What is BS 5446-3- Fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm systems about?
BS 5446-3 is a Business Standard on detection and alarm devices for dwellings.
BS 5446-3 is about fire and carbon monoxide alarm systems for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
BS 5446-3 specifies requirements and test methods for components and their means of interconnection (e.g. by electrical wiring or by radio links) intended to be assembled to create fire and/or carbon monoxide alarm systems for deaf and hard of hearing people, for the purpose of life safety in dwellings.
NOTE 1: Although this part of BS 5446 provides the specification for smoke alarm systems for dwellings, it is recognized that these systems, or components thereof, might be used in other situations, where similar requirements could be anticipated.
NOTE 2: Equipment conforming to this part of BS 5446 might not be suitable for use in boats, due to the corrosive atmosphere. It might however be suitable for use in other leisure accommodation vehicles (LAVs).
NOTE 3: The systems specified in this part of BS 5446 are specifically intended to give warning in the event of a fire, or carbon monoxide emissions. However, it is recognized that systems might also incorporate devices to alert deaf and hard of hearing people to other events, such as the doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, baby alarm, etc., that are outside the scope of this part of BS 5446.
Who is BS 5446-3- Fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm systems for?
BS 5446-3 on detection and alarm devices for dwellings is relevant to:
- Alarm security centres
- Consultants
- Installation and maintenance companies
Why should you use BS 5446-3- Fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm systems?
These devices 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 adequately hear such an alarm sound. For such cases, there are recognized methods of alerting deaf and hard of hearing people, including the use of vibratory, visual alarm and low frequency audible devices. To provide a fire or carbon monoxide warning for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it has become common practice for such devices to be coupled to domestic alarms. There is therefore an increasing need for standardization of such alarm systems. BS 5446-3 addresses that need by specifying requirements for fire and carbon monoxide alarm system that include fire and carbon monoxide alarms and associated warning devices used in dwellings to warn deaf and hard of hearing people.
To assist in the selection of an alarm system appropriate to an individual’s needs, a grade system has been devised for guidance purposes.
Thus, BS 5446-3 can contribute to the operational efficiency and performance of fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm systems, such that individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing can be warned of dangers and threat in a timely and adequate manner.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 5446-3:2015 supersedes BS 5446-3:2005, which is withdrawn. As compared to the previous version, BS 5446-3:2015 includes the following principal 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 LAVs
- Inclusion of guidance on systems suitable for varying levels of hearing loss
