Heat Producing Appliances Building Regulations 2014

Technical Guidance Document J

Part J the Requirement

Summary of the key points

Carbon Monoxide:

To ensure proper combustion and removal of the products of combustion a heat producing appliance should be correctly installed and regularly serviced. The provision of an alarm in accordance with the guidance below should not be regarded as a substitute for this.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Where a new or replacement open-flued or flueless combustion appliance, not designed solely for cooking purposes, is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should be provided:

1. In the room where the appliance is located and
2. Either inside each bedroom or, within 5m (16ft.) of the bedroom door, measured along the path of the corridor.

Where a system chimney is being used, with any heat producing appliance and the flue passes within or over a habitable room, (whether encased or not), then a CO alarm should be fitted in the room.

Alarm type

A carbon monoxide alarm depends on a sensing element the output of which changes in the presence of carbon monoxide. It has a limited life span and may become obsolete even though the electric circuitry remains functioning which is why an end of life alarm is required.

The carbon monoxide alarm may give an end of life indication in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Powered by a non-replaceable (sealed) battery unit where the battery life does not exceed the life of the sensor;
2. Powered by mains electricity (not plug in type) where a timer is included to indicate the end of life of the unit;
3. Powered by a replaceable battery where the timer is included to indicate the end of life of the unit

Carbon monoxide alarms should:

1. Comply with I.S. EN 50291-1:2010/A1:2012; and
2. Incorporate a visual and audible indicator to alert users when the working life of the alarm is due to pass; and
3. The manufacturer should have a third-party certification confirming compliance with the standard.

Fire Safety-Volume 2 – Dwelling Houses Building Regulations- The Requirement

Part B- The Requirement

Part B6-B11 of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations, 2017 provides for Dwelling Houses as follows:

• • From 1997 A Grade D smoke alarm was required in the Hallway, Landing and Kitchen
  • From 2006 A Grade D smoke alarm was required in Hallway, Landing, Kitchen and principal living room
  • From 2017IS3218:2017 Part 10 for all New build, Refurbishments and Rewires. (Refer to paragraph 10.2.1.1 of the current standard)

IS3218:2017 Part 10

Summary of Key Points

Minimum Requirements for FDAS (Fire Detection Alarm System)

The minimum level of protection for dwelling houses up to three storeys or for any individual apartments/flat or maisonette is Category LD2.

This level of protection is applicable to individual dwellings with no unusual risks, with no floor greater than 200m2. If dwellings of this kind are shared (i.e. not a single family dwelling) it cannot be shared by more than 6 people.

For dwellings larger 200m2, or higher than three storeys, or where the fire risk so warrants, then a Category LD1 installation must be installed in each individual dwelling.

Remote Control

Where the Fire Risk Assessment determines that detectors are to be installed in roof voids/attics or other areas difficult to access for testing or monitoring purposes, then all detectors should have remote control functionality to allow Alarm Testing, Alarm location and Alarm Silence functions to be controlled from one remote control location. Alternatively, a fully monitored Grade A, B or C system must be installed as appropriate (Refer to paragraph 10.2.1.1 of the current standard).

Audibility of Smoke and Heat alarms

Audibility of smoke/heat alarms shall be such that the sound pressure level of a fire alarm signal, if measured at the doorway of each bedroom (with the door open), shall be at least 85dB(A), irrespective of where fire is detected in the dwelling.

The recommendations apply to many dwellings of limited size and with straightforward means of escape. A higher level of sound pressure may be necessary if occupants have hearing impairments or other disabilities. Provision of Visual, Tactile or other alarm signals may be necessary.

Consideration should be given to achieving appropriate sound levels on any external terrace on which persons might become trapped by fire or smoke.

Cables for interconnecting smoke/heat alarms

Any cables suitable for domestic mains wiring are acceptable for interconnecting Grade D devices in dwellings but should be readily distinguishable from other mains cables e.g. by colour coding.

Interconnection may be by radio frequency (RF) or physical cable (H/W)

Routine testing and servicing of smoke and heat alarm systems

Smoke and heat alarms should be tested every week by the user in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Detection devices should be cleaned periodically in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Where the user employs a Service/Maintenance provider to carry out routine testing and servicing, that provider should provide the User a Certificate in accordance with Annex L of the current IS3218:2017 standard.

Existing Multiple-Occupancy Residential Buildings

For existing multiple-occupancy residential buildings where inadequate or no Fire detection and alarm system has been provided then, subject to an adequate risk assessment by a competent person (written communication/consultation with the relevant Local Authoritys’ Fire Authority) radio interconnected smoke and heat alarms each incorporating a ten year battery may be employed in the individual dwellings only.

The location an operational performance of such devices shall comply with all other requirements of Clause 10 of the current IS3218:2017 standard.

In the communal areas an L3X system is required under the IS3218:2017 standard.

Existing dwelling houses