Stacey Adams, Market Development Manager at Apollo Fire Detectors examines the difference between domestic and commercial fire systems and regulations in the UK  

Understanding domestic and commercial fire systems 

A common misconception is that domestic fire systems are limited to standalone smoke detectors while commercial systems are large panel-based setups. However, fire safety exists on a spectrum, especially in hybrid environments like HMOs, student flats or high-rise buildings. Large residential blocks may need comprehensive fire systems, while small commercial premises might only require basic smoke alarms. 

Both environments require tailored fire safety solutions, ensuring that fire detection and alarm systems are suitable for the specific risks associated with each setting.

Stacey Adams

The assumption that commercial systems are inherently more advanced than domestic systems is not always correct, as some large residential buildings may have more extensive requirements than small commercial properties. 

For clarity, this discussion focuses on fire safety laws in England, which may differ in Wales and Scotland. 

Residential fire safety standards 

Domestic fire alarm systems fall under BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020, covering installation and design requirements for new and existing homes. Grades range from F2 (basic battery-powered detectors) to A (full-scale fire systems with detectors, sounders and central control units) conforming to BS EN54. 

Most UK homes use battery-powered photo-electric smoke alarms. While no specific legal mandate requires them in private residences, landlords must install at least one per floor in rental properties. Testing is required only when a new tenant moves in. Mains-powered detectors are often recommended for reliability. Best practice suggests weekly testing, though compliance is rare. 

In some properties, such as high-rise residential buildings, fire detection systems may need to be integrated with evacuation and alerting systems to ensure that residents receive timely warnings in case of fire. High-rise settings complicate the role of domestic smoke alarms since they only detect localised fires within individual apartments, offering no building-wide coverage. 

Commercial fire safety standards 

UK commercial fire safety regulations are primarily governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), supplemented by the Fire Safety Act 2021. Even basic commercial systems surpass domestic alarms in reliability, false alarm reduction, fire spread identification and emergency response guidance. These features are crucial in high-rise buildings where timely detection and evacuation planning can save lives. 

Current laws require businesses to have an appropriate fire detection system, though specifics depend on building size and usage. Smaller businesses not engaged in high-risk activities (e.g., flammable material storage) may not require full-scale systems.

The law is not 100% clear, especially to someone with no experience of the fire industry, and there are many grey areas, which is why a fire risk assessment (FRA) is mandatory and why you should always get an expert to undertake it, especially if you have any doubts about what is required.  

Stacey Adams

If you don’t believe that a fire system is needed, you need to state this in your FRA, including the reasons why you have reached this conclusion. If a fire incident later occurs and you’ve got this wrong, it could come back to haunt you. 

Commercial premises must also consider additional fire safety measures such as emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, door retainers (such as the Apollo ADR), and sprinkler systems where necessary. These supplementary safety measures help protect occupants and property by reducing fire spread and aiding evacuation efforts.  

Smoke detectors: domestic vs. commercial 

Domestic smoke alarms, found in 92% of UK homes, must meet BS EN14604:2005, outlining basic specifications but lacking the rigour of commercial standards.

Commercial fire systems vary in classification, from Category M (manual systems) to Category L1 (full automatic protection). While system configurations differ, detector types—heat, optical, photoelectric, or hybrid—remain largely consistent across installations. 

In commercial settings, fire alarms are typically interconnected and monitored, allowing for a rapid response from fire services when necessary. Many systems also incorporate advanced features such as fault monitoring, ensuring that any malfunctions in the system are detected and addressed promptly. 

The detector debate 

Fire industry discussions continue over appropriate detector use. Smoke detectors are generally preferred, as heat detectors can be slow to respond to smouldering fires. However, heat detectors are useful in kitchens and laboratories, where smoke detectors may be prone to false alarms. 

Commercial environments often use dual-detection (“double-knock”) systems, where both smoke and heat detectors must confirm a fire before triggering a full alarm. This approach is useful in complex environments like hospitals, care homes and high-rise residential buildings, where unnecessary evacuations should be minimised. 

Technological advancements have led to hybrid, multi-criteria and aspirating smoke detectors, offering faster, more reliable detection while minimising false alarms.

Stacey Adams

Though costlier than heat detectors, these solutions provide significant safety advantages.

Multi-sensor detectors, which combine optical and heat detection, are increasingly being deployed in both commercial and domestic settings due to their ability to reduce false alarms while maintaining sensitivity to real fire events.

Tri-sensor detectors, such as the Apollo Soteria Tri-Sensor, combine optical, heat and CO detection to provide comprehensive cover to any setting, while preventing false alarms. 

Blurred lines 

Until 2017, domestic and commercial fire systems were distinctly separate. Residential buildings had commercial-grade systems in communal areas but no mandatory coverage in private apartments. Post-Grenfell, regulations have evolved, especially for high-rise buildings (although in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Phase 2 Report, it is unclear what legislative changes will be made in the future). 

Many high-rises with defective cladding now feature BS 5839-1 Part 1 systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Ideally, these should transition to BS 8629-compliant evacuation systems once safety issues are resolved. In some cases, installed apartment detectors can be repurposed to alert management and emergency services without triggering a full evacuation. 

Some residential properties, despite being registered as businesses, do not require commercial fire systems. Furnished holiday lets, for example, follow standard buy-to-let rules, requiring only one smoke detector per floor. However, given that these properties may be occupied by different guests at different times, ensuring a robust fire safety system is particularly important. 

Evolving standards 

UK fire safety regulations are constantly evolving. Since February 2022, Scottish law mandates interconnected smoke alarms in all homes, including privately owned and rental properties, with furnished holiday lets requiring networked fire alarms unless a commercial system is in place. Similar laws may soon extend across the UK. 

Commercial fire safety regulations have also tightened post-Grenfell.

Stacey Adams

The Fire Safety Act 2021 focused on high-rise buildings, while the Building Safety Bill (2022) introduced broader commercial fire safety requirements. While these laws do not directly alter fire detector technology, they impact system management, installation, and future industry developments. 

In response to these evolving regulations, building owners and managers must remain proactive in reviewing and updating fire safety measures. Regular maintenance and professional inspections ensure compliance and help to address potential risks before they become major hazards. 

Conclusion 

Navigating UK fire safety regulations can be daunting. The distinction between domestic and commercial fire systems is complex, but by seeking expert advice and conducting proper risk assessments, property owners can ensure compliance and safety. Ensuring regular updates and compliance is not just advisable—it could prevent serious legal and safety repercussions. 

For professional guidance, companies like Apollo Fire Detectors offer tailored solutions to help property owners meet current fire safety requirements.

Understanding the nuances of domestic and commercial fire systems is not just a regulatory necessity but a fundamental aspect of protecting lives and property. As fire safety laws continue to evolve, staying informed and proactive is the best way to ensure that buildings remain safe for occupants now and in the future. 

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.