Can a domestic smoke alarm be taken from a lighting circuit?
It is always preferable to have circuits supplying safety services on their own supply. However, for rental properties, this is probably not the best option. If the tenant keeps setting the smoke detectors off or it has a low battery warning bleep, rather than addressing the cause, they often switch off the circuit breaker supplying the smoke detectors. If the detectors are fed from a lighting circuit, the tenants would be more reluctant to isolate the fire detection system. BS5839-6 Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection systems in domestic premises does allow the supply of fire detection for a grade D system (mains operated with battery backup) to be taken from a suitably protected lighting circuit.
For properties that are used for multiple occupation, a Grade A system (incorporating control and indicating equipment- fire alarm panel) is often called for. This system must be fed from its own supply and labelled as such with a do not switch off warning. The control panel should also have a local lockable isolator, for maintenance and as a means of making switching the alarm off only available by use of a key.
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