Domestic Fire Alarm Certificates
Domestic fire alarm certificates are based on BS 5839-6 Annex E and are officially know as Certificate of Design, Installation and Commissioning of a Fire Detection and Fire Alarm System for Grade C, D and F Systems, they are also know as Grade D Fire Alarm Installation Certificate or Smoke Alarm Installation Certificate.
You can create your domestic fire alarm certificates with our Pro Certs (electrical certification software) app which includes a domestic fire alarm commissioning certificate template form.
System Grades
A domestic fire alarm “grade” specifies how the system is powered and the backup battery requirements. Domestic fire/smoke alarm systems are generally graded as either grade C, D1, D2, F1 or F2.
Grade C: A system of fire detectors and alarm sounders (which may be combined in the form of
smoke alarms) connected to a common power supply, comprising the normal mains and a standby
supply, with central control equipment.
For grade C systems, the mains electrical supply should be derived from an independent circuit at the dwelling’s main distribution board. No other electrical equipment should be connected to this circuit.
Grade D1: A system of one or more mains-powered interlinked detectors, each with a tamper‑proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries.
Grade D2: A system of one or more mains-powered interlinked detectors, each with an integral
standby supply consisting of a user‑replaceable battery or batteries.
Grade F1: A system of one or more battery-powered interlinked detectors powered by a tamper‑proof primary battery or batteries.
Grade F2: A system of one or more battery-powered interlinked detectors powered by a user‑replaceable primary battery or batteries.
Detectors might be in the form of smoke detectors, heat detectors or combined units. Most manufacturers also offer Carbon Monoxide detectors.
The interlink connection between detectors could be either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of both. The interlink function sends a signal from the detector which has detected a fire to all the other detectors to activate their sounders in the event of a detection.
Domestic Fire Alarm Commissioning Certificate
Get your domestic fire alarm certificates today with our Pro Certs App.
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System Categories
A fire alarm “category” specifies the type and level of protection. Fire alarm categories for domestic fire alarm systems include categories LD1, LD2, LD3, PD1 and PD2.
The letters indicate the type of protection, the number indicates the level of protection.
Type of Protection:
- LD = Protection of life.
- PD = Protection of property.
Level of Protection:
- 1 = Highest.
- 3 = Lowest.
System categories for the protection of life (LD):
Category LD1: A system installed throughout the premises, incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all rooms and areas, other than those with negligible sources of ignition, such as toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
Category LD2: A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all specified rooms or areas that present a high fire risk to occupants, including any kitchen and the principal habitable room.
Category LD3: A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises.
All domestic premises need to be provided with an appropriate fire detection and fire alarm system. The
greatest benefit to life safety is given by a full‑coverage system (Category LD1). Such a system gives the
earliest practicable warning of fire to occupants, wherever ignition occurs.
Systems categories for the protection of property (PD):
Category PD1: A system installed throughout the premises, incorporating detectors in all rooms and areas in which fire might start, other than toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
Category PD2: A system incorporating detectors only in defined rooms or areas of the premises in which the risk of fire to property is judged to warrant their provision.
A fire can start virtually anywhere in domestic premises, although the probability of fire varies
significantly from one room to another. If the fire is not detected at an early stage, it can grow until it
becomes difficult or impossible to extinguish. The highest level of property protection is therefore given
by a Category PD1 system (giving full coverage of all parts of the premises).
Get your domestic fire alarm certificates today with our Pro Certs App.
Add your company logo and adjust the certificate colours.
The Electricians Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
If you are unfamiliar with the requirements of BS 5839, this Electrician’s Guide to Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems is very helpful and informative and is ideal for individuals involved in the design and installation of fire detection systems as part of electrical installations.
It offers information, advice, and guidance on managing BS 7671 and BS 5839 requirements.
Fire alarm regulations are constantly evolving and being updated, so it is imperative to ensure you are working to the latest version of the relevant regulations and local authority requirements.
References: BS 5839-6 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings – Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.
Fire Alarm Installation Certificates for Dwellings.
Most commonly, for standard domestic (dwellings) properties, A grade D fire alarm certificate is issued.
Always check with the current relevant regulations and local authority requirements to ensure the correct Grade and Category of fire detection system is specified, designed and installed.
It’s also worth noting that insurance policies may also have their own additional requirements, such as for Thatched properties and high risk areas etc.
