Smoke alarms in homes can save lives, are easy to use and are inexpensive. If correctly specified, installed and maintained, they will give an early warning of fire that can allow occupants to safely escape, while nuisance alarms are minimised.

This Information Paper provides guidance on the different types of smoke alarm available, and on correctly specifying, locating, installing and maintaining fire detection and alarm systems. It reviews a number of the recommendations given in relevant regulatory guidance, as well as the use of third-party-approved fire detection and alarm products and installers.

The information provided will be of particular interest to UK house builders, building control officers, specifiers, manufacturers, building owners and the fire and rescue services, and may also be of use to similar professionals in other countries – subject to local code or national legislative requirements.

Contents

Introduction

Types of smoke alarm

-Smoke detectors (Ionisation detectors. Optical or photoelectric detectors.)

-Combination and other alarms

Interconnection

Power sources

Selecting smoke alarms

-Ionisation or optical detector alarms?

-Third-party certification
Specifying fire detection and alarm systems

-Which grade of alarm system? (Higher grade systems (A-C). Grade D systems. Grade E systems.)

-What category of protection? (Category LD1 and LD2 systems. Category LD3 systems.)

-Meeting the needs of the various building types

-Houses in multiple occupation (Reducing nuisance alarms in larger HMOs. Responsibility.)

Installation and siting

-Siting of alarms

-Audibility requirements

Maintenance

Summary

References

A4 8pp, 4 line drawings, 3 photos.

Available on or after 6/6/2012.