Description of BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 2020

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 comprising a number of self‑contained units, each designed to accommodate a single person or family;

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

4. supported housing.

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, holiday homes, sheltered housing, 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 applies to premises used for self-catering holidays if occupied by not more than ten persons, and premises with short-term paying guests in the home of a resident operator with not more than eight guests. It is limited to premises in which guest accommodation is not located below a ground floor or above a first floor, and in which no storey is greater than 200 m² in area. For larger premises, the recommendations of BS 5839‑1 apply.

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 Government ¹. 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.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (in England and Wales), Scottish Government and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland).

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