Specifications

SMOKE & HEAT ALARMS
Frequently Asked Questions
2
Standards & Regulations for Domestic Fire
Alarm Systems
BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004 recommends that a new-build property consisting
of no more than 3 storeys (less than 200sqm per storey) should be
fitted with a Grade D, LD2 system
Building Regulations in England, Wales & Scotland recommend that
BS 5839: Pt.6 should be followed, but as a minimum a
Grade D, LD3 system should be installed.
Building Regulations in Northern Ireland require a Grade D, LD2
system to be installed, with smoke alarms fitted in the escape routes
and the main living room and a heat alarm in the kitchen.
The BS 5839: Pt.6 standard places different alarm types into Grades,
simply described as follows:
Grade A – a system of detectors and sounders with control and
indicating equipment (a panel & perhaps call points)
Grade B – a similar system to Grade A with some minor
amendments.
Grade C – detectors and sounders, or smoke alarms, with some
control features.
Grade D – mains smoke & heat alarms with a battery
back-up supply.
Grade E – mains only smoke & heat alarms
Grade F – battery only smoke & heat alarms
This refers to the level of coverage supplied by the system to be
installed. Simply put, the number of alarms to fit in the property. The
BS 5839: Pt.6 standard lists three ‘Categories’ of system and these are
summarised as follows:
LD1 – alarms fitted in all rooms or areas where a fire may start.
LD2 – alarms fitted in escape routes and high fire risk areas e.g hall,
landing/s plus kitchen and main living room.
LD3 – alarms fitted in escape routes only e.g hallway and landing/s.
Building Regulations do not cover existing properties (unless material
alterations are taking place e.g an extension). In this type of property
BS 5839: Pt.6 should be followed. The minimum requirement for a 2
storey rented property would be Grade D, LD3, but the standard does
recommend that a Fire Risk Assessment should be conducted to
correctly determine what system should be installed.
1. What are the
fire alarm
requirements
for New – Build
properties?
2. What is a
Grade D
system?
3. What do LD2
and LD3
mean?
4. What are the
requirements
for existing
properties?