Smoke and Heat Alarm Regulations in England: A Homeowner and Landlord Guide

Working smoke alarms give you early warning of a fire, which can be the difference between getting out safely and not. The rules about alarms depend on whether you own or rent out the home, and on whether it is new, altered or existing. This guide explains the main rules in England in plain terms, and what the technical grades and categories mean. It applies to homes in England only.

This is general information. Where a regulation is quoted, check the source for the current wording.

What the building regulations say for new homes and extensions

Approved Document B, volume 1, is the government's guidance on fire safety in dwellings. Paragraph 1.1 says that all dwellings should have a fire detection and alarm system of at least Grade D2, Category LD3 standard. It also says that a higher standard should be considered where the occupants are at special risk.

The document goes on to say that:

• smoke alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS EN 14604;
• heat alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS 5446-2;
• smoke and heat alarms should have a standby power supply, such as a battery, so they continue to work if the mains power fails;
• where a new habitable room is provided above or below the ground storey, a fire detection and alarm system should be installed, and smoke alarms provided in the circulation spaces.

The guidance for dwellings is not a rigid rule for every home, and it is applied to new homes and to certain building work. If you are building an extension, converting a loft or having significant work done, your building control body will tell you what applies. A fire alarm system that is designed to a higher standard can be a sensible choice, particularly in larger homes.

What grades and categories mean

The terms Grade and Category come from British Standard BS 5839-6, the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings.

• Grade describes the type of system. Grade D means one or more mains powered smoke or heat alarms, each with a standby supply such as a battery, and the alarms are interlinked. Other grades, such as Grade A, involve a central control panel and are more common in larger or higher-risk buildings.
• Category describes how much of the home is covered. LD1 is the highest level of protection, with detectors in all circulation areas and every room where a fire could start. LD2 covers escape routes and the main high-risk rooms. LD3 covers escape routes only.

The Approved Document minimum, Grade D2 Category LD3, is a baseline. Many electricians fit a better level of cover, for example detectors in the living room as well as the hall and landing, and a heat alarm in the kitchen.

Smoke alarm or heat alarm?

A smoke alarm detects the smoke particles from a fire. A heat alarm responds to a rise in temperature. In a kitchen, a smoke alarm can be set off by cooking, so a heat alarm is often used there instead. Note that the main dwellings guidance in Approved Document B does not itself require a heat alarm in a kitchen of a house. A kitchen heat alarm appears in the guidance for multi-storey flats without their own external entrance. Your electrician can advise what suits your home.

A carbon monoxide alarm is a different device. It detects the poisonous gas that is produced when fuel such as gas or solid fuel burns without enough air. It is not a substitute for a smoke alarm.

Rules for landlords

Rented homes in England are covered by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. In summary, as amended:

• at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property used as living accommodation;
• a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a fixed combustion appliance, with gas cookers excluded;
• alarms checked and in working order on the first day of each new tenancy.

Local authorities can enforce these rules, and landlords who fail to comply can face a penalty. Read the GOV.UK booklet for the details, and see our guide to electrical safety for landlords, which covers the other electrical duties.

Rules for homeowners

There is no general law that makes an owner-occupier fit alarms in an existing home. However, that does not make them optional in any practical sense. A working smoke alarm on each floor is a basic safeguard, and your home insurer may expect it. Fire and rescue services recommend them, and some, including Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, offer home fire safety advice. Ask your local service what they offer.

Mains, battery and sealed units

There are three common types.

• Mains powered with battery back-up. These are wired to the electrical supply and keep working in a power cut. This is the arrangement described in the building regulations guidance for new work.
• Battery only, replaceable battery. Cheaper and easy to fit, but dependent on you changing the battery and testing the alarm.
• Sealed ten year battery units. The battery is built in and lasts for a long period, after which the whole alarm is replaced. Check the manufacturer's information on the life of the unit.

Whichever you choose, test the alarms regularly by pressing the test button, keep them clear of dust and do not paint over them. Replace any that are past their stated life.

Interlinking

Interlinked alarms are connected so that when one detects a fire, they all sound. This matters in a house with several floors, because a fire in the kitchen may not be heard from a bedroom with the door closed. Interlinking can be done by wiring the alarms together, or by radio signals. Ask your electrician which suits your property. For a rewire or a major refurbishment, wired alarms can be added at the same time. See our rewiring guide.

Where the alarms should go

The positions should follow the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations of BS 5839-6. As a general guide, smoke alarms go in the hall and on the landing, on the ceiling, away from corners and from vents or fans that could affect the airflow. A heat alarm goes in the kitchen, and a carbon monoxide alarm goes in a room with a fuel-burning appliance, as the manufacturer says. Do not put a smoke alarm in a bathroom or directly above a cooker.

Why use an electrician

Fitting a mains powered alarm means working on the electrical supply, which should be done by a competent person. An electrician can connect it to a lighting circuit, test it and give you a certificate for the work. Installing a new alarm system as part of building work may need to be notified. See our Part P guide. For larger or commercial properties, see our fire alarm service.

You can also call 01253 364101 to talk about alarms for your home.