Wireless smoke alarms are on our website usually referred to as radio-interlinked smoke alarms. This is less confusing, as some radio-interlinked alarms still require mains power wired to them to feed their energy requirements. The main benefit of wireless or radio-interlinked smoke alarms is that they are radio-linked to each other; therefore, if one smoke alarm detects a fire then all the smoke alarms will go off. This ensures that all residents in a building are notified if a fire breaks out even if this is in a remote part of the building. There are also longlife battery operated wireless smoke alarms available that make any wiring with a power supply unnecessary - even in a building type that would normally require main operated smoke alarms.

Our radio-interlinked smoke alarms are digitally coded which means that they are not effected by any other equipment or by a similar system being installed nearby. When the smoke alarm system is installed, a 'training-in' button is pressed on each smoke alarm which trains the alarms to recognise each other as a 'family'.

Wireless call points and other accessories can be installed and linked to the alarms, including wireless carbon monoxide alarms and deaf alerters.

This is a short introduction to smoke and heat alarms classified in the British Standard BS5839 part 6 as Grade D and F. These smoke alarms are typically found in housing and small businesses/ organisations.

In new built domestic properties and substantial extensions Building Regulations will determine the standard applicable, usually Grade D.
Existing Buildings: Domestic, owner-occupied housing: BS5839 part 6 Grade F Extensions of domestic, owner-occupied housing: BS5839 part 6 Grade D Small businesses, church halls, many let properties: BS5839 part 6 Grade D with additional Manual Break Points in circulation spaces and sometimes additional Grade F smoke or heat alarms within let flats.

What do the different Grades mean?


Grade D: Mains-powered, interlinked smoke and heat alarms. These are usually powered with a cable from the nearest light fitting. To create an interlink (all alarms go off at the same time in the case of a fire) they either require cable connection between the units or a radio-interlink connection. In businesses and larger let properties, these are often combined with manual break points.

With the appearance of ten year sealed smoke alarm units with radio-interlink, these are becoming more acceptable as an alternative to mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms. Radio-interlinked manual break points with longlife batteries are also available. However, we still recommend you check with your Building Inspector (in case of extensions), Local Council (rented accommodation), Fire Service (business) to ensure these alternative alarms are acceptable.

Grade F: Battery operated, free standing smoke and heat alarms. On their own they are mainly designed for domestic, owner-occupied housing. However, F Grade alarms with radio-interlink (especially when provided with 10 year sealed lithium batteries) can sometimes be installed as if they were Grade D. Again we recommend that you check first with the relevant authority.

Which smoke alarms for which room?
There are typically three types of sensors available:

Ionisation smoke alarm: The traditional smoke alarm containing a small amount of radioactive material. This alarm is best used for the detection of fast flaming fires. However, it can be quite sensitive and give false alarms near kitchens. Best installed on landings and in offices.

Optical smoke alarm (also called photo-electric smoke alarm):
A type of smoke alarm that ‘sees’ the smoke and is less prone to false alarms. It is also fast at detecting smouldering fires (cables, soft furnishings etc). Best near (not in) kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, living rooms.

Heat alarms: Detect the rapid change of temperature in case of a fire. This alarm avoids false alarms altogether and can be installed in kitchens and garages.

Safelincs offers the UK's largest range of smoke alarms and every one of them is manufactured by one of the best brands in the world. Our Kidde and Ei Electronics smoke alarms have exceptionally long warranties, are fully certified and have stood the test of time. So for fire protection without false alarms and for complete peace of mind, visit our range of smoke alarms.

Ionisation Smoke Alarms

Ionisation smoke alarms are the traditional smoke alarm and are very sensitive to smoke, especially to fast flaming fires such as burning paper. Ionisation smoke alarms are best installed on landings.

Optical Smoke Alarms

Optical smoke alarms are designed to 'see' smoke and have a quick response rate to smouldering fires while being insensitive to false alarms. Some of the best areas to install optical smoke alarms are in bedrooms, hallways and living rooms.

Heat Alarms

Heat alarms are free of false alarms, as they only measure the temperature in the room and trigger an alarm only when a certain temperature or rate of speed in temperature rise is recorded. Heat alarms are installed in kitchens and garages.