What is this standard about?
Fire and carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings have been available for many years. They are intended to warn of the presence of a potentially dangerous condition by emitting a loud piercing sound. However, people with hearing loss might not be able to hear such an alarm sound adequately. This standard is about fire and carbon monoxide alarm systems for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Who is this standard for?
The execution of this standard’s provisions should be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
Why should you use this standard?
It’s become common practice for vibratory, visual alarm and low frequency audible devices to be coupled to domestic alarms to provide a fire or carbon monoxide warning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This standard tackles the increasing need to standardize such alarm systems.
This part of BS 5446 specifies requirements and test methods for components and their means of interconnection (e.g. by electrical wiring or by radio links).
What’s changed since the last update?
This is a full revision of the standard and introduces the following key changes:
- Inclusion of carbon monoxide alarms
- Change from ‘kits’ to individual components that may be used to form a system appropriate to individual requirements or needs
- Inclusion of references to European standards for visual alarm devices and low frequency sounders
- Removal of requirements specific to leisure accommodation vehicles (LAVs)
- Inclusion of guidance on systems suitable for varying levels of hearing loss
