Smoke Alarms for Homeowners
Smoke alarms and heat detectors installed correctly save lives. Fires in the home result in around 30 deaths and 1300 injuries each year. Current legislation covers fire detection and warning systems in private rented properties. However, new legislation requiring ALL HOMES to have linked smoke alarms was due to come into force in early 2021. The aim of this new legislation was to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the same level of protection from fire whether they own or rent their home.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has delayed implementation of this new legislation. This means that the new law on smoke alarms for homeowners is now expected to come into force in early 2022. Even so, we favour not waiting until next year to improve your fire safety at home. Installing the required number of smoke alarms and heat detectors at the earliest opportunity is our advice for every homeowner.
In 2022 ALL HOMES will require
- one smoke alarm installed in the room used for general daytime living purposes
- one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
- one heat alarm installed in the kitchen
- all alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked
In addition, in homes with a carbon fuelled appliance (e.g. gas boiler, fire etc.) a carbon monoxide detector is also required although it doesn’t need to be linked to the fire alarms.
Types of Smoke Alarm
In March 2019 Scottish legislation was changed so that either long-life lithium battery smoke alarms or mains wired smoke alarms can be fitted. A competent electrician will be able to advise you which type is best for your property.
Interlinked Lithium Battery Smoke Alarms
Interlinked long life, lithium battery smoke alarms are not the same as user-replaceable battery smoke alarms. They are special tamper-proof smoke alarms and come with a 10-year guarantee. The expiry date should be visible on each alarm. This type of smoke alarm tends to be more expensive to buy but because they have no wires, they are usually cheaper to install.
Interlinked Mains Powered Smoke Alarms
Interlinked mains powered smoke alarms and heat detectors are still a good option for many people as they don’t rely on batteries. These smoke alarms tend to be cheaper to buy but can cost more to install as they have to be wired into your electricity supply.
Smoke Alarms for Landlords
If you are a landlord in Edinburgh it is now a legal requirement that you have the correct arrangement of mains wired smoke alarms and heat detectors installed in all of your properties. The Scottish Government have published guidance for landlords: Fire detection in private rented properties. This states that there should be
- A smoke alarm in every room used for daytime living
- A smoke alarm in every hallway
- A heat alarm in the kitchen
- All alarms should be interlinked
Please be aware that if the property is an HMO (house in multiple occupation) there will be extra fire safety criteria to meet.
As NICEIC electrical contractors, Capital City Electrical can provide landlords in Edinburgh a range of landlord services to ensure compliance with all current fire and electrical regulations. We can fit mains wired or long-life lithium battery smoke alarms and heat detectors. We can also carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and PAT testing.
If you would like Capital City Electrical to install long-life lithium battery or mains powered smoke alarms and heat detectors in your property, please get in touch. We have years of experience in this area and will be able to ensure your home or rented property has the correct fire detections systems in place and is electrically safe.
