FIRE SAFETY FOR HOME OWNERS

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS FIRE SAFE

The law in Scotland has changed and as of the 1st February 2022 every home now needs to have interlinked fire alarms.

Being interlinked means if one alarm goes off, they all go off. You may not always hear the alarm closest to the fire, especially if you’re somewhere else in the house. An interlinked system will alert you immediately and can help save lives.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your home meets the new fire alarms standard as soon as possible.

Wilson Electrics we are proud members of the Aico Expert Installer Scheme
The first choice for Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
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What do you need to do?

Every home must now have:

  • 1 smoke alarm in the room you spend most of the day, usually your living room
  • 1 smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
  • 1 heat alarm in the kitchen

All smoke and heat alarms should be mounted on the ceiling and be interlinked. Check the manufacturers guidance on each alarm for instructions on where the alarm should be placed.

If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance, like a boiler, fire, non-electric heater or flue you must also have a carbon monoxide detector. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms. Gas cookers and hobs do not need a carbon monoxide detector.

Examples

If you live in a 3 bedroom, 2 storey house you need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. You may also need carbon monoxide alarms.

  • 3 linked smoke alarms:
    • on the upstairs landing
    • in the downstairs hall
    • in the living room
  • 1 linked heat alarm in the kitchen
  • 1 carbon monoxide alarm in any room where you have a carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler or wood-burning fire place. This does not need to be linked to the other alarms

If you live in a 1 bedroom flat, you need 2 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm. You may also need carbon monoxide alarms.

  • 2 linked smoke alarms:
    • in the hall
    • in the living room
    • 1 linked heat alarm in the kitchen
  • 1 carbon monoxide alarm in any room where you have a carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler or wood-burning fire place. This does not need to be linked to the other alarms

If you have an open plan living room and kitchen you only need to have 1 alarm in this space and it should be a heat alarm.

The types of alarm you’ll need…

There are 2 types of interlinked fire alarms that meet the new rules:

  • sealed battery alarms – which should be tamper-proof long-life (which can be up to 10 years) batteries. You can fit these alarms yourself.
  • mains-wired alarms – these are cheaper than tamper proof long-life battery alarms, but should be installed by a qualified electrician. These should be replaced every 10 years.

Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency without the need for WiFi.

If the carbon monoxide alarm is battery operated, it must have a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan, which may be up to 10 years. 

Are you protected?

This legislative change to the Tolerable Standard has come as a direct result of recent fire tragedies and covers all homes,
both in the private and social housing sectors.

Fire and Smoke alarms must be interlinked and this can be achieved via traditional cabling methods or wireless.
This new legislation also requires a Carbon Monoxide detector to be installed where there is a fuel-burning appliance
(such as boilers, fires, heaters and stoves) or where there is a flue.
Homeowners and Landlords must comply to the new Scottish legislation by February 2022.

Does the new legislation apply to all homes?

All homes in Scotland will be covered by the new legislation, as it is important that all homes should be safe for occupants regardless of tenure.
It will be the property owner’s responsibility to meet the new standard, however, the legal duty to enforce the standard rests with local authorities.
Where owners are unable to meet the standard, it is not a criminal offence.

*Given the impact of COVID-19, and the difficulties this created for people seeking to install new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, the Scottish Parliament delayed the implementation of this legislation for a period of 12 months, extending the deadline to February 2022.

What alarms do you need?

By February 2022, all homes should have:

  • Smoke alarms in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
  • Smoke alarms installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purpose
  • Heat alarms installed in every kitchen
  • All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked
  • Carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue

This applies to ALL homeowners and landlords.

Visit the Scottish Government Website

Carbon Monoxide Protection

The new legislation states you must also have adequate Carbon Monoxide protection. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell, colour or taste. Low levels can cause headaches and nausea, whilst high levels can be fatal. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be fitted in rooms which have a fixed fuel burning appliance or a flue.

If you choose to install a battery powered Carbon Monoxide alarm, ensure it complies with BS EN 50291, and that it includes a long-life battery. A mains powered detector can also be used, as long as it complies with BS EN 50291 (Type A).

Ensure your home has reliable protection from Carbon Monoxide by testing and maintaining your alarm on a regular basis.

Our Reccomended Product Ranges:

3000 Series
Mains Powered

Simple and intelligent, the 3000 Series
provides whole property coverage.

600 Series
Battery Powered

Scottish Smoke Alarm Legislation

The 600 Series includes an intelligent range of battery-powered
Heat and Optical Smoke alarms.

Wilson Electrics Recommendations:

Although wired alarms were previously deemed the safest option in the past, the technology in the battery operated units are in the same league if not better (as they do not rely on mains powered operation).

The lithium cell is a sealed unit that requires no charging or replacement in its 10 year life. It is actually the sensor in the alarm that has a life span and all alarms; wired or battery will need replaced because the sensor expires.

I only install AICO fire products as the quality and their market leader position far exceeds the standards of their closer competitors. And it also helps me sleep at night knowing that I am only installing the best product out there.

On first recommendation I will always recommend the 600 series battery powered range. Even if you previously have a wired connection I will still recommend the disconnection of the wired system and the battery powered system replacement.

The 3000 series requires an additional module inserted to them to make them interlinked and doubling the cost per unit because of this.

As this is a superior product it does come with a higher price point, but it gives you greater peace of mind.

The recommendations of the Scottish Legislation is only minimal acceptable standards. Occasionally recommendations may be made that extend on from the minimal requirements for safety aspects.

Use our contact form below to start the conversation of your Alarm System Installation:

Contact us today for a review and istallation of your
Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems

After initially being in contact and having a chat to understand your requirements
I will prepare a quote for the supply and installation of your alarm system.

If you accept the quote I will require the cost of goods to be paid in full and an invoice will be raised for this before work can commence.

Please be aware there is long lead times and short supply on ordering of alarms because the demand to meet the new legislation requirements.
I ask for the goods to be paid in full to guarantee supply of these hard-to-get products.