Smoke Alarms

Whether you need an electrician to install a smoke alarm in your property depends on the type of alarm:

• Mains-powered (hardwired) smoke alarms must be installed by a qualified installer. These are wired into the property’s electrical system and are often required for compliance with building regulations in rented or new-build properties.

• Battery-powered smoke alarms, including sealed long-life (10-year) units, do not require installation from an electrician. However, they must still be installed correctly in the right locations to be effective and compliant.

Using a professional installer ensures compliance and reduces liability. Find a local installer today. 

The best type of smoke alarm depends on its purpose and where it is installed.

• Optical smoke alarms are best for detecting slow smouldering fires and are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking fumes, making them ideal for living areas and hallways. 
• Ionisation alarms are sensitive to small smoke particles but are more likely to trigger nuisance alarms near kitchens.

A combination of optical smoke alarms and heat alarms, especially when interlinked, provides reliable protection throughout properties. 

The two types of smoke alarms are: Ionisation Alarms and Optical (Photoelectric) Alarms. Each type of alarm uses a different technology to detect fires.

Yes. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are specially designed accessories. These accessories include vibrating pads, strobe lights, or pager systems instead of (or alongside) traditional audible alerts.

Some systems can be interlinked with standard smoke or heat alarms, ensuring that if any alarm in the property is triggered, the alert reaches the person with hearing loss effectively.

View our full range of fire alarm accessories for the hard-of-hearing. 

For full compliance with British Standards and to ensure safety, it is recommended to install a mix of smoke and heat alarms throughout the property. 

However, deciding if you need a smoke alarm or a heat alarm is entirely dependent on the location within the property you are looking to protect. Smoke alarms are required in living rooms, hallways, landings, and bedrooms to detect smouldering. Whereas heat alarms are recommended in kitchens, garages, or areas where smoke or dust may cause nuisance alarms, as they detect a temperature rise as opposed to smoke. 

Smoke alarms generally have a recommended lifespan of 8-10 years. All of Aico’s Smoke Alarms last 10 years and a selection come fitted with a rechargeable lithium battery.

To install smoke alarms, choose strategic locations near bedrooms and common areas, ensuring they are properly mounted on walls or ceilings as per the manufacturer’s instructions. We have a comprehensive guide on how to install smoke alarms available complete with video instructions.

It is recommended to have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including the basement. You can find out more in our comprehensive guide on where to place smoke alarms here.