From BS5839 Part 6 2004:
17.2 Recommendations applicable to all control and indicating equipment.
The following recommendations are applicable.
a) Control and indicating equipment should be sited on the same level as the normal entrance to the
dwelling, close to the normal entrance.
B) In single-family dwellings, including dwellings with long-term lodgers, and houses shared by no more
than six persons, generally living in a similar manner to a single family (e.g. houses rented by a number
of students), control and indicating equipment may be hidden from view (e.g. in a cupboard). In other
dwellings (i.e. those in multiple occupation), control and indicating equipment should be sited within a
common circulation area, close to the door by which the fire and rescue service will normally enter the
dwelling when summoned to a fire.
c) Unless it is situated in a secure area or enclosed within a secure cabinet, control and indicating
equipment should normally be sited so that all controls are at least 1.5 m above floor level, to prevent
casual tampering by children. A lower mounting height is, however, acceptable in dwellings occupied by
people who are confined to wheelchairs.
