Code of Practice for domestic fire alarm systems under BS5839-6:2019+A1:2020
BS5839 classifies alarms by Grades and provides installation Categories
The Grade of System is the type of system to be installed, or the reliability of a system in terms of its power source and backup – Grades A to F
BS5839-6:2019 sub-divides the Grades D and F as follows: `
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Categories
This helps to define in which areas of the dwelling the smoke or heat alarms are required.
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How do you apply Grades and Categories?
Minimum Protection
The minimum standard recommended by the Code for most properties with no single floor over 200m2 can generally be summarized as follows:
Minimum Grade
Grade D1 – all rented properties
Grade D2 – owner-occupied, new and 4-storey or more existing properties. Or in place of Grade F2 during rewiring.
Grade F1 or F2 – owner-occupied existing properties, up to 3-storeys.
Minimum Category
For properties up to three storeys, a minimum of Category LD2 is generally recommended.
This means smoke alarms in living rooms, as well as escape routes, and also heat alarms in kitchens.
Summary
- BS5839-6:2019+A1:2020 provides the Code Of Practice for fire alarm systems
- The Grade of system is the type of system to be installed, or the reliability of a system in terms of its power source and backup – Grades A to F
- Categories help to define in which areas of the dwelling the smoke or heat alarms are required.
- While LD1 is recommended, a good level of protection can be achieved for most properties by following the LD2 approach
- The ‘Code of Practice’ recommends minimum levels of Grades and Categories when deciding which alarms are required in a dwelling, are where to locate them.