For landlords and electrical installers, smoke, heat and CO alarms are a small part of an installation's cost, but their reliability is critical.
BS 5839-6 sets out recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises, including Grade D1 systems. These use mains-powered alarms with an integral tamper-proof standby battery supply, allowing operation in the event of a mains power failure.
BS 5839-6 addresses the system, but the alarms themselves must also meet the relevant product requirements. Independent product certification gives installers and landlords a way to verify that they do.
Product requirements
Domestic smoke alarms are covered by BS EN 14604, heat alarms by BS 5446-2 and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms by BS EN 50291-1.
Smoke alarms also fall under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). They must carry UKCA or CE marking, depending on the market in which they are placed, and be supported by a Declaration of Performance (DoP) from the manufacturer. The manufacturer should be able to show a valid Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CoCP) and produce it on request. The Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CoCP) serves as the mandatory third-party verification that a construction product reliably meets declared performance characteristics under European or UK regulatory frameworks.
The BSI Kitemark is a certification mark that sits alongside that marking. It shows that BSI has independently assessed the product against the relevant standard. Certification also involves ongoing audits of manufacturing processes and product conformity, so that production standards are maintained beyond the initial assessment.
Product marking and certification
Check the markings on the product itself rather than relying on claims made in marketing materials or on packaging. Look for the UKCA or CE marking and the relevant standard. Where a BSI Kitemark is claimed, confirm with BSI that the certificate is valid and covers the product concerned and that the manufacturer can produce a CoCP upon request.
Manufactured in-house and independently certified
Our smoke, heat and CO alarms are manufactured fully in-house and independently certified by BSI.
By retaining control over design, manufacturing and testing, we can maintain consistent production processes and respond directly to technical issues.
For installers, using alarms and compatible accessories from a single, trusted manufacturer can simplify specification, installation and ongoing support. It also gives a clear point of contact if technical support is required.
Purchase price
The initial cost of an alarm is only one consideration. Reliability, installation time, technical support and the cost of return visits all contribute to the overall cost of an installation.
Problems that installers may encounter with poorly designed or inadequately supported products include:
- Unwanted alarms, which can lead occupants to disconnect or disable equipment.
- Premature failures requiring replacement and further site visits.
- Compatibility issues and failures when interconnecting products from different manufacturers.
- Inadequate technical documentation, product traceability or technical support.
For landlords and contractors, a return visit to an occupied property can involve arranging access, travelling to site, carrying out remedial work and completing further testing. These costs can outweigh the savings made when purchasing the products.
Product conformity and traceability
Smoke alarms placed on the UK market must meet the requirements of the CPR, including marking and the Declaration of Performance.
Installers and landlords should be able to establish who manufactured or supplied a product, identify the standards it meets and obtain evidence of conformity, such as the declaration of performance for a smoke alarm.
Good traceability is equally important. Should a fault or safety concern occur, clear product identification and installation records make it easier to identify issues and take appropriate action.
Specification and installation
Before specifying or installing alarms, check the following:
- The product markings, including UKCA or CE marking, the relevant standards and any certification details.
- Where a BSI Kitemark is claimed, that the certificate is valid and covers the product concerned.
- That alarms and interconnection accessories are compatible and suitable for the installation.
- Records of the products installed, including model information and installation dates.
- The price: be cautious where an unusually low price comes with an unidentified manufacturer, or with conformity evidence or traceability that cannot be established.
