Published: 5 May 2009
Category: Q&A
Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, regarding smoke detection for toilets opening on to escape routes, is answered by the ECA:
Question: Could you please advise as to whether it is necessary to provide smoke detection within toilets that open onto escape routes, under a Category L3 fire alarm system?
BS5839 states that automatic detection need not be provided within toilets (if they are of low fire risk) in a Category L1 system, but mentions no such exclusions under Category L3 - so presumably, if they're not required under L1, then they wouldn't be required under a less onerous L3 system?
Answer: This should be based on a design risk assessment. I would suggest that, unless the toilet area is greater than 9m2, there would be no requirement for automatic detection.
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