A new edition of the Code of Practice for fire alarms in housing – BS 5839-6:2019 – has just been published, with important implications for all types of housing, as Kidde reports.
The latest edition of the Code was published on 1st May and its recommendations apply to both new and existing properties. Important new changes are focused on ‘Grades’ (the reliability of a system in terms of its power sources) and ‘Categories’ (in which areas smoke/heat alarms are required for detection). Grades D and F – essentially mains with back-up battery and battery only, respectively – have now been sub-divided to give
Grade D1: mains-powered alarms, with a tamper‑proof standby battery
Grade D2: mains-powered alarms, with a “loose” user‑replaceable standby battery.
Grade F1: battery-powered alarms, with a tamper‑proof primary battery
Grade F2: battery-powered alarms, with a “loose” user‑replaceable battery.
The three previous Categories remain in the latest edition of the Code:
Category LD1: alarms installed throughout the premises – providing maximum protection
Category LD2: alarms in escape routes and in specified higher risk rooms, such as kitchen and living room
Category LD3: alarms in escape routes only.
Simplified Requirements
Minimum recommended Grades and Categories for various types of housing are set out in Table 1 of the Code. This has been simplified in the 2019 edition with just two columns: existing and new or materially altered properties – as Kidde proposed some time ago. These recommendations apply to new buildings but also form the basis for existing 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. Category LD3 is not recommended in any rented properties. Similarly, mains alarms with tamper-proof back-up batteries – Grade D1 – are now recommended for all rented properties (but not battery-only).
Low Cost
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 options to meet both Grade D1 and D2 requirements of the new Code. Up to 23 Firex alarms can be interlinked to create a straightforward, low-energy, low-cost network for protection throughout the home. But they can also interconnect with Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO mains-powered carbon monoxide alarms, using the unique ‘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 required by the Code.
So, without the need for any further hardware or operation of the system, Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants to the specific hazard that confronts them. 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”.
To request an accredited CPD presentation on smoke and heat or CO alarm provision in housing, email: cpd@kiddesafety.co.uk. For more information on Kidde products, email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or call: 03337 722 227.
