The requirement
Approved document B states, Requirement B1 will be met if:
- there is sufficient means for giving early warning of the fire for persons in the building;
- there are routes of sufficient number and capacity, suitably located, to enable persons to escape to a place of safety in the event of fire; and
- the routes are sufficiently protected from the effects of fire where necessary.
Early Warning of Fire
All new dwelling houses should be provided with a fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with BS 5839-6 Code of Practice for Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems in Domestic Properties, to at least Grade D, Category LD3.
The smoke and heat alarm system should comply with a standby power supply such as a battery or capacitor.
LD1 High Protection
All areas where a fire could start, e.g:
- Hallway
- Landings
- Living Room
- Kitchen
- Bedrooms
- Airing Cupboards
- Meter Cupboard
LD2 – Medium Protection
Escape routes and high risk areas, such as:
- Hallways
- Landings
- Kitchen
- Living room
LD3 – Minimum Protection
Escape routes, such as:
- Landings
- Hallways
Rented Properties
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.
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.
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.
Testing of a Fire Alarm System
Additional Updates
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Interconnection
Mains powered Carbon Monoxide alarms conforming to BS EN 50291 and installed in compliance with BS EN 50292 may also be interlinked with the fire detection and alarm system if the manufacturer of all the components makes such a recommendation.