Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning smoke detection requirements in homes, is answered by the NICEIC:
Note that I'm not doing such jobs as rewires - it is for updating works only. Is it the case of putting in no less than what is already there?
Answer: It depends on what type of system has been specified. Generally, smoke detectors in communal areas (hall and landing) is the minimum requirement. However, BS5839 does also indicate that detectors need to be installed in rooms of high risk of fire. Therefore, a heat detector in the kitchen is advisable.
Some local authorities would also interpret this to mean in living areas. It is always advisable to ring your local authority to ask for their minimum requirement.
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