There are different types of emergency lights; some function as a normal light and others only as an emergency light. You should know what type of emergency light you need to install. For example; do you want a maintained emergency light (stays on constantly) or a non-maintained emergency light? For more information read our blog on maintained or non-maintained lighting.
As the responsible person it is your legal obligation to ensure that emergency lighting is installed. Covering all the escape routes and exits from every area of the building with a minimum backup duration of up to 3 hours.Emergency lighting is essential to light escapes routes for emergency evacuations when normal mains-power failure. Power outages are likely in a fire / flood due to electrical damage.
Emergency lighting lights the way to guide occupants to the nearest exit
When installing emergency lights, take into account any hazards along the evacuation route, such as corners, stairways or uneven flooring. You must also ensure that fire alarm call points and equipment used for firefighting, such as extinguishers or fire blankets, are adequately illuminated to be easily seen or located. Some areas will require continued operation (e.g. a chemical processing room, operating theatre etc); higher continued lighting requirements must be considered in these areas.
A sub-category of emergency lighting is fire exit signs, which are green ‘running man’ signs with arrows that guide people towards the nearest exits. These are either internally lit or if sufficient other lighting is available, they can be photoluminescent. These ‘glow-in-the-dark’ signs store energy from either natural or artificial light and releases this stored energy when the light source is no longer there, emitting a yellow / green glow to illuminate the text on the sign.
You should refer to your fire risk assessment to ensure that you have covered all the essential fire escape routes and addressed any hazards on your site that were highlighted in this assessment. It is a legal requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment and you should refresh this assessment if the activities within your premises change or if significant changes to the layout are made. You can find authoritative guidance in the government's fire risk assessment guides.
As with all fire safety equipment, regular testing of your emergency lights must be carried out to ensure that it is working correctly. You should test that the lights are triggered when the mains supply is cut, and also that all the lights are illuminated as they should be. This can be done with the use of a fish key.
You will need to test your lighting once a month and ensure that a full discharge test is carried once a year. Log the results as any other fire safety equipment tests in your fire safety logbook.
If you would like to know more about emergency lighting our emergency lighting guides can provide you with useful information.
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Angie Dewick-Eisele is co-founder of Safelincs Ltd, one of the leading fire safety providers in the UK. Angie was Marketing Manager for many years and as Director is these days responsible for Content Management.
The installation of maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting should be decided based upon building type, its occupants and its usage.
What is the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lights?
Maintained Lights
Maintained emergency lighting is on at all times. These lights are mains powered and used as part of the normal room lighting system. However, should the mains power fail, it will stay lit for a specific duration powered by a back-up battery.
Maintained lighting could include lit fire exit signs, bulkhead lighting or recessed downlights.
This type of emergency lighting is generally used in non-residential places of public assembly such as leisure centres, cinemas, shopping centres etc. In public venues where the normal lighting is often dimmed e.g. cinemas, theatres or bars, maintained luminaries are always required.
Non-maintained Lights
Non-maintained lightingonly comes on for a specific duration when the power supply to normal artificial lighting fails. These light fittings are powered by a battery that is charged from a constant trickle of mains power. This battery should have enough charge to remain lit for a duration of 3 hours if the mains power fails. Regular testing of emergency lighting is required to ensure that it is working and will be effective in an emergency. Read more about testing and maintenance.
Non-maintained emergency lights are normally suitable for buildings which are usually lit when occupied, for example, workplaces, offices, and schools.
Can an emergency light fitting be both maintained AND non-maintained?
Yes. Maintained emergency light fittings or signs used as part of a normal room lighting system can also be wired to perform as a non-maintained fitting if required. This especially useful if your property has multiple uses, where you have a mix of maintained and non-maintained lighting requirements, only one type of light needs to be purchased. Many maintained fittings are available as switchable units, meaning they can be switched between maintained and non-maintained modes using an ordinary light switch. However, non-maintained light fittings cannot be wired for use in maintained operation.
If you are unsure which emergency lighting is best for your environment, it is best practice to conduct a fire risk assessment. This must be conducted by a ‘competent person’. A specialist risk assessor will advise the most suitable option in line with the current regulations if your organisation cannot complete this in house.
Watch our video to learn the difference between maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting
Which type of emergency lighting do I need?
