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
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.