Description of BS 5839-6:2013 2013

This part of BS 5839 gives recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises that are:

1. designed to accommodate a single family;

2. houses in multiple occupation that comprise a number of self-contained units, each designed to accommodate a single family;

3. sheltered housing, including both the dwelling units and the common areas.

The recommendations apply to both new and existing domestic premises.

Recommendations for routine attention are also given.

The systems covered in this part of BS 5839 range from those comprising a single self-contained smoke alarm to systems of the type described in BS 5839‑1. The recommendations of this part of BS 5839 may also be applied to the fire detection components of combined domestic fire and intruder alarm systems or fire and social alarm systems.

This part of BS 5839 applies to forms of domestic premises, including bungalows, multi-storey houses, individual flats and maisonettes, mobile homes, sheltered housing, housing providing NHS supported living in the community (as defined in Health Technical Memorandum 88 [1]), mansions, shared houses and houses divided into several self-contained single-family dwelling units. It does not apply to hostels, caravans or boats (other than permanently moored boats used solely as residential premises), or to the communal parts of blocks of flats or maisonettes. It does not apply to any premises used for purposes other than as domestic premises (e.g. small shops, factories or similar premises used solely as places of work).

This part of BS 5839 is intended for use by architects and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, installers and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in domestic premises. It is not intended for occupiers, for whom advice is published by the Government¹⁾. However, recommendations are given for simple systems that may be installed by non-specialists.

The recommendations refer principally to fire detection and fire alarm systems installed for the purpose of life safety. However, recommendations are given for systems that are also intended to protect property.

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