British Standards guidelines 5266-1:2011 requires emergency lighting to be installed in all high occupancy residential, public or commercial buildings. It outlines the duties of the ‘Responsible Person‘ and focuses on emergency lighting fixtures ensuring escape routes are illuminated when the mains power fails. There are often more specific requirements given by local authorities in each area; check your local government website for more information.
Whether maintained or non-maintained emergency lighting is needed is largely a question for fire risk assessors based on each individual property. If non-maintained lighting is deemed sufficient, it is also worth considering the reduced environmental impact and lower energy cost of using non-maintained lighting over time.
There are various British Standards that set out the regulations for emergency lighting where further guidance can be sought:
BS5266-1Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises sets out general guidance on what emergency lighting should be provided in each environment
BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8Emergency escape lighting systems details minimum emergency lighting provision and testing for each type of environment
With over 20 years of experience in content writing, design and marketing, Mel now heads up the Content & Marketing Team at Safelincs. Having been in the fire safety industry for over 5 years, Mel has now developed a deep understanding of some of the critical issues facing the industry. Alongside her team, she aims to support the public with resources and information to help them improve fire safety at home, in the workplace or in 3rd sector organisations.
If you are the owner, landlord, employer or occupier of a business premises, including offices, you are responsible for fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and are known as the ‘responsible person’. Accordingly, as the responsible person in your office, you must:
Identify risks from the fire risk assessment, and put measures in place to reduce or manage them
Inform staff of the risks ,and of their responsibilities to ensure good fire safety is achieved
Ensure adequate fire safety measures have been put in place and maintain them
Have an appropriate fire safety procedure and communicate this to staff and visitors
Provide training to staff to ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire
Office Fire Risk Assessments
Office fire safety depends upon a comprehensive risk assessment
Fire risk assessments are mandatory for all offices. This must be followed up with the mitigation of identified risks and a comprehensive evacuation plan for the premises. Because risks can change, the FRA should be reviewed frequently and documented and reconducted if there is a change of use of the premises, or a fire safety incident occurs.
Fire risk assessments are important for the safety of employees and property. They provide a detailed review of your office space to identify fire risks and provide recommendations to either mitigate, reduce, or manage them.
Alternatively, you could instead, you can book a professional fire risk assessment for your office. Following this, you will receive a comprehensive fire risk assessment and detailed guidance should any recommendations for improvement be required.
What fire safety measures are required in an office?
To ensure that you are meeting all your legal obligations you will need to look at the following areas:
Are your emergency evacuation routes and exits clear from hazards and well signposted?
Do you have adequate means to detect a fire and warn others?
Do you have appropriate fire fighting equipment and is it in the right place?
Are any dangerous substances stored correctly?
Think about the people who are in your office (both staff and visitors), particularly those with mobility issues
Provide fire safety information and training
Evacuation and exit signage in offices
Photoluminescent fire escape route signs
Staff escaping a building must be visually directed to the safest and fastest route leading to the nearest fire exit., hence emergency lighting, is mandatory. Likewise, installing photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) fire escape route signs helps to ensure that the exit route is clearly visible. This ensures that even if the mains power fails, all escape route signs, stairs, and uneven floors are lit sufficiently for safe escape.
Carrying out regular fire drills in an office helps to ensure that all staff know what to do if the fire alarm goes off. Ensure that you also include practising alternative routes, so that staff are prepared in the event that their nearest fire escape is blocked by fire. Every member of staff must be made aware of where the nearest fire exits are and which routes to take when exiting the building. The induction of new staff members should therefore include a ‘fire walk’. This enables you to show staff all the fire escape routes and where firefighting equipment is located.
Further to this, your evacuation plan should include guidance for the evacuation of staff and visitors with reduced mobility. This could be due to a long-term condition such as low-sight or wheelchair use, or a temporary illness or injury. Evacuation chairs offer a safe and easy solution to ensure that everyone can escape safely in the event of a fire. Because these are considered to be medical equipment, staff who would be expected to operate this device in an emergency must recieve specialist training.
Fire extinguishers installed in officed can be used to prevent small fires from becoming catastrophic, or to assist in safe escape from a building on fire. Staff should be encouraged to use these fire extinguishers only if they have been trained, and only if does not put them in any danger.
