Domestic Alarms
Domestic Fire Alarms FAQ
This FAQ is designed to aid you in making the best choice in selecting a fire alarm, whether it is a new or an existing building.
More information including diagrams can be found on our page
What are the fire alarm requirements of new-build properties?
BS 5839: Pt.6: 2004 recommends that a new-build property consisting of no more than 3 floors (less than 200sqm per floor)) 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.
What are various grade systems?
The BS 5839: Pt.6 standard places different alarm types into grades simply described as follows:
For domestic fire alarm systems, the minimum grade is D and therefore all new-builds will require smoke and heat alarms with a battery back up whether it's alkaline or lithium.
What does LD2 require?
LD2 refers to the level of coverage supplied by the system to be installed, simply put the number of alarms to be fitted in the property. LD2 is one of 3 categories to protect life outlined by BS5839: Part 6. Category PD refers to a system designed to protect property, which is divided into 2 categories. The categories are listed below: