Installing fire safety equipment is crucial in ensuring your home is safe for yourself and your loved ones. Not just a means of reassurance for occupants, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are now mandatory in rented properties, so landlords must comply with these regulations.
Ensure your home is kitted with all the necessary fire safety equipment by browsing our fire and carbon monoxide alarms range.
This handy guide will cover everything you need to know when installing and maintaining fire safety equipment, including:
Selecting the right alarm for your needs
Installing a CO or fire alarm
Installing and maintaining alarms safely
Fitting a battery-powered smoke or heat detector
Fitting a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm
How to test and maintain battery-powered alarms
What to do when an alarm sounds unexpectedly
Which alarm do I need?
There are several different types of fire alarms, so be sure to choose the most suitable one for your space:
Optical (photoelectric) alarms detect large smoke particles emitted by smouldering fires and are suitable for hallways, landings, bedrooms and kitchens; they’re not suitable for dusty or steamy areas like lofts and bathrooms
Ionisation alarms are sensitive to smaller smoke particles emitted by flaming fires, suitable for living and dining rooms, lofts and near bathrooms; don’t place them in or near kitchens, as they’re susceptible to false alarms in these areas
Heat (thermal) alarms detect air hotter than 58˚C, suitable for garages and kitchens as they’re not affected by exhaust or cooking fumes; if used elsewhere, they generally respond slower than smoke alarms
Combined optical and thermal (multi-sensor) alarms are increasingly available and offer better protection than single-sensor alarms; they suit all rooms except kitchens, bathrooms and lofts
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms detect a build-up of invisible and odourless CO gas, which can be fatal; a CO alarm should be fitted in every room with a fuel-burning appliance, like a gas fire or boiler, open fire or log burner and should not be positioned above windows or doors or near extractor fans or air vents
Mains-powered alarms can be linked together, so they all sound the alarm when one detects smoke; however, they must be installed by a qualified electrician
Preparing to install a CO or fire alarm
As installation methods vary between designs, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions on positioning, installing, testing and maintaining alarms. Here are some points to consider when preparing to install a CO or fire alarm:
Give careful consideration to the position of your fire safety equipment; for example, position a smoke alarm on each floor of your home, in the hallway or landing and close to bedrooms so you can hear them at night
Consider the types of alarms available, choosing one best suited to each specific room; extra devices can then be added to improve your safety further
It’s recommended that you also have a fire blanket in the kitchen, at least one ABC-rated powder fire extinguisher, fire doors and an escape ladder. Make sure you know how to use these items and understand the manufacturer’s safety guidance
Installing fire safety equipment will help you in the event of a fire, but it’s also best to plan an escape route in case of emergency
Installing and maintaining fire safety equipment safely
Here are some tips on keeping safe when installing and maintaining fire equipment:
Wear safety goggles when drilling
Ensure all gas appliances and flues are checked or serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer per the manufacturer’s instructions
If you have an open fire or log burner, remember to have the chimney swept annually
How to install a battery-powered smoke or heat alarm
Before starting, always check the manufacturer’s instructions as installation methods can differ between designs.
Find the correct position
Choose a location near the centre of the ceiling and at least 500mm away from walls and light fittings. You should also position the fire alarm away from any obstructions or corners that can delay the arrival of smoke or heat.
Detect the closest joist
Use a cable, pipe and stud detector to locate the closest joist to your intended positioning. If you have a plasterboard wall or can’t find a joist, you can still fit an alarm but need to use a different fixing.
Then use the cable, pipe and stud detector to check the position is clear of hidden pipes and cables.
Drill screw holes
Remove the alarm’s fixing plate, hold it up to your chosen ceiling position and use a pencil to mark the placement of the screws. Using the correct size drill bit for the screws provided, drill through the ceiling into the joist.
Insert wall plugs
If you located a stud, insert wall plugs into the holes. Alternatively, insert hollow wall fixings such as plasterboard plugs.
Fit the fixing plate
Screw the fixing plate into position using the provided screws, taking care not to over-tighten.
Connect the battery
Fit the supplied battery into the body of the alarm. Once the battery’s connected, the alarm may go off, and the LED light should start flashing.
Attach the body of the alarm
Connect the body of the alarm to the fixing plate as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, press the ‘test’ button to check the alarm is working.
How to install a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm
You can install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector yourself, with minimal equipment.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be placed in every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance. Carbon monoxide alarms must be positioned high on the wall, about 150mm from the ceiling and between 1cm and 3cm from the appliance.
If you have a free-standing alarm, this can rest on a shelf, but follow these steps for wall-mounted alternatives:
Find the nearest joist
Use a cable, pipe and stud detector to locate the closest joist to your intended positioning. If you have a plasterboard wall or can’t find a joist, you can still fit an alarm but need to use a different fixing.
Then use the cable, pipe and stud detector to check for hidden pipes and cables.
Drill the screw holes
Remove the alarm’s fixing plate, hold it up to your chosen ceiling position and use a pencil to mark the placement of the screws. Using the correct size drill bit for the screws provided, drill through the ceiling into the joist.
Insert wall plugs
If you located a stud, insert wall plugs into the holes. Alternatively, insert hollow wall fixings such as plasterboard plugs.
Fit the fixing plate
Screw the fixing plate into position using the provided screws, taking care not to over-tighten.
Insert the batteries
Install the batteries as per the manufacturer’s instructions and connect the body of the alarm to the fixing plate. Then activate the alarm by removing the disabling clip, keeping it for future use.
Once activated, an LED light should start flashing. Press the ‘test’ button to check the alarm is working.
How to test and maintain battery-powered alarms
How often should you check your fire alarm?
Smoke alarms and CO alarms should be tested weekly to minimise the risk of a broken alarm going unnoticed. Press the ‘test’ button to check if it’s working. If the alarm doesn’t sound, change the batteries immediately.
How to change a fire alarm battery
Replace the battery at least once a year, or sooner if you hear the alarm beep to warn of a low battery.
You can change a fire alarm battery by simply unclipping its cover, which will allow you to remove the old battery and slot the new one into place. Once you’ve clicked the cover back in place, remember to test the alarm.
Clean your alarm monthly
Keep the vents of the alarm clear of dust by cleaning them every couple of months. This can be done with a cloth or the brush attachment of your vacuum on the lowest setting. Remember to always test the alarm after cleaning.
Replace your alarm when needed
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often your alarm needs to be replaced. This is usually every ten years for a smoke alarm and every five to seven years for a CO alarm.
What to do when an alarm sounds unexpectedly
If an alarm sounds and it isn’t a test, this needs to be addressed immediately:
Heat/fire alarm. Check there’s no risk of smoke or fire before silencing
CO alarm. Turn off your gas appliances and ensure plenty of ventilation by opening windows and doors. Once the property is cleared of occupants, call the National Grid gas emergency line on 0800 111 999
