smoke/heat alarm

[ample current]

Right, I have been asked to do a few alterations to the circuits in a kitchen of a flat which was converted from a house many years ago. Now I know it ought to have a heat alarm installed, but I was under the impression that you don't have to retrospectively enforce todays building regs on a building which was converted before a time I was required.

what do you chaps think?
cheers

 

[Octopus]

Are building control involved? They will have the final say!

 

[R G]

Same as what Murdoch says , all LABC have different ideas , I would consult them ,,,,

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Yeah sometimes they even ask for smokes in the toilet and cupboards, and the wiring to be done to IEE regs :2001....

 

[Badged01]

Think new build and extensions/alterations which introduce bedrooms and loft conversions etc ... above the ground floor need smoke/heat alarms as appropriate. Everything else doesn't -- albeit a sensible precaution. From what you are describing it sounds like you dont need to retrospectively fit them.

But as above, if building control is involved in any way, shape or form then they could insist on them ..... and you could have a long drawn out arguement convincing them otherwise (simplest just to do it!!)

 

[ample current]

Are building control involved? They will have the final say!

no, not that I'm ware of

 

[Octopus]

no, not that I'm ware of

In which case I'd recommend them to the client - that's all you can do....

 

[tazz]

You can advise, but not enforce. It is a BS recommendation..If the flat is rented...then advised landlord of his duty of care, if privately own..then advised client of risk. If HMO ..then advice is by LA, or no licence...If major refit, advice is from building control, or no sign off

 

[Badged01]

Its always an interesting debate with building control on just about anything to do with any electrical reg or building reg!. For smokes there is a BS standard (5839 from memory?) and obviously Part B of the building regs (with its approved document) which give some fairly clear advice as to what should be fitted. However, as has been stated building control then take their own view on this and as they eventually sign of the docs you are best advised just to do what they want or they wont issue paperwork and you wont get paid!.

I've tried argueing my point with them when we've had a difference of opinion but have yet to 'win'. I now just do as Im told ........

 

[tazz]

Building control and the LA follow the recommended standards, to ensure their duty of care, and basically if its not followed, they wont sign it off.....as a spark, in a private or rented house, all you can do is advise the client that it should be fitted, you can not force them to have anything the dont wont....be all its their home and they own it

 

[ample current]

The flat is owned not rented and its only some new kitchen unit and the cooker point and socket to be moved and a few down lights. No LABC involved as far as I'm aware. I just said to the client " although it ought to have some but......."

 

[tazz]

That`s all you can do, give the client the best advice you can, for their own safety, and to comply with BS...you recommend the following should be installed..