Other peoples views

Perhaps if you had phrased it "Did you put the batteries in the alarms?"?

... but did they get connected so as to power the alrams?

Avpx

I have to admit, I'm having trouble with that usage of the word 'second'.

That was later in the argument.

The batteries in most alarms are already supplied in the alarm (an usually already inside the battery compartment). You just need to connect the battery to the alarm.

I take it this apprentice isn't being fast-tracked onto the binary switch addressing installations, then?

Owain

Yes, I do. Or perhaps I only think I do, and I don't really? How could I tell?

We are just having some alarms put up in some flats that are being converted. I would expect the builders to ensure that the alarms are fully working with backup batteries installed by the time the flats are handed over.

Second fix seems a good time to do it, UNLESS there's work going on in the flats that's going to set them off all the time. That would be a right PITA for your co-workers.

I would be concerned that the power to the alarms needs to be turned on soon after the batteries are connected, so as to avoid those being drained.

What have I missed?

Please tell me that you are a teacher.

Fine. I'm a teacher.

I get the impression that I would have more patience with your apprentices than you.

Can I ask you a question, now? We always hear from you when you have the need to sound off about things going wrong. Do you ever praise your apprentice when they do something well? It must be pretty dispiriting for them if you only ever carp on at them about their mistakes.

My answer would be "That's a bloody big smoke alarm - if it needs a PP9 battery!"

Second fixing is a confusing term Adam. Final fixing perhaps? However, I would expect the batteries to be connected. I have seen flats that have been occupied for 12 months with the dust covers still over the detectors. A spark installed the system and of course tested the system on the hand over. The alarm engineer I was with did not know the code for the panel and rang the spark who installed the system. Enter the spark, red faced and blustering. He knew the code - bravo. Alarm tested. It did NOT work as the detectors had been wired up incorrectly. Enter the owner of the flats. Exit Mr Pounder.

'Second fixing' is a well established and understood expression in the building trade. Not at all confusing if you are working in that arena.

AWEM

What age group?

Perhaps it provides backup for the entire system :-)

Colin Bignell

Yes.

HTH

I'm not working in the building trade anymore. Your explanation of "second fixing" has been very useful. Thanks.

Does it matter? He wears nice clothes to go to work and comes home with clean hands. Whereas you don't.

PP3 9V. I have never claimed to be perfect.

Umm, Adam, I'm not actually a teacher. I was just doing what you asked.