Category M – Manual
The most standard type of fire alarm system, category M is a manual system where occupants of the building must physically activate the alarm upon discovering a fire by using brake glass points that will sound the alarm throughout the building to warn others of the danger.
Category P – Property
P1 – Detection installed everywhere in the building including any voids.
P2 – Detection is only installed in certain areas to manage a specific risk.
Category L – Life
L5 – Detection is only installed in areas in which a particular risk needs to be controlled.
L4 – Detection is only installed along escape routes such as stairways and corridors and
corresponding passage areas but not individual rooms.
L3 – Similar to L4 detection is placed along all escape routes leading from the interior of the premises to fire exits.
L2 – These alarms have detection in high-risk rooms and escape routes leading to fire exits, it provides advance warning of the existence of a fire in another area.
L1 – Known as maximum life protection automated fire alarm, an L1 system is the most
comprehensive category, detection is installed in every part of a building including large cupboard spaces, roofs and voids in construction.