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PD6662/EN50131 Regs

01903 550138 arundelalarms@btinternet.com

 

These regulations were created for 3 reasons:
• To enable security equipment manufacturers to sell products in all EU countries
• So that security installation companies and engineers could work in any country
• Providing more visibility and understanding for customers to judge the quality of products sourced from any EU country
When was EN50131 introduced?

• The first UK publications featuring European Norm EN50131 appeared in 1997 and 1998 and the BSi published a "Scheme for the application of European Standards for intruder alarm systems" which was numbered "PD6662:2000".
• In 2002 it was decided to phase in EN50131 to replace British Standards BS4737, BS7042 and BS6799. What was then considered a 12 month phasing process was subsequently extended until 1st October 2005 when the old British Standards were dropped and new systems had to be compliant with PD6662:2004. PD6662:2004 became an enabling document with which it was possible to adopt EN50131 in the UK.
• During its development, the writers of PD6662 recognised many of the problems in how EN50131 had previously been introduced in the UK, in particular the lack of standards for components (detectors, control panels, sounders, etc). These problems were resolved, however further developments will inevitably follow

How does PD6662 / EN50131 differ to the old
British Standards?
PD6662 differs to former British Standards, in that:
• It determines not only system, but also component design requirements for Intruder and Hold-up Alarm Systems
• It requires a comprehensive risk assessment to determine system design criteria
• It applies to both hard-wired and wire-free systems
• Systems are required to be “Graded” to reflect the risk
(Grade 1 = Low Risk / Grade 4 = High Risk)

Should I upgrade my existing system to comply with PD6662?
If your system currently complies with old British Standards and operates effectively then there is no need to make any changes.
If you need to make a major upgrade to your old system then the upgraded system will need to comply with PD6662.
This will be required by your insurer.
If you use Police response and the URN is deleted, any system requiring a new URN will need to be upgraded to comply with PD6662.

Should my new system comply with PD6662?
Yes, any new system should be installed to comply with PD6662,
and DD243 (if the system is Police calling)

How can I be sure that my new system complies with PD6662?
Your security system installer will need to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine system design criteria. This takes into consideration the nature of the premises, the area around the premises, the contents of the building and its construction. Based on all of these factors a "Security Grade" can be determined.

What is a "Security Grade"?
In EN50131 the Security Grade is described in terms of the type of intruder and how much effort they would put into a burglary.
A typical view at present could be:
• Grade 1 would only be of interest in domestic properties which are most at risk from opportunist thieves
(without an insurance requirement for an alarm system).
• Grade 2 would be most domestic properties and low risk commercial properties where a likely intruder will be more prepared and may have a limited knowledge of intruder systems (e.g. florists)
• Grade 2 'X' is a variation of Grade 2 where a system is not monitored
• Grade 3 would be for high-risk domestic and most commercial properties where likely intruders will spend time planning a burglary (e.g. shop with cigarette sales)
• Grade 4 would be for extremely high-risk domestic and higher risk commercial properties where the likely intruder will understand intruder systems and will plan their intrusion in detail (e.g. bullion stores)