Domestic smoke alarms DG525
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries. Domestic smoke alarms (DG525) was written by Emma Warren and published by BRE on 25 May 2012.
UK fire statistics show that you are almost twice as likely to die in a domestic fire where there is no working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms in homes are easy to use, inexpensive and can save lives giving early warning of fire, allowing occupants to safely escape. They are simple, self-contained but often interconnected units, incorporating a smoke detector, power source and alarm sounder. There are two types of domestic smoke alarm in common use: one is fitted with an ionisation smoke detector, the other with an optical or photoelectric detector.
DG525 provides guidance on the types of domestic smoke alarm available, and on their correct specification, location, installation and maintenance. It reviews recommendations in the relevant regulatory guidance and the use of third-party-approved fire detection and alarm products and installers.
It is intended for UK house builders, building control officers, specifiers, manufacturers, building owners and the fire and rescue services. It may also be of use to professionals in other countries.
The contents of the 8 page information paper are:
- Introduction.
- Types of smoke alarm.
- Interconnection.
- Power sources.
- Selecting smoke alarms.
- Specifying fire detection and alarm systems.
- Installation and siting.
- Maintenance.
- Summary.
- References.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BS 5839-1.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire detector.
- Fire.
- Ionisation smoke alarm.
- Multi-sensor alarm.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces.
- Smoke detector.
- The causes of false fire alarms in buildings.
Featured articles and news
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.























