Wilson Electrics guidance
What alarms should a Scottish home have?
- One smoke alarm in the room used most for daytime living, usually the living room.
- One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings.
- One heat alarm in every kitchen.
- All smoke and heat alarms interlinked so that every alarm sounds when one detects a fire.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in each room containing a fixed combustion appliance or flue, subject to the detailed statutory exceptions.
Why interlinking matters
A fire may begin far from where you are sleeping or sitting. Interlinking ensures an alarm in the kitchen, hallway or another floor triggers every connected alarm, giving occupants the earliest practical warning.
Battery or mains-powered?
Compliant systems can use sealed, tamper-proof long-life battery alarms or mains-powered alarms with the required standby supply. Battery alarms must be designed so the battery lasts for the alarm’s working life. Mains-powered installations should be fitted by a competent electrician.
Interlinking can be wired or wireless. Radio-linked alarms do not normally need household Wi-Fi.
Typical examples
Two-storey house
A typical arrangement may include a smoke alarm in the living room, one in the ground-floor hall, one on the upper landing and a heat alarm in the kitchen, plus carbon monoxide protection where required.
One-bedroom flat
A typical arrangement may include a smoke alarm in the principal living room, a smoke alarm in the hall and a heat alarm in the kitchen, plus carbon monoxide protection where required.
Product and installation approach
Wilson Electrics normally specifies established Aico alarm products and can install sealed long-life radio-interlinked systems or suitable mains-powered arrangements. The correct design depends on the layout, existing alarm wiring, fuel-burning appliances and the manufacturer’s positioning instructions.
For current official guidance, consult the Scottish Government fire and smoke alarm guidance.