Water Mist fire extinguishers are safe for use on live electrical fires
It is paramount that you have the correct type of fire extinguisher or extinguishers to tackle every type of fire that could occur in your office. The types of combustible material that your office requires cover for will be identified by the fire risk assessment. If you are still unsure of which type of fire extinguisher you need in your office you can book a fire extinguisher site survey
In most office settings, only type A (solid combustibles) are a risk. Where this is the case, Water Mist Fire Extinguishers, which are suitable for use on fires involving electrical equipment, are a versatile solution. These units use deionised water to fight fires, meaning that they are non-toxic and safe for use indoors, while having just one type of extinguisher improves the confidence of staff to use the equipment in an emergency – they don’t have to make a decision about what type of extinguisher to use.
Installing extinguishers in offices
Ensure that your extinguishers are commissioned and installed by a service engineer at your premises. You will also need the correct signage and to ensure that they are hung in the correct location.
Fire Extinguisher maintenance
All extinguishers must have a monthly visual check to ensure that there is no visible damage to the unit:
Are there any signs of damage to the exterior?
Are there any blockages in the hose?
Are there any signs the extinguisher has been tampered with?
Is the extinguisher pressurised?
If you have steel extinguishers installed, you must also ensure that an annual service is carried out by a trained engineer in accordance with the British Standards.
By installing P50 Service Free Water Mist extinguishers in your office when your steel extinguishers reach the end of their life, this annual service is not required.
Instead, a yearly visual inspection by a competent member of staff is sufficient. This must be documented in your fire safety log book. Service-Free extinguishers therefore reduce costs and administrative work associated with booking servicing, as well as the carbon footprint of your organisation, because an external engineer is not required to travel to your site.
Fire alarms and manual call points in offices
The responsible person must ensure that there is an adequate fire detection systemin place. The size, configuration and use of your office will define what sort of fire alarm system you require.
Ensure that employees know to activate the nearest manual call point if they discover a fire. This activates the alarm system, which alerts all staff to the fire. New staff must be shown the call points during their induction period.
Generally, where multiple organisations share the same building, this has implications for fire safety. Therefore, you should ensure that there is a system in place to notify all building occupants to a fire.
Free fire safety log book for offices
We offer a free online log book, with custom reminders. Keeping an online log book will ensure that it is protected in the event of a fire. It is essential that you keep a record of all your fire safety checks and fire drills in a fire safety log book.
CO detectors, or carbon monoxide alarms, are essential for the detection of a deadly gas, carbon monoxide (CO). This gas cannot be seen, tasted or smelt and is only detected with the use of co detectors. It is produced through the incomplete combustion of fuel, such as gas, wood, coal and oil. If your carbon monoxide alarm is going off, do not assume it is a false alarm.
What to do when your carbon monoxide alarm is going off
You should assume that there is CO present and should follow these steps to ensure your safety.
Stay calm, open doors and windows to increase ventilation
Where safe to do so, turn off any fuel-burning appliance
Leave the premises and notify other occupants of the potential carbon monoxide leak (you should also notify any occupant of premises adjoined to your home as CO can seep through walls and floors
Call Gas Emergency Services 0800 111 999 or a local Gas Safe Registered Engineer to check for the source of carbon monoxide
The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
Persistent Headaches
Having persistent dull headaches and tension type headaches.
Dizziness
Having waves of dizziness or feeling light headed and off balance.
Nausea / Vomiting
Feeling like you need to be sick (nausea) and actually being sick (vomiting).
Stomach Pains
Pains in your stomach or lower abdomen, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.
Difficulty Breathing
Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnoea).
Tiredness
Having no energy or feeling tired, sleepy, lethargic and sluggish.
Sudden Collapse
Sudden collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness.
Confusion
Confusion, difficulty concentrating and becoming easily irritated.
What causes CO detector false alarms?
A false alarm is when your CO detector alarms and where no carbon monoxide is detected by your engineer. There could be several reasons for this, which can often be easily resolved:
Cause of alarm
What to do
The carbon monoxide detected did not come from your own appliances but may have seeped through the walls or floor from a neighbour.
Check if your neighbours have fuel-burning appliances that might emit carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide might escape from chimney stacks allowing the toxic gas to enter your premises via a joint loft space.
The replace-by date may have been exceeded.
Most CO alarms are only effective for 5-10 years. Once expired, they can sound erratically, or not sound when they should, The expiry date for each unit can be found on the information sticker on the back of the unit.
Excessive moisture from a bathroom may set off your CO alarm.
