Smoke detectors and hazard detectors are compact devices with an integrated power supply that automatically detect the respective danger and take over the alarm independently, usually in the form of a loud (>85 dB) acoustic signal, thus enabling people present to react at an early stage. Smoke detectors are now mandatory for apartments in almost all German states.
In addition to the simplest design of non-networked individual detectors, smoke detectors are also available as system components that can either communicate with each other through networking or be connected to a higher-level hazard warning system. Hazard warning systems are also available, on which various alarm transmitters can be connected at the same time, e.g. smoke detectors and burglar alarm detectors. There are also smoke detectors that can directly control external end devices via a corresponding relay, e.g. a siren, a flashlight, a vibration cushion or a dialer that passes on the alarm message by telephone.
Planning instructions for the installation of smoke detectors: The instructions of DIN 14676 and the manufacturer must be observed. Smoke detectors should be installed in the middle of the room at the highest point of the room if possible. The penetration of smoke into the smoke alarm must not be endangered by air movements, e.g. by air conditioning / ventilation systems.
The smoke detectors required by the state building codes must always be installed and operated in such a way "that fire smoke is detected and reported at an early stage". This requires the right choice of detector type (in the case of apartments due to the particular risk of smoldering fires, usually optical smoke detectors), but also on the fact that the alarm signal reaches the affected persons, which can mean, for example, a network of smoke detectors in larger (multi-storey) apartments or houses, or smoke detectors especially suitable for deaf people. Above all, however, the smoke detectors must always be ready for operation.
In addition to the requirements of the individual state building codes, DIN 14676 contains minimum requirements and further recommendations for equipping rooms in apartments and single-family houses with smoke detectors:
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Smoke detectors for hearing-impaired people: Conventional smoke detectors that emit an alarm tone cannot be used for self-rescue of deaf or severely hearing impaired people. For this purpose, there are modules that emit bright flashes or as a vibrating component in the pillow, which are connected via cable or radio to a smoke detector, usually from the same manufacturer.
Smokewarndetector or smoke detector? Smoke detectors are often colloquially referred to as smoke detectors, but the correct name is smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are independent units with their own energy supply, which take over both smoke detection and alarm (warning) themselves, if necessary also in conjunction with a network with other smoke detectors or a higher-level hazard warning system and which therefore require further steps by the alerted persons, e.g. alerting the fire brigade. In contrast, smoke detectors or fire detectors are part of a fire alarm system connected to the fire brigade (according to DIN 14675), which alerts both the people present on site and the fire brigade independently. Fire alarm systems and their components are not the subject of this bauwion knowledge page.
of smoke detectors: As a rule, installation is carried out directly on the underside of the ceiling. When attaching it, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions, otherwise the smoke alarm will not be approved. As a rule, this requires a screw connection in the ceiling.
Inspection, maintenance and functional testing of smoke detectors: Every time the smoke detector is reinstalled or recommissioned, e.g. after a battery change or temporary shutdown/covering, it must be subjected to a functional test in accordance with the manufacturer's description. In addition, inspection, maintenance and functional testing must be carried out regularly according to the manufacturer's specifications, but at least every 12 months. It must be checked whether the smoke alarm is free of function-relevant dirt or damage and whether the area around the smoke alarm is free of obstacles. A functional test of the warning signal must also be carried out. Further details on inspection, maintenance and functional testing as well as the replacement of batteries and smoke detectors can be found in the manufacturer's instructions and in section 6 of DIN 14676.
DIN 14676, Smoke detectors for residential buildings, apartments and rooms with dwelling-like use - Installation, operation and maintenance
DIN EN 14604, Smoke detectors
DIN VDE V 0826-1, Monitoring systems - Part 1: Hazard warning systems (GWA) for residential buildings, apartments and rooms with dwelling-like use - Planning, installation, operation, maintenance, equipment and system requirements
► Smoke Detector - Lebensretter.de
ZVEI-Merkblatt 33003, smoke detectors (RWM) and fire alarm systems (BMA) with automatic fire detectors, a comparison. Publisher: ZVEI - Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V.
Source: bauwion
