HMO Fire Alarms: Grades And Categories Explained

Fire alarm specifications for HMOs are written as a grade and a category, for example "Grade A, Category LD2". The grade describes the type of equipment. The category describes how much of the building is covered by detection. Both come from BS 5839-6, the British Standard for fire alarms in domestic premises.

Grades: the type of system

• ▸Grade A — a full system with a control panel, detectors, call points and sounders, designed and installed much like a commercial BS 5839-1 system. Common in larger HMOs.
• ▸Grade C — detectors and sounders powered from a central supply, with some central control.
• ▸Grade D1 — mains-powered smoke and heat alarms with a tamper-proof built-in standby battery, interlinked so one sets them all off.
• ▸Grade D2 — as D1, but with a user-replaceable standby battery.
• ▸Grade F1 / F2 — battery-only alarms. Generally not suitable as the main system in an HMO.

Categories: how much is covered

• ▸LD3 — detection in the escape route only (hallways and landings).
• ▸LD2 — the escape route plus rooms where a fire is more likely to start or would put the escape route at risk, such as kitchens and lounges.
• ▸LD1 — detection throughout, in every room where a fire could start (bathrooms and toilets are usually excluded).

What does my HMO need?

There is no single answer. Your fire risk assessment and your council's HMO licence conditions set the specification, and most councils base their decision on the LACORS national fire safety guidance and BS 5839-6. As a rough guide, smaller shared houses of one or two storeys are often fitted with Grade D1 interlinked alarms, while larger HMOs of three storeys or more, and bedsit-style HMOs, are more often required to have a Grade A system. Bedsits with their own cooking facilities usually need heat detection inside each letting.

Testing depends on the grade

• ▸Grade A — weekly call point test, servicing every six months, and a logbook kept on site.
• ▸Grade D1 / D2 — test every alarm at least monthly with the test button and check they all sound together. Replace alarms at the manufacturer's recommended date.

How JHS can help

We design, install and maintain HMO fire alarm systems across the East Midlands, London and Kent, including wireless systems for buildings where running new cables would be disruptive. We can review your licence conditions and fire risk assessment and recommend the right grade and category before you spend anything.