CO alarms can be corrupted by steam, and therefore shouldn’t be installed in bathrooms. If your CO alarm is repeatedly triggered by steam, it may become ineffective, and should be replaced.
Lead acid battery chargers produce hydrogen gas which sets off CO detectors.
If you are charging your caravan or boat battery at home, this could set off your CO alarm. Once you have made sure that the alarm is false, it is safe to ignore the alarm in this scenario, but remain vigilant for other signs. If this happens often, invest in a CO alarm with a digital display to assess the level of risk when the alarm sounds.
Freshly screeded floors emit a gas that sets off carbon monoxide alarms.
If your floors have just been screeded, and you have made sure that the alarm is false, it is safe to ignore the alarm in this scenario, but remain vigilant for other signs.
The carbon monoxide alarm that you have installed may not be suitable for the type of premises
For example if it is installed in a caravan, tent, boat or living quarters of a horsebox you will need to ensure that your alarm is Kitemarked to BS EN50291-2. Alarms tested to BS EN50291-1 are only for use in home environments and are not suitable for camping and caravanning.
Smoking indoors
A heavy smoker in a poorly ventilated room the CO from smoking may trigger an alarm. It is recommended to open a window if possible to improve ventilation. If this happens often, invest in a CO alarm with a digital display to assess the level of risk when the alarm sounds.
Homes that are adjacent to very busy roads may experience higher levels of CO in the home when windows are open as traffic fumes may enter the room and set your alarm off.
If this causes persistent false alarms, invest in a digital CO alarm, allowing you to see a live CO reading. You can then determine the level of risk. For example, if the reading is high, there is probably a leak. However, if it has just tipped over the threshold due to air pollution, the alarm can be ignored/silenced without having to get an engineer in to check for a leak.
The sound that your alarm is making may not be the alarm sound to alert you that there are dangerous levels of CO present.
Most alarms have several audible sounds to indicate things such as low battery warning or that there is a fault with the alarm. Keep the manual safe so that you can refer to it should the alarm go off.
Buying a CO detector
You should have a carbon monoxide detector in every room where there is a solid fuel burning appliance. Only chose CO detectors that have met the rigorous testing standards of the European standard EN50291. These alarms provide peace of mind that this vital alarm has been manufactured and tested to the highest standards. Moreover, investing in a CO detector with a digital display also provides peace of mind, as it allows you to assess the situation when an alarm goes off. This is particularly useful if you have had persistent false alarms due to pollution, smoking, or other external factors, as it allows you to check the reading to assess the level of risk before calling an engineer to check for a leak.
If you are unsure if you have the correct carbon monoxide alarm installed our customer care team are here to help. You can call them on 0800 612 6537 or email support@safelincs.co.uk.
Angie Dewick-Eisele is co-founder of Safelincs Ltd, one of the leading fire safety providers in the UK. Angie was Marketing Manager for many years and as Director is these days responsible for Content Management.
Is your smoke alarm beeping in the night and keeping you awake, or disturbing your day? Whether you have mains powered, interlinked smoke alarms, or battery powered smoke alarms, follow our guidance below to troubleshoot the beeping.
First check there is no smoke or fire in your property
Make sure the beeping is definitely coming from your smoke alarm. Other alarms in the property such as a carbon monoxide alarm or burglar alarm could be responsible for the noise.
Clean the alarm if it is dusty or dirty. Vacuum around the alarm or use a hairdryer to blow out dust on a cool setting.
Replace by date on back of smoke alarm
Check the replace by or manufacture date on your alarm. Smoke alarms usually last for a maximum of 10 years, so if the manufacturing date is approaching 10 years or more than 10 years, it’s time to get a new smoke alarm. Sensors inside the alarm deteriorate after this time causing the alarm to be less effective.
Check the position of your alarm. There are different types of smoke alarm suitable for specific locations in your home. Find out more below about positioning your alarm.
Your smoke alarm may be damaged or have developed a fault. Exposure to water, fire, grease and certain types of paint can cause a fault to develop. If there is a fault, replace your smoke alarm immediately to protect your home and family.
Smoke alarm chirping intermittently
Replace the battery* in your smoke alarm. Ensure you are using the correct battery type and are inserting it the correct way around. If the battery is low, it is more likely to sound at night as a drop in room temperature can impact the battery’s ability to power the alarm.
