Building Regulations -
Smoke Detectors

In the UK many people die and others are injured in domestic fires every year, many from smoke inhalation. It is widely accepted that those deaths and injuries would be significantly reduced by installing and maintaining smoke alarms within dwellings.

Purchasing a smoke alarm

When purchasing a smoke alarm, ensure it complies with a British Standard or the International Standard Organisation (ISO) standard. Self-contained smoke alarms must comply with BS 5446 Part 1 1990, for automatic fire detection, and alarm systems must comply with BS 5839 Part 1 1988.

Never buy a second-hand smoke detector. Look for the BS kitemark or the CE mark with the standards displayed.

Where are self-contained smoke alarm systems required?

In all new dwellings and extensions to existing dwellings.
NB. In all new dwellings, the smoke alarms must be permanently wired to an electric circuit which is fused separately at the distribution board or on a lighting circuit.
In roofspace conversions

It is recommended that the installation of a smoke detector is done by a qualified person, e.g. a registered electrician.

Self-contained smoke alarms are not recommended for use in areas such as kitchens, garages and places where steam, condensation or fumes could give rise to false alarms. More appropriate and effective detectors are available for such instances, e.g. heat detectors.

Location of smoke alarms

A high standard of protection can be provided by installing detectors in the kitchen and lounge areas. In a single-storey 2/3 bedroom dwelling, a single smoke detector may be adequate if sited in the main circulation area (see figure 1). In a typical two-storey dwelling, smoke detectors should be installed at both ground and at landing levels, and an audible alarm fitted adjacent to the bedroom doors. Therefore at least two smoke alarms will be required (see figure 2).

Location of smoke alarms - figure 1

Location of smoke alarms - figure 2

Maintenance

Building Control have no authority to ensure that smoke alarms are maintained. It is vitally important that your smoke alarm is regularly checked. Further information can be obtained from the manufacturers' instructions.

Positioning

Smoke alarms should be located in a circulation route such as the hall or landing, so that there is one:

not more than 3m from every bedroom door
not more than 7m from every door of a living room or kitchen
every 15m in a circulation route, such as a corridor

In order to operate as effectively as possible, care should be taken when positioning smoke detectors. It is recommended they are positioned as shown:

Diagram showing where to position smoke detectors

Do not position above a heater. Remember it must be easy and safe to reach for maintenance purposes.