Fire & CO Alarms Mains alarms with tamper-proof
back-up batteries – Grade D1 – are now recommended for all rented properties.
are unknown (such as new housing) but also form the basis for other housing where a risk assessment might result in a higher alarm provision than Table 1 – but never lower. The minimum standard recommended by the Code applicable to most properties with up to three storeys and no single floor over 200m2 continues to be Category LD2. This means smoke alarms in living rooms, as well as escape routes, and also heat alarms in every kitchen.
Regulation Conflicts Category LD3, with smoke alarms in escape routes only, is not recommended in any rented properties – or in any new homes, which conflicts with the current Approved Document B (AD B). Currently, AD B states that: ‘All new dwellinghouses should be provided with a fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6:2004 to at least a Grade D Category LD3 standard’. In addition, AD B recommends a heat alarm only where the kitchen area is not separated from the stairway or circulation space by a door. However, this AD B guidance conflicts directly with the ‘relevant recommendations’ of BS 5839-6. Notably, the Code recommends a minimum Category LD2 (including heat alarms in all kitchens) where Building Regulations apply. So, AD B guidance on fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings must now be completely reviewed to remove the confusion of conflicting recommendations. In the meantime, adopting the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6 correctly, including a level of protection of Category LD2, could reduce danger to life and property.
In the new Code, minimum Grades (for properties with less than 200m2
for any floor area) can generally be summarised as follows: ●Grade D1 – all rented properties ●Grade D2 – owner-occupied properties that are new, or existing with 4 or more storeys. Also recommended in place of Grade F2 during rewiring.
●Grade F1 – not mentioned in Table 1 itself, but recommended in place of Grade F2 if there is doubt about battery replacement
●Grade F2 – owner-occupied existing properties, up to 3-storey.
Negligible Running Costs As a straightforward, low-cost early warning, installation of interconnected mains smoke and heat alarms is an essential first step in making all housing safer. And the impact of a few additional smoke and heat alarms in homes is negligible. For example, Kidde Firex smoke and heat alarms cost less than £1 per year to operate – a major benefit for tenants. The Firex range includes product options to meet either Grade D1 or D2 requirements of the new Code. These alarms can be interlinked to create a straightforward, low-energy,
low-cost network for protection throughout the home. However, they can also interconnect with Kidde’s mains-powered carbon monoxide alarms, using the ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature. Here, all the alarms sound when one is triggered with different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide or fire – an essential facility. The 2019 edition of the Code now recognizes facilities such as Smart
Interconnect, stating that: “Mains powered CO alarms conforming to BS EN 50291 and installed in accordance 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”.
kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk ewnews.co.uk July 2019 electrical wholesaler | 25
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