Hi, i was wondering if you could help me out, im quoting for some electrical work in a large domestic dwelling and the client requires a fire alarm system for the property, currently there is only battery operated smoke alarms dotted around the house and i was hoping to install a grade D LD3 system which would be an improvement on what is already there, but i am unsure if i will be able to do this. The property has two floors and a basement with one or more of the floor areas being over 200m2, i believe a grade A LD2 system is needed, i have no problem supplying and installing the system but in order to comply with building control i believe (i maybe wrong) it needs to be commissioned and certified by a registered by either BAFE/FIA approved person. I have attached the floor plan drawing and wondered if it would it be possible to highlight what areas require detection (design). Any advise would be greatly appreciated

The LGA guidance HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing for a standard domestic dwelling recommends grade D LD3 but Approved Document B - Fire safety: Volume 1 - Dwellinghouses recommends for a two storey house with a basement, and any floor over 200 squared metres , Grade B LD3 so if this house is subject to the Building Regulations then you need to consider Grade B LD3.

A qualified electrician installing a Grade D LD3 I see no problems but a Grade B LD3 would be more of a specialist job and you would need to have a good knowledge of BS 5839 part 6 or attended a specialist course. For proof it has been installed correctly the Building Control Officer would require an installation/commissioning certificates but the is no mention of BAFE/FIA approved person. The type and siting of detector heads and sounders is all covered in the British Standard.

For more information check out the above documents.