Check the manufacture date on your alarm. Smoke alarms usually last for a maximum of 10 years, so if the manufacturing date is approaching 10 years or more than 10 years, it’s time to get a new smoke alarm. Sensors inside the alarm deteriorate after this time causing the alarm to be less effective.
Your smoke alarm may be damaged or have developed a fault. Exposure to water, fire, grease and certain types of paint can cause a fault to develop. If you suspect a fault, replace your smoke alarm immediately to protect your home and family.
How to stop wired alarm chirping intermittently
* All new or recently extended homes should have mains powered, interlinked alarms fitted which also have a back-up battery. Intermittent chirping in mains-powered alarms is often caused by low power in the back-up battery.
Replacement batteries for smoke alarms
Smoke alarms usually require either Alkaline AA batteries, an Alkaline 9V battery or a Lithium 9V battery. Buy replacement smoke alarm batteries as soon as possible to ensure that your family would be alerted to a fire in your home.
Mains powered smoke alarm need replacing?
Whether your smoke alarms are mains powered or battery powered, they should be replaced after 10 years due to a deterioration of the sensors. Battery alarms are easily changed and installed, but how do you replace a mains powered alarm? Most mains powered alarms can be replaced without the need for an electrician if you purchase the exact same model, if still available, or an Easichange® replacement where applicable.
Discontinued smoke alarm need replacing?
If you need to purchase a replacement alarm, but find that your existing model has been discontinued, we have a dedicated collection of replacement smoke and heat alarms. This range consists of models specifically chosen to be the simplest, most direct replacement alarms that can often be installed without the need for an electrician.
The type of sensor an alarm has determines where it should be positioned in the home. False alarms may be due to the wrong alarm type being used in or near a steamy, dusty or smoky environment.
Heat alarms are more suited to areas such as the kitchen or garage that are often smoky or dusty. Other types of sensors would be prone to false alarms in these areas.
Optical smoke alarms are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and ground floor hallways.
To avoid causing false alarms or affecting the performance of an alarm, it is good practice to avoid installing alarms in the following locations:
Next to a door, window, air vent or fan that would create a draft
Outside
Anywhere that airflow would be obstructed by curtains or furniture
Locations that are steamy or humid such as a shower room
Always ensure you act as quickly as possible to change or replace a defective smoke alarm to keep your home and family safe. If you require any further assistance, contact our customer service team on 0800 612 6537 or email support@safelincs.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the smoke alarm beeping three times?
When your smoke alarm is beeping three times in succession, this typically indicates a specific message from the manufacturer. The smoke alarm beeping three times often signifies smoke detection – this is different from the single chirp pattern of a low battery warning. Some models use a pattern of three beeps followed by a pause, repeating this sequence to indicate the presence of smoke particles. This could be triggered by actual smoke, dust in the sensing chamber, steam or cooking fumes. If there’s no obvious smoke source, try cleaning the unit by gently vacuuming the exterior vents. In some newer models, a smoke alarm beeping three times can indicate a fault with the sensor itself. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue and you’ve verified there’s no fire, check your alarm’s user manual for specific beep pattern meanings or consider replacing the unit.
Why is the hardwired smoke detector chirping?
Your hardwired smoke detector chirping typically signals a specific issue that needs attention. Despite being connected to your home’s electrical system, most hardwired smoke detector units have backup batteries that require periodic replacement. The hardwired smoke detector chirping often indicates that this backup battery is low. Other potential causes include dust accumulation in the sensing chamber, power surges affecting the electronic components, loose wiring connections, or the unit reaching the end of its service life (typically 10 years). To troubleshoot, replace the backup battery first, then try resetting the alarm by disconnecting it from power and removing the battery for 30 seconds. If your hardwired smoke detector chirping continues, check for dust and clean the unit. For persistent issues, the age of the detector or wiring problems may require professional assessment.
Why is my mains powered smoke alarm beeping?
Your mains powered smoke alarm beeping is typically caused by one of several issues. Most mains powered smoke alarms have backup batteries that need replacing periodically, and a low backup battery is the most common reason for beeping. Even though your smoke alarm is connected to mains power, the backup battery ensures protection during power outages. Other causes include dust accumulation on the sensing chamber, end-of-life warnings (smoke alarms typically last 10 years), or a fault in the alarm itself. Try replacing the backup battery first, then clean the unit with a vacuum or hairdryer on a cool setting to remove dust. If your mains powered smoke alarm continues beeping after these steps, check the replacement date on the back – it may simply be time for a new unit.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping every 30 seconds?
