What does the legislation say?

[Goody]

In a domestic situation one has to have a smoke/fire alarm but does the legislation stipulate that it has to be hard wired to a MCB on the non-RCD side or could that be a simple battery operated (Wicks or B&Q) smoke alarm?

When you find a property without one and the landlord isn't keen on spending for hard-wired ones, would the battery operated ones satisfy the legislation?



Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

[Goody]

Thanks, guys for all the inputs. It's a one-room flat and it needs only one alarm. I will put it on a lighting ciruit - problem solved.

Cheers!

 

[clicon357]

Sorry mate, forgot to add that these OSG "rules" come from Part B of the Building Regs for "new and refurbished dwellings" Could argue the flat is neither? Of course who is then responsible for changing the batteries in the smoke alarms?

 

[arturas]

was wondering, if you refurbishing only the kitchen, is it allowed main power your heat alarm but not link with the over smoke alarms which all ready exist in a house?because linking them means you have to rip the carpet ant floorboards and cut some holes in the ceilings which client is not happy with?or it has to be linked anyway?

 

[clicon357]

Its the old damned if you do damned if you scenario, upset the customer or go against recommendations. The OSG says exactly this "Part B of the Building Regulations and the Building Standards Scotland requires all new and refurbished dwellings to be provided with a fire detection and alalm system" What the position is then on just refurbishing the kitchen I don't know. I'd strongly suggest interlinking with the old system and imagine anyone you asked like an insurer or Building Control would say the same. Appreciate the comments about ripping up floors etc. How about suggesting to them as a happy medium that now would be a good time to upgrade the whole smoke and fire system and go radio linked which is permitted. And a lot cheaper than tearing up floors! Maybe a letter with a separate quote to give yourself a bit of coverage. You could phone Building Control on the QT and include their comments in the quote/letter. "Steer" the customer so to speak.

I assume (not sure) that if the existing alarms are interlinked with 3-core and earth then if replacing with mains powered radio alarms in the same position you would disconnect the signal wire? Anyone?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You need to tell us what the ***** out bit says, but not as part of a link.

 

[clicon357]

Sorry, is that to my post? Can't see what you mean by ***** Does the forum block stuff?

 

[Mark_Burgess]

You need to tell us what the ***** out bit says, but not as part of a link.

I have a feeling its on the TLC website!

 

[clicon357]

I have a feeling its on the TLC website!

Thanks for that. To spinlindon then, Google "tlc-direct" go to their technical section and look at Fire and Smokes in my opinion there is a good Kidde booklet there.

BTW, I'm a newbie here, why if I try and pasts up a "www" link does it turn well like this "..................."?

 

[topquark]

Sorry, is that to my post? Can't see what you mean by ***** Does the forum block stuff?

Yep, obscenities and certain suppliers web sites are blocked

 

[1Justin]

Bump..

I've been looking at this one today also and still can't quite get it.

My customer has plans under BC which has porch extension, new kitchen & re-fabbed downstairs bathroom. Plans say "smoke alarm" (just the one) - with a location shown in downstairs hall.
New Approved doc B (fire safety) says 1.8 "Where a new habitable room is provided..alarm system should be installed"

>> But if alterations are made without a new habitable room (ie this case):
A) Is it strictly required to follow those guidelines? (ie one on every floor).
B) Approved doc B : 1.12 "At least one alarm on every floor".
>>If I am installing one anyway (irrespective of a "new habitable room" requirement of Doc B), does this put me outside the requirement for every floor. ie I could install just the one detector (rather than on every floor)?

(ie My customers plans are signed off by BC with just the one detector) Should I be putting in two anyway to avoid problems at BC completion?

Approved doc B 1.19 says it can be from a lighting cct. OK.. but.
>> But then Doc B and other guidance also says it should have independent means of isolating the power. Does this mean it could have a lighting switch so Mrs Smith can just turn it off? - Seems a bit dim to me. Do people really put in an on/off switch?