect heat continuously along their length. Each linear cable length is connected to a control panel that determines a temperature change has occurred. These cable systems are often well suited to environments where point-based detectors might not be ideal. They are highly versatile and effective in areas with challenging conditions or where large coverage is required.

Where can it be installed?

Linear heat detection cables are perfect for areas where point-type detectors cannot provide adequate coverage. Examples include long conveyor belts, cable tunnels and industrial sites with extensive cable runs.
They are also invaluable for hazardous areas that require reliable, explosion-proof detection systems.

Where should we NOT use it?

While linear heat detection cables are often dependable, they are not suitable for situations requiring detection of smoke rather than heat such as stairways, computer environments or for the operation of gas suppressions systems.

Conclusion

Linear heat detection cables are a great tool in fire detection systems. Their adaptability, reliability, and ability to cover extensive areas make them a preferred choice for various applications. Whether protecting industrial sites, tunnels, or storage facilities, linear heat detection cables can provide dependable protection.