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Location/minimum smoke detectors in flat

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hi, Im looking to install smoke and heat detectors in a flat and need advice to achieve the minimum required protecting, as asked by the owner. 


Obviously I will install a heat detector in the kitchen and smoke in the living room and hall.

The problem is, it's a second floor flat with an internal staircase which is part of the flat and not communal. 


I though I would need another two smoke detectors, one at the top and bottom? Or is this excessive? 


The bottom of the stairs at the front door is just a 1 metre squared area which goes straight up. The top is very close to the hall smoke detector but a door separates the two areas and the area above door is longer than 10% of room height.

It is better to have too many but customer might not want to spend a fortune on more of the battery radio 10 year detectors than required.


I have attached photos for reference.


Any information/advice is much appreciated.


Thank you20210609_142721.jpg20210609_142729.jpg
  • 0
    Always good to see photos. ?


    The issue here, I think, is that does your insurance cover you for designing and installing fire alarm systems?


    I make the distinction between a householder who has asked for an electrical supply to smoke and heat detectors in locations which he (or she) has chosen and advising on the most suitable system. The former just requires compliance with BS 7671, but the latter requires compliance (and certification) to whichever BS applies.


    It is useful to note that insurance for the provision of a fire alarm system is significantly more expensive!
  • 0
    I fitted four alarms in a flat ten years ago and recently replaced them when I did the landlords EICR.
    • Bottom and top of the stairs, presumably the stairs form the protected lobby to the flat on two floors with fire doors at both the bottom and top of it.

    • Bedsit room. The bedroom does not have a door between it and the living room, because the travel distance is too far but without the door they count as one room.

    • Kitchen.

  • 0
    Is that a consumer unit at the top of the stairs?


    Perhaps even emergency lights should be considered, one at the top and one at the bottom of the stairs as well.


    Z.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Hi Johnny


    You will need to consider the compliance to BS5839 pt 6 particularly if its for insurance compliance - I would suggest you install new smoke detector to top of stairs and not the hallway at bottom as its such a small area and smoke would dissapate very quickly up the stairwell, 




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