Domestic Fire Alarm System Categories Explained: Understanding Categories LD1, LD2 and LD3
Need a hand understanding the different domestic fire alarm system categories and grades? We’re here to help.
In this guide, we outline what these categories mean and the specifications you need to be aware of to make sure you’re offering people the highest standard of fire protection, whatever the type of domestic property. We’ll help you decide which category and grade is right for you, and tell you about the services we provide at Midland Fire to get your property fully kitted out.
Fire Detection System Categories vs Grades
In the UK, domestic fire alarm systems are categorised under BS 5839 fire alarm system as LD1, LD2 and LD3. These categories describe the level of protection that the system provides. According to the regulations, the level of protection you need should be directly related to the fire risk, and the higher the category of system the higher the level of protection.
In some properties, domestic fire alarm systems are combined with commercial systems, so the categories are combined too. For example, L1/LD3 categories are seen in high rise residential blocks, where the individual apartments use LD3 systems and communal areas such as corridors and plant rooms use the commercial category L1.
Fire alarm system grades, on the other hand, rank the quality of the system, and each domestic category will have a grade to accompany it. These grades range from A to F2, with grade A being the highest, describing a fully comprehensive system that comprises multiple technologies.
Here’s an overview of the domestic fire alarm system categories and grades:
LD1 Fire Alarm System: Maximum Protection
LD1 provides the highest level of protection.
Detectors installed throughout all areas, including escape routes and every room where a fire could start (not including bathrooms).
Suitable for high-risk premises like hotels and care homes.
Designed to give the earliest possible warning for safe evacuation.
LD2 Fire Alarm System: Additional Protection
LD2 fire alarm system offers additional life protection but is not as comprehensive as LD1.
Detectors placed in all escape routes, plus rooms presenting a high fire risk (e.g. kitchens, plant rooms, electrical rooms).
Designed to detect fires early enough to protect life without full building coverage.
LD3 Fire Alarm System: Standard Protection
LD3 provides the minimum level of protection recommended under BS 5839.
Detectors installed only in escape routes such as hallways and staircases.
Suitable for small properties where escape is quick and easy.
Focuses on providing enough warning to evacuate safely, but does not detect fires in other rooms unless they affect the escape route.
Grade A – A system with separate detectors, sounders, central control and indicating equipment with backup power supply.
Grade C – Mains-powered detectors and sounders connected to a common power supply with backup, with central control equipment.
Grade D1 – One or more mains-powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries.
Grade D2 – One or more mains-powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a user-replaceable battery or batteries.
Grade F1 – One or more battery-powered detectors powered by a tamper-proof primary battery or batteries.
Grade F2 – One or more battery-powered detectors powered by a user-replaceable primary battery or batteries.
How to Choose the Right Fire Alarm Category for Your Property
The first step in choosing the fire alarm category and grade you need for your property is to book a fire risk assessment with a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor, like Midland Fire. Your FRA will identify potential fire hazards and risk areas, taking into account the number of floors, escape routes and any vulnerable occupants.
Professional advice is the most reliable way to decide on the type of fire alarm system you need, ensuring you’re compliant with fire safety regulations and keeping everyone the safest they can be in your property.
Why Regular Maintenance Is Essential for All Fire Alarm Categories
Regardless of which category and grade your property needs, ongoing maintenance of your fire alarm system is crucial if you want to make sure it’s always working correctly. Regular upkeep of your fire safety equipment helps prevent faults and false alarms, and also allows you to budget for the year and make sure your system stays up to date.
To keep your fire alarm system fully compliant, the BS 5839 guidelines recommend weekly tests and a full service at least every six months. Again, for your servicing, it’s always best to trust a professional with 3rd party BAFE accreditation to carry out the job, which ensures your system is being properly looked after.
Why Choose Midland Fire to Install and Maintain Your Fire Alarm System?
Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor specialising in fire alarm system installation and maintenance. Whatever type of domestic property you own or manage, whether it’s a new build or an older building, we can help.
25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.
Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.
Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.
Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.
Expert Fire Alarm Installation and Maintenance from Midland Fire
Our expert fire alarm engineers have experience installing LD1, LD2 and LD3 systems across different grades in a variety of property types, so you can be confident that we know our stuff.
Explore our fire alarm installation and maintenance services, and we offer a range of security services too.
At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Your Burning Questions Answered
What are fire alarm categories and grades?
Put simply, fire alarm system categories describe the level of protection that the system provides, whilst fire alarm system grades rank the quality of the system.
What’s the difference between LD1, LD2 and LD3 fire alarm systems?
LD1 describes the maximum level of protection, going down to LD3 which provides the lowest level. LD1 systems cover all areas in a property where a fire could start, LD2 covers escape routes and high-risk rooms, and LD3 covers escape routes only.
How do I decide which fire alarm category my property needs?
Booking a fire risk assessment with a qualified professional is the best way to go, which will determine the appropriate system grade for your building type and the risks at play there.
How often should a fire alarm system be tested?
To keep your property and staff safe, you should test your fire alarms weekly and carry out a full system inspection at least twice a year as per the BS 5839 standards.
Can Midland Fire help me choose the right system?
Yeah we can! Our experienced and fully qualified engineers can carry out a fire risk assessment for you, and then go on to install and maintain fire alarm systems at your property. We’re BAFE accredited, specialised in fire safety, and we’ve been around for yonks, so you can be confident you’re getting only the best service and the most reliable fire safety solutions with us.
