The new fire alarms standard - the law is changing

Fire alarm contents

1. The 2 types of interlinked alarms
2. What each home needs
3. Carbon monoxide detectors
4. Specialist alarms - e.g. Telecare systems
5. Visual examples of the requirements
6. Obtaining and installing alarms
7. Points to note for homeowners
8. Tennants and rented accommodation
9. Further information

 

1. There are 2 types of interlinked fire alarms:

1. 1. A sealed long life battery alarm which you can fit yourself
   2. A mains wired alarm which needs to be fitted by a qualified electrician

Both types of alarm meet the new fire safety standard and both are linked by radio frequency. They do not need WiFi to work.

2. Every home needs:

• 1 smoke alarm in the room you spend most time in (usually your living room)
• 1 smoke alarm on every floor (either in the hallway or landing)
• 1 heat alarm in the kitchen

All the alarms should be fitted on the ceiling, and they should be interlinked.

3. Carbon monoxide detectors

If your home has a carbon-fuelled appliance you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.
You will need this if you have:

• A boiler
• A fire
• A heater
• A flue

These do not need to be interlinked. It is possible to buy combined smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

4. Specialist alarms

If specialist alarms are needed – such as for deaf people or Telecare systems – these must be fitted in addition to any smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

Interlinked smoke and heat alarms are required to be installed in addition to any Telecare smoke/heat alarms to help keep you safe. If you have fitted or are planning to fit interlinked smoke and heat alarms, please do not remove your telecare smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarms.

5. Visual examples

Below are 2 examples of the requirements for a 1 bedroom flat and a 3 bedroom house.

 

6. Obtaining and installing alarms

DIY alarm kits

You can obtain interlinked alarms that you can fit yourself, or have fitted by any competent DIY enthusiast by visiting your local hardware or DIY store, or an online retailer. These tend to be more expensive than mains fitted alarms, but you don't have the extra expense of having them installed by a qualified electrician.

Home DIY kits for a 3 bedroom house cost around £150 - £220 and the batteries should last for 10 years.

Professionally fitted alarms

If you want mains wired alarms, then these must be fitted by a qualified and competent electrician. You can see a list of Trading Standards vetted electricians by following these links to approvedtrader.scot or trustedtrader.scot

You can also find electricians by going to the Electrical Contractors' Association of Scotland (SELECT) or the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).

7. Points to note for homeowners

• If buying alarms yourself, look for a recognised brand. Read online reviews and make sure each alarm meets the following standard:
• Smoke alarms: BS EN14604:2005
• Heat alarms: BS 5446-2:2003
• Carbon monoxide detectors: British Kitemark EN 50291-1
• If using an electrician to fit your alarms, ask them to confirm all fitted alarms will conform to the required standards
• Not meeting the requirements could impact your home insurance. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your home insurance provider
• Most smoke and heat alarms can be recycled, either in your home recycling bin or at your local recycling centre

8. Tennants and rented accommodation

• If you rent from a private landlord, your home should already have interlinked fire alarms
• If your property does not have interlinked fire alarms, you should speak to your landlord as soon as possible
• If your landlord does not comply with the law, you can apply to a Tribunal (see below link for details)
• Different homes in a shared property like a tenement or block of flats do not need to be linked to each other, and there is no need for alarms to be fitted in communal areas such as entry halls and stairways

Social landlords are working to make sure interlinked fire alarms are in place. So speak to your landlord if you are waiting for interlinked fire alarms to be installed.

9. Further information

Below is an explainer video that explains the new requirements, followed by links to official sources where you can obtain more information.

• gov.scot - Fire and smoke alarms: changes to the law - Detailed information related to the new changes.

• mygov.scot - Fire safety for home owners - Information and responsibilities for homeowners.
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Requesting home fire safety visits.
• Care and Repair Scotland - Talk to your local office to see if there is help available for elderly or disabled homeowners.
• Trading Standards - If you are worried about what someone is trying to sell you or telling you, call trading Standards Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or follow the link to find your local Trading Standards office.
• Taking your landlord to the Tribunal - A private landlord is a person or business who rents a home to you. You shouldn't use this notice if you rent from a local council or housing association.
  
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