Now bite this bullet

The problem with writing a column such as this is the unique opportunity it gives to say the wrong thing at the wrong time ... and last month was no exception.

I had just submitted the text and it had been edited and sent to the printer when my new copy of PD 6662 2004 thudded on to my door mat.

After a read of the new issue all now becomes clear and I can illuminate the doubts and fears thrown up in last month's column and at long last offer a way forward as to which standards to buy.

The new PD 6662 would appear to be key to everything, it allows us to work to the new long awaited Euro standard EN 50131 and, where the parts of 50131 (the standards for the manufactured bits) are not yet published, it allows us to use the equivalent parts of BS4737 so that we have a complete set of standards to work to.

We know they are going to change in the future when the missing parts of 50131 are finally published but these are some way off.

First, let me correct a piece of mis-information in the last column, when I stated that BS 4737 had been withdrawn, that was not strictly true: they have only withdrawn the bits that conflict with EN50131 and these happen to be the bits we normally buy, i.e. Parts 1 and 2, and Part 4 sections 1 and 2. They have NOT yet withdrawn any of 4737 part 3. But this does not affect us because we don't normally buy these. (They are the specifications for the manufacturing of equipment and because the new Euro-standards for the equipment are not yet published they have left Part 3 in place and the new PD6662 calls up Part 3 in their absence ... meaning we can use much of the equipment that is acceptable to both standards, instead of waiting for the new.)

Parallel universe until next October

Another point – Even though the BSI has withdrawn parts of BS 4737 they can still be bought if you specifically ask for them. The reasoning behind this is that we are still running the old and new standards in parallel until October next year and of course we will still be dealing with 4737 systems for the next ten years so it is still appropriate to buy copies of the standard as you require them.

One interesting point to note is that the new PD 6662 (2004) calls up the currently available prEN 50131-1 2004 which is a "Draft for Comment". It does not call up the new soon-to-be-issued 2005/6 version or the old 1997 version.

Please note – it is very important that you include the two small letters "pr" in your order so that you get the right issue of the standard.

The reasoning behind this is very simple ... the European Standards machine grinds along in a very slow gear, it takes years to get a standard completed and published as we have seen from the 16 or so years we have been waiting since BS 4737 was held at a standstill whilst the new Euro Standards were developed. However, reviews and comments for the current 50131 have now been received and will now be reviewed by CENELEC to produce the next issue of the standard.

Because the Euro-mill grinds very slowly it seems very likely that it will be into 2006 before our Euro-brethren have finished chewing the fat, and there is a strong chance that it could be much longer that that. How much longer is anyone's guess. However, it doesn't stop there.

When the new revised 50131 is finally launched upon the unsuspecting installer we will probably not be able to use it straight away, and the reason for this is PD6662.

It works like this – PD 6662 is the enabling document, therefore at some point after the publication of the revised edition of 50131, (hopefully tied in with the introduction of the new Euro-Standards on equipment) the PD 6662 will be revised and that will take into consideration all the other new Euro-Standards that will by then be available – or under review – and the position of the manufacturers who have to make the equipment fit the new standards.

A decision will then be taken as to the next stage. So the final answer is that it will probably be several years before there are any significant changes to the current position. It is beginning to look like a safe bet to go out and buy the current lot of standards as called up by PD6662.

Is that clear? No? Then try reading it again.

At first it sounds confusing but when it clicks into place it is quite straightforward. Any new installers or new companies looking at gaining inspectorate recognition should be advised to start swotting up on the new prEN 50131-1 ... now! Get the new standard rolling as fast as you can. If you are an old hand, well versed in BS 4737 and all your systems are installed to that standard then you need to move fast, you only have until October 2005 to get your company recognised under the old BS4737, after that it is the new Euro-Standard ... like it or lump it.

Please understand, this is not an instruction because I have no idea how far down the BS4737 road you are. It's just my gut reaction. With my own personal background, I would get the inspectorate recognition under my belt first and worry about the Euro-standards later. Younger and newer companies maybe better advised to go for the new standard first.We each need to look at our own situation and plan accordingly.

Anyway here it is – chapter and verse – Mike's rundown on what to buy.

