Domestic smoke alarm systems

[welchyboy]

could someone please critique/verify my understandings of the b regs and which system to fit and when, consider these circumstances in a standard size 3 bed house, this is what i currently install to;

Single storey extension only - no smoke detection system added

Double storey extension - LD3/D system installed with extra heat in kitchen if open to other rooms

Loft conversion - LD3/D system installed with extra heat in kitchen if open to other rooms

Full rewire - LD3/D system installed with extra heat in kitchen if open to other rooms

New build - LD2/D system installed

The reason being, i am working on a small single story extension and the building inspector has said he wants 1x mains smoke on the ground floor hallway and thats it?? WTF!

I said i cant issue a cert on that as it doesnt equate to any type of system design and would have to install an LD3 at least or not at all, i didnt think the situation required me to install anything anyway, the builder wont pay the extra for an LD3 either.

am i wrong in my understandings or shall i just do what he says and not issue a cert for it??

 

[Technician]

Quote from Part 'P' guidance; page 121;

"BS 5839 fire detection and alarm system."

"All new dwelling houses should be provided with fire detection and alarm

in accordance with BS 5839-6 to at least Grade D category LD3."

Mains powered, standby supply by battery or capacitor.

Grade D systems are further described on the same page.

It looks like you are on the right track Welchy; show this

text to the man and see what he says.

 

[SteveT]

Good point , however that does specifically mention new build houses, not extensions.If the Building inspectoir is happy, sign off electrically and be done with it, as you say none actually required in that scenario

 

[Evans Electric]

Is the extension for a bedroom ? I thought that was a requirement for a smoke alarm .

I'd do as you say with your last sentence TBH , do what the inspector wants or it won't get passed off.

I've never issued a cert for smoke alarms , fitted thousands, never been asked for one .

 

[welchyboy]

Thank you everyone, think he is getting confused!

Technician

I was looking at an NIC pocket guide 24 today and in there it says minimum for new builds and buildings that have been materially altered(extensions) is LD2/D (clause 9 bs5839-6)thats a bit extreme isnt it, surely this isnt right!

Is this a recent update?? i cant keep up with all these updates!!

 

[Technician]

Welchy...that is one pocket guide I do not have.

However...Large houses (green guide) have more

than one storey and any one storey exceeds 200m(2).

Large houses (3 or more storeys) excluding basement

should have Grade A category LD2 BS5839-6.

I can only infer that this is applied to extensions.

On another matter, I spoke to a builder about Radon.

Believe it or not there is a membrane that has to be

laid before construction and a certificate issued to

that effect.