Meeting fire safety standards in new build properties isn’t optional—it’s a legal and practical necessity. Whether you’re a builder, electrician, installer, or building control officer, understanding the regulations for smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms ensures every home is safe, compliant, and built to last.
This guide explains the latest UK requirements for domestic fire detection systems, including BS 5839-6 standards, alarm placement rules, interlinking systems, and why heat alarms in kitchens are essential. We’ll also cover regional variations, power supply options, and why exceeding the minimum can deliver better protection and peace of mind.
UK Fire Alarm Regulations for New Builds
Fire alarm requirements for new homes are shaped by Building Regulations and BS 5839-6, the British Standard for domestic fire detection systems.
England & Wales
Approved Document B (Fire Safety) requires:
- Smoke alarms on every storey.
- Alarms in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings.
- Heat alarms in kitchens (especially open-plan layouts).
- Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances (Part J).
- Interlinked alarms for multi-storey homes.
Scotland
Since February 2022, all homes—including new builds—must have:
- One smoke alarm in the living room (or most-used room).
- Smoke alarms in every hallway or landing.
- A heat alarm in the kitchen.
- All alarms interlinked (wired or wireless).
- CO alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
Technical Booklet E requires:
- Mains-powered smoke alarms with battery backup on every floor.
- Heat alarms in kitchens.
- CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
Please note: BS 5839-6 isn’t law, but it’s the benchmark for best practice and Building Control approval across the UK.
Minimum Alarm Numbers & Placement
Under BS 5839-6 Category LD2 (common for new builds):
- Smoke alarms in circulation spaces and high-risk rooms (e.g., living rooms).
- Heat alarms in kitchens to prevent false alarms from cooking.
Placement guidelines:
- Ceiling mounted, at least 300 mm from walls or light fittings.
- Centrally located for optimal detection.
Alarm Grades Explained
New builds typically require Grade D systems:
- Grade D1: Mains-powered with sealed, rechargeable battery backup (10-year life).
- Grade D2: Mains-powered with replaceable battery backup.
Most developers choose Grade D1 for reliability and reduced maintenance.
Heat Alarms in Kitchens
Heat alarms are vital because smoke alarms can trigger falsely from cooking smoke or steam. Heat alarms detect rapid temperature rises, ensuring accurate activation during real fire conditions.
Interlinked Alarms & Power Supply
Interlinked alarms mean if one detects danger, all sound together—critical for multi-storey homes.
Power options:
- Mains-powered (preferred for new builds) with battery backup.
- Wireless interlinking for flexibility where wiring is difficult.
Why Choose Hispec?
At Hispec, we supply a full range of life safety products, including smoke alarms, heat alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors, designed to meet and exceed UK regulations. Our solutions combine reliability, innovation, and compliance – helping you protect homes and lives.