When your smoke alarm is beeping every 30 seconds, this is almost always an indication of a low battery. This specific timing pattern is programmed by manufacturers as a low battery warning. The smoke alarm beeping every 30 seconds is designed to be annoying enough to prompt action but not so frequent that it’s confused with an actual fire alarm. Replace the battery as soon as possible using the correct type (usually 9V or AA, depending on your model). If the smoke alarm beeping every 30 seconds continues after battery replacement, the unit may have reached the end of its life (typically 10 years) or developed a fault. Check the manufacture date on the back of the alarm to determine if replacement is necessary.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping intermittently?
Your smoke alarm beeping intermittently can be caused by several factors. The most common reason for a smoke alarm beeping intermittently is a low battery that needs replacement. Other causes include dust or insects inside the sensing chamber, humidity fluctuations, temperature changes or the unit reaching the end of its service life. Clean your smoke alarm by gently vacuuming around the exterior vents to remove dust. Ambient conditions can also trigger intermittent beeping – smoke alarms are sensitive to rapid temperature changes or high humidity. If your smoke alarm beeping intermittently persists after battery replacement and cleaning, check the manufacture date – smoke alarms generally need replacement after 10 years, even if they appear to be working.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping without a battery?
When you experience a smoke alarm beeping without a battery, there are several possible explanations. For mains-powered units, the alarm can still beep without a backup battery installed because it’s drawing power from your home’s electrical system. The beeping may be a warning that the backup battery is missing and needs to be installed. For battery-only models, a smoke alarm beeping without a battery might actually be residual power in the capacitor that can cause chirping for a short time after battery removal. Another possibility is that you’re hearing beeping from a different alarm in your property. Try listening carefully to locate the exact source. If your smoke alarm beeping without a battery continues for more than a few minutes, check all other alarms in your home, including carbon monoxide detectors.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping with a new battery?
If your smoke alarm is beeping with a new battery, several issues might be causing the problem. First, ensure the new battery is properly seated in the compartment and is the correct type for your model. Sometimes, a smoke alarm beeping with a new battery occurs because the battery terminals aren’t making proper contact – try cleaning the contact points with a dry cloth. Another common reason is that the battery might be old despite being ‘new’ to your alarm – check the expiry date on the battery. Dust and debris in the sensing chamber can also trigger beeping even with a new battery installed. Finally, if your smoke alarm beeping with a new battery persists, check the unit’s age – smoke alarms have a service life of approximately 10 years, after which they should be replaced regardless of battery condition.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping after changing the battery?
When your smoke alarm is beeping after changing the battery, it can be frustrating but is usually solvable. The most common reason for a smoke alarm beeping after changing the battery is improper installation – check that the battery is correctly seated and the right type for your model. The battery compartment may not be fully closed, or the alarm might not be properly reattached to its mounting bracket. Some smoke alarms require a reset after battery replacement – look for a test/reset button to press and hold for about 15-20 seconds. Dust accumulated in the sensing chamber can also cause beeping to continue. If your smoke alarm beeping after changing the battery persists, verify the age of the unit – smoke alarms older than 10 years need replacement as the sensors degrade over time, regardless of battery condition.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping after removing the battery?
If you’re experiencing a smoke alarm beeping after removing the battery, this can be puzzling, but it has several explanations. Many smoke alarms contain capacitors that store a small amount of power, which can cause the smoke alarm to beep after removing the battery for a short period – usually up to 15-20 minutes. For hardwired models, the alarm continues to receive power from your home’s electrical system even with the backup battery removed. Some interconnected systems will continue beeping if any alarm in the network has a low battery or fault. Try waiting 20 minutes after battery removal to see if the beeping stops naturally. If your smoke alarm beeping after removing the battery continues beyond this time, check if it’s a mains powered unit or if another alarm might be causing the noise.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping every few minutes?
When your smoke alarm is beeping every few minutes, this typically indicates a specific issue that needs addressing. The pattern of the smoke alarm beeping every few minutes (rather than continuous sounding) usually points to a maintenance alert rather than a fire detection. The most common cause is a low battery that needs replacement. Other possibilities include dust accumulation in the sensing chamber, a fault in the electronic components or an end-of-life warning. Smoke alarms are designed to last approximately 10 years before requiring replacement. If your smoke alarm beeping every few minutes continues after installing a fresh battery and cleaning the unit, check the manufacture date on the back. For models approaching or exceeding 10 years of age, replacement is the best solution, as internal sensors degrade over time.