For working to the 4737 systems until next October the basic essentials you will need are BS 4737 part 1, and parts 4:1 and 4:2, (if you fit external protection like car compounds and the like you will also need Part 4:3).

If you are fitting wire-free kits then the same rules apply. BS 6799 has been withdrawn but you can still buy it until October. You may like to note that BS 6799 will also be replaced by EN50131 because it covers both wired and wire free.

At first it sounds confusing, but when it all clicks into place it is quite straightforward

When you finally get round to looking at the new Euro Standards (and don't leave it too long or you’ll be caught with your pants down) you will need to start by buying a copy of PD 6662:2004.

This in turn will call up the following standards: * prEN 50131-1:2003 (don't forget the "pr" in front) – System Requirements. This tells you how many sounders your system needs or which bits need to be tampered etc.

• DD CLC/TS 50131-7:2003 – Application Guidelines. It is a long complicated title for a document that loosely is the equivalent of, and will replace, the old 4737 part 4. Here the standard is a DD (draft for development) and a TS (Technical Specification) produced by CENELEC.
• BS EN 50136-1-1:1998. This is the general requirements for transmission systems, and because 50131-1 requires remote signalling for most grades of system, then this is probably also a required purchase.

Those are the "Euro basic essentials". The next lot come under the "must have if I am doing that kind of work" category, and they are:

• BS EN 50136-1-2:1998. Requirements for systems using dedicated alarm paths. In other words – the old direct line.
• BS EN 50136-1-3:1998. Requirements for systems with digital communicators using the public switched telephone network – the digicom
• BS EN 50136-1-4:1998. Requirements for systems with voice communicators using the public switched telephone network (the digicom that allows the ARC to shout at the intruder).

Finally ... PD 6662 calls up its own "Annex D" for servicing. It may be worth noting the annexes, by the way. They are specific UK requirements.

DD243 still stands as the standard for confirmed alarms and is still a requirement for police response in this country, as with DD245 for the management of false alarms and the production of false alarm management figures, (the dreaded "P" figures).

Here and now I am going to do a very silly thing, if you are still not sure where you are and what standards to buy – particularly in the light of getting your inspectorate recognition – then send me an e-mail (address at the end of this column) and I will try to answer your questions as best I can. I fully accept that this may just open the floodgates and I may be inundated with questions but what the hell – someone has to try and help!

You’re honest ... but is your customer?

HONEST IS THE BEST POLICY ... OR SO I WAS taught from an early age. As I get older I sometimes begin to wonder how true this is – or indeed if it is a complete lie.

Some years ago whilst fitting a system I had to move a double bed and drill a hole through a double skinned wall to pull cables in from the adjoining shop. As you all know the drill gets very hot and you have to be careful where you put it so I stood it with the hot tip resting on my tool box. Being a clumsy sod I then got my foot in the drill cable and dislodged it. The drill fell on the carpet and promptly burned a small patch about two inches. I could have put the bed back and covered the mark and it may have been months before it was discovered, but, I decided to point out the mishap to the customer who promptly demanded a new carpet. The insurance company paid up.

Around the same time I had to move a heavy sideboard once again to get access to cable runs.

Moving heavy cabinets on your own is a technique we all learn at some point, it is actually very easy ... Go to one end and get a good grip, lift carefully off the floor – then (and here is the secret) tilt the cabinet very slightly until it is stood on only one leg at the other end. It can now be pivoted very easily and you don't get the drag of scraping a leg over the floor and putting undue strain on it. Now go to the other end and repeat the process. Using this method, heavy or delicate items can be moved with ease and safety, and I thought myself an expert – until I lifted up a sideboard and a leg fell off. Once more I owned up and the lady of the house created a right fuss until I promised that the insurance would make good. Later, her husband came home from work.

"How's it going?" he asked.

"Fine", I replied "until the leg fell off your sideboard.”

“Oh that bloody thing, it's always falling off, I will just have to fix it one day".

I looked at the wife , the wife looked at her husband with a face like thunder. He, realising something was wrong said in a voice very resigned after years of living with the dragon ...

"OK, what have I said wrong now"?

Honesty the best policy? I wonder!