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
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.