Why is smoke alarm beeping randomly in the middle of the night?
Your smoke alarm beeping randomly in the middle of the night is a common and frustrating issue. This typically happens because battery power naturally drops at night when temperatures fall. The smoke alarm beeping randomly in the middle of the night is actually the low battery warning becoming more noticeable as the battery power reaches a critical threshold in cooler nighttime temperatures. Another possibility is that steam or humidity from evening showers might be triggering the alarm if it’s located near bathrooms. Insects can also be more active at night and may enter the sensing chamber. To resolve nighttime beeping, replace the battery immediately, clean the unit thoroughly, and consider relocating alarms that are too close to bathrooms or kitchens. If the issue persists, check the age of your alarm – units older than 10 years should be replaced.
How do you stop a smoke detector from chirping without a battery?
To stop the smoke detector from chirping without a battery, you’ll need to follow specific steps depending on the type of unit you have. For battery-only models that are chirping without a battery installed, the issue may be residual power in the capacitor. To stop the smoke detector from chirping without a battery in this case, press and hold the test button for 15-20 seconds to discharge any remaining power. For hardwired models, even with the backup battery removed, they’re still connected to your home’s electrical system. You’ll need to turn off power to the circuit at your breaker box, then press and hold the test button to discharge the remaining energy. Some hardwired systems may require a reset procedure – disconnect the unit from the mounting bracket for 15 minutes, then reattach it. If chirping continues, the issue might be with another interconnected alarm in your system that needs attention.
Why is the smoke alarm beeping, but there is no smoke?
When your smoke alarm is beeping, but there is no smoke, several non-emergency factors could be triggering the alarm. The most common reasons for a smoke alarm beeping but no smoke include dust or insects in the sensing chamber, steam or high humidity, rapid temperature changes or cooking fumes that have reached the alarm. Clean your smoke alarm by gently vacuuming the exterior vents or using a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow out dust particles. Consider the location of your alarm – units placed too close to bathrooms or kitchens are prone to false alarms. Some alarms are more sensitive than others; optical alarms are better for living spaces, while heat alarms are more suitable for kitchens. If your smoke alarm continues to beep after cleaning, even though there is no smoke, check the age of the unit. Sensors deteriorate over time, and alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.
Why is the smoke detector beeping with a new battery?
If your smoke detector is beeping with a new battery, there are several potential issues to troubleshoot. First, ensure the smoke detector beeping with the new battery isn’t due to improper installation – check that the battery is correctly seated and the correct type for your model. Some smoke detectors require specific battery brands or types to function properly. The ‘new’ battery might actually be old or expired – check the expiration date. Dust and debris in the sensing chamber can also cause persistent beeping despite a fresh battery. Some models require a reset after battery replacement – look for a test/reset button and hold it for 15-20 seconds. If your smoke detector beeping with the new battery continues, check the manufacture date on the unit. Smoke detectors have a limited lifespan of approximately 10 years, after which internal sensors degrade regardless of battery condition.
Why is the smoke alarm chirping?
Your smoke alarm chirping is typically sending a specific alert message that requires attention. The distinctive chirping sound (different from the continuous alarm) usually indicates a maintenance issue rather than fire detection. The most common reason for a smoke alarm chirping is a low battery that needs replacement. Other causes include dust or insects in the sensing chamber, high humidity affecting the electronics or the unit reaching its end of life (typically 10 years). Some models use different chirping patterns to communicate specific issues – consult your user manual to decipher the message. To resolve the smoke alarm chirping, replace the battery with the correct type, clean the unit thoroughly and check the manufacture date. If your smoke alarm is approaching 10 years of age and continues chirping after battery replacement and cleaning, replacement of the entire unit is recommended.
How do you change the smoke alarm battery?
To change the smoke alarm battery effectively, follow these straightforward steps. First, identify what type of battery your alarm uses – typically, 9V or AA batteries are common. To change the smoke alarm battery safely, turn off power to hardwired models at the circuit breaker if applicable. For most models, twist the alarm counterclockwise to detach it from the mounting plate or open the battery compartment directly. Remove the old battery carefully, noting how it’s positioned. Insert the new battery in exactly the same orientation, ensuring it’s properly seated in the compartment. Close the battery door securely or reattach the alarm to its mounting plate by twisting it clockwise until it clicks. Once installed, press the test button to verify the new battery is working properly. For optimal protection, change the smoke alarm battery at least once a year or immediately when you hear the low battery warning chirp. Mark the replacement date on the inside of the battery compartment for reference unless your smoke alarm contains sealed batteries that are not designed to be replaced – in this instance, the product has reached the end of its life and should be replaced.
