Domestic Fire Alarm Systems

Domestic Fire alarms, also known as smoke alarms, are devices which detect fire, smoke and heat and then sound an alarm as a warning. They can be fitted to the ceiling and allow you extra time to escape.

We only fit Aico Smoke, Heat and CO detectors as we find them good value for money and reliable.

Please see the information below.

What you need to know about the latest revisions

British Standard BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 covers specific recommendations for fire alarm systems in all domestic premises and covers both new-build and existing properties. The standard contains a large amount of detail on all aspects relating to the design and installation of fire alarm systems, but one area of it covers the type of alarm to install and the areas of the property to protect

Changes to BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020

Grade A

Separate detectors, sounders and central control and indicating equipment with back-up power supply. Equipment must conform to other British Standards (BS EN 54).

Grade C

A system of fire detectors and alarm sounders (which may be combined in the form of smoke alarms) connected to a common power supply, comprising the normal mains and a standby supply, with central control equipment.

Grade D1

A system of one or more mains powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries.

Grade D2

A system of one or more mains powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a user-replaceable battery or batteries.

Grade F1

A system of one or more battery powered detectors powered by a tamper-proof primary battery or batteries.

Grade F2

A system of one or more battery powered detectors powered by a user-replaceable primary battery or batteries.

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The Category of System

What areas should I protect?

The standard states that the level of protection to the occupants needs to be directly related to the fire risk. However it does list three categories of system to describe the level of protection the systems provide. Where and how many alarms are installed will affect how quickly a fire is detected – generally the higher the category of system the higher the level of protection.

LD1 High Protection

All areas where a fire could start, such as

Hallways
Landings
Living Room
Kitchen
Bedrooms
Airing Cupboards
Meter Cupboards

LD2 - Medium Protection

Escape routes and high risk areas, such as

Hallways
Landings
Kitchen
Living room

LD3 - Minimum Protection

Escape routes, such as

Hallways
Landings

Guides to Categorys and Grades

What’s best for your building and use

Please note always employee a professional fire risk assessor to confirm the category and grade of system for your property.

Rented New Build / Existing

Grade D1, LD2D

Grade D1

A system of one or more mains powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries.

Note D:

Heat detectors should be installed in every kitchen. A smoke detector should be installed in the principal habitable room. Where more than one room might be used as the principal habitable room, a smoke detector should be installed in each of these rooms.

Sheltered Housing Existing

Individual Dwellings – Grade D2 Category LD2Q

Communal Area – Grade A Category L4/L5

Note Q:

Where sheltered housing is upgraded, electrical work such as a rewire is undertaken, or smoke alarms are replaced a Grade D (D1 or D2), Category LD1 system should be installed.

Sheltered Housing New / Materially Altered

Individual Dwellings – Grade D2 Category LD1J

Communal Area – Grade A Category L4/L5

Note J:

Detectors may normally be omitted from roof voids unless there are specific significant fire hazards such as gas boilers or electrical equipment for photovoltaic systems.

Self-catering premises or premises with short-term paying guest New Build/Existing

Grade D1, LD1J

Note J:

Detectors may normally be omitted from roof voids unless there are specific significant fire hazards such as gas boilers or electrical equipment for photovoltaic systems.

House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Existing (1-2 Storey)

Grade D1, LD2D

Note D:

Heat detectors should be installed in every kitchen. A smoke detector should be installed in the principal habitable room (see 3.28). Where more than one room might be used as the principal habitable room, a smoke detector should be installed in each of these rooms.

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Owner Occupied New Build (2-3 Storey)

Grade D2, LD2D

Grade D2

A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a user-replacable battery or batteries.

Note D:

Heat detectors should be installed in every kitchen. A smoke detector should be installed in the principal habitable room. Where more than one room might be used as the principal habitable room, a smoke detector should be installed in each of these rooms.