Smoke Alarms

About Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are essential safety devices designed to detect smoke and fire hazards in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. MyToolShed.co.uk supplies professional-grade smoke detection equipment including standalone smoke alarms, combination units that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, and interconnected alarm systems. Modern smoke alarms use either ionisation or optical (photoelectric) sensors to detect different types of fires, with many advanced models featuring sealed lithium batteries for long-term, maintenance-free operation.

Available in both 240v mains-powered and battery-operated variants, smoke alarms from MyToolShed range from basic single-sensor units to sophisticated combination detectors that provide comprehensive protection against multiple threats. Whether you're a qualified electrician installing systems in new builds, a landlord ensuring rental properties meet safety regulations, or a homeowner upgrading domestic fire protection, selecting the appropriate smoke alarm is crucial for life safety and regulatory compliance.

Applications

• Electricians and sparkies: Installation of mains-powered smoke alarm systems in new builds and refurbishments
• Landlords and property managers: Compliance with tenancy regulations and fire safety legislation
• Building contractors: First-fix and second-fix installations in residential and commercial projects
• Facilities managers: Maintenance and upgrading of existing fire detection systems
• Home renovators: DIY installation to enhance household fire safety
• Social housing providers: Meeting statutory fire safety requirements across housing stock

Choosing The Right Smoke Alarms

When selecting smoke alarms, consider the power source first. Mains-powered 240v units with battery backup offer reliable protection in properties with existing wiring, while sealed battery alarms with 10-year lithium cells suit locations without mains access. Sensor type matters significantly: optical sensors excel at detecting slow-smouldering fires, whilst ionisation sensors respond faster to fast-flaming fires. Combination alarms provide broader protection.

Check for British Standards compliance, particularly BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms. Consider interconnectivity if installing multiple units—when one alarm triggers, all connected alarms sound, providing better warning throughout larger properties. Assess special features such as silence buttons, low-battery warnings, and test functions. For rental properties, verify the alarm meets current legislation, and consider combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors from trusted brands like Kidde, available at MyToolShed.co.uk, for comprehensive protection from a single unit.

Safety Information

Install smoke alarms on every level of a property, in hallways, and near sleeping areas, but avoid positioning them too close to kitchens or bathrooms where steam may cause false alarms. Mount alarms on ceilings at least 300mm from walls, or on walls 150-300mm below the ceiling. Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button and replace batteries annually unless using sealed units. Replace the entire alarm unit every 10 years, as sensors degrade over time. Mains-powered 240v installations must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with BS 7671 wiring regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between optical and ionisation smoke alarms?

Optical (photoelectric) smoke alarms use light sensors to detect larger smoke particles from slow-burning fires like smouldering upholstery. Ionisation alarms use a small radioactive source to detect smaller particles from fast-flaming fires. Optical alarms generally produce fewer false alarms from cooking and are recommended for most domestic applications.

Do I need mains-powered or battery smoke alarms?

New builds and major renovations typically require mains-powered 240v smoke alarms with battery backup as per Building Regulations. Battery-powered units with sealed 10-year lithium cells are suitable for retrofitting existing properties and locations without convenient mains access, offering reliable protection without annual battery changes.

Can one alarm detect both smoke and carbon monoxide?

Yes, combination alarms like those from Kidde detect both smoke and carbon monoxide from a single unit, offering space-saving convenience and comprehensive protection. These are particularly valuable in properties with fuel-burning appliances where both hazards may be present.