Are you a
Homeowner?
Are you a
Homeowner?
Understanding these categories is essential for installers, housing providers and specifiers, as they determine how and where fire detection and alarm systems should be installed to meet the standard. BS 5839-6:2019 is the British Standard that governs fire detection and alarm systems in domestic premises, defining three levels of life protection – LD1, LD2 and LD3. Each category reflects the level of fire risk within a property and ensures the correct coverage to protect occupants effectively.
Category LD1 provides the highest level of life protection. It is intended to protect all occupants over the lifetime of the fire detection and fire alarm system and is specified where the potential risk is greatest.
An LD1 system requires fire detection to be installed throughout the property. This includes all circulation areas forming part of the escape routes, as well as all rooms and areas where a fire could start, with the exception of rooms with negligible ignition risk, such as toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
Typical alarm coverage includes:
· Hallways
· Landings
· Living rooms
· Kitchens (heat alarms)
· Bedrooms
· Airing or meter cupboards
· Lofts
· Integral garages
Under BS 5839-6:2019, the required level of protection in sheltered housing flats has increased from LD2 to LD1, recognising the higher risk profile of these properties. Installers must ensure full coverage to achieve compliance.
Category LD2 offers a medium level of protection and is commonly specified where there is an increased risk beyond escape routes alone.
An LD2 system incorporates detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes, together with detectors in specified high-risk rooms. These include the kitchen and the principal habitable room.
Typical alarm coverage includes:
· Hallways
· Landings
· Living rooms
· Kitchens (heat alarms)
LD2 systems are designed to provide earlier warning of fire in higher-risk areas, while maintaining protection along escape routes.
Category LD3 represents the minimum level of protection permitted under the standard. Detection is provided only in circulation areas forming part of the escape routes, giving occupants sufficient warning to evacuate.
Typical alarm coverage includes:
· Hallways
· Landings
This category now applies only to certain owner-occupied dwellings, such as bungalows, single-storey flats or maisonettes, or two-storey houses where no floor level is more than 4.5 metres above ground level.
Correctly identifying and installing the appropriate category is fundamental to meeting BS 5839-6:2019 requirements and ensuring the safety of occupants. For installers, selecting the correct alarms for the right property is key to delivering compliant and effective fire protection.
Read our handy guide to BS 5839-6:2019 and Amendment 1:2020 here, for the latest compliance amendments.
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