Hi,

 I’m an electrician and have been asked to install smoke/heat detectors in a 3-storey house which has been split into 2. There is already a fully operational fire alarm present ( it’s not linked between the separate dwellings ) but the landlord wants it disconnected and battery backup linked ones installed, I don’t think he wants to pay the maintenance on the alarm.

My question is can I install a cat D system or should it stay as it is. I think it’s bonkers removing what’s there to put in an inferior system.

Without a proper description of the premises I cannot say, but you need to check out what fire alarms are required using HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing. If a cat A type is required, then what you call a fire alarm should remain with a cat D in the flats and this is the situation in most three storey premises.