With over 20 years of experience in content writing, design and marketing, Mel now heads up the Content & Marketing Team at Safelincs. Having been in the fire safety industry for over 5 years, Mel has now developed a deep understanding of some of the critical issues facing the industry. Alongside her team, she aims to support the public with resources and information to help them improve fire safety at home, in the workplace or in 3rd sector organisations.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which was implemented on 23rd January 2023 sets out new fire door responsibilities for Responsible Persons of multi-occupied residential buildings. Part of these new responsibilities involves inspecting flat entrance doors and educating residents about the importance of fire doors. We explore these new fire door regulations for flats and give guidance about implementation and what is expected from the Responsible Person.
What are the new fire door regulations for flats?
From January 2023, the following fire door regulations apply to any residential building with more than 2 dwellings:
Residents should be provided with information about the importance of fire doors to ensure that they are being used correctly. Distributing our free Residents Fire Door Fact Sheet among your tenants could save lives.
Regularly inspect all fire doors (as specified by your fire risk assessment) and record evidence of the inspections. This free fire door inspection checklist can be downloaded and used as a template to record inspections. Using a Fire Door Gap Gauge will help to effectively measure gaps around the sides and top of fire doors to ensure they are within the required limits.
These additional regulations apply to buildings over 11 metres in height:
Every 3 months, the Responsible Person must check all fire doors in communal areas of the building.
Annually, the Responsible Person should make ‘best endeavour’ checks on every flat entrance door within the building.
What is a ‘best endeavour’ check for flat entrance doors?
Under these new fire door regulations, checks on flat entrance doors must be carried out once a year. The Responsible Person must therefore make a ‘best endeavour’ to gain consent from the tenant to enter the property. This is essential for Responsible Persons to be able to carry out their legal duty to check fire doors.
Permission to access flats must be sought in advance of the intended inspection, with at least 24 hours’ notice. This should be requested multiple times. If residents are unresponsive, supplement with educational material on the importance of fire doors and new legislation to encourage cooperation. Make contact in writing, either via email or dated written letter, to keep a record of ‘best endeavour’ attempts to inspect flat front doors.
The importance of fire doors in flats
Fire doors save lives: Flats that open out into communal areas are legally required to have FD30 ratings. This means that they can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes. If a fire starts in one flat, the fire door will stop flames and smoke from spreading to communal areas and corridors. This provides enough time to for residents to escape the building safely. The responsible person has a legal responsibility to make sure all fire doors are in good working order. They must also ensure that that fire door regulations are followed at all times in the building.
Keeping fire doors closed: A fire door can only contain a fire and smoke if it is closed. Fire doors should always be fitted with a door closer to ensure that the door automatically closes after use. If residents prop open fire doors for any reason, the door will not work. This means that the building’s safety will be put in jeopardy.
Educating residents on the importance of fire doors
Information about the importance of fire doors must be available in communal areas. Ensuring residents are aware of the importance of keeping fire doors shut can be challenging, especially if tenants change frequently. Displaying information in communal areas can encourage tenants to work together to keep the building safe. Ensure that new tenants have been made aware of fire safety procedures when they receive they keys, as it provides an opportunity to ask questions.
Are door closers required on flat doors?
Door closers are required on flat doors to ensure that they are shut when not in use. If door closers are not installed, or have been removed or deactivated, the door may be open in a fire. This will allow smoke and flames to spread throughout the building.
Fire doors cannot effectively prevent the spread of smoke and flames if they are not properly maintained
Residents and fire door accessibility issues
Due to their heavy construction and required door closer, fire doors may pose accessibility problems. This can affect disabled residents, those with impaired mobility, older people, or those with young children. In these circumstances, fire doors can seem impractical and a barrier to free movement. Where flat entrance doors are fire doors, tenants may try to find a solution to help them it more easily. Common misuse in this way involves doors being wedged or propped open for convenience, or fire door closers being disengaged.
Without effective fire doors in all parts of the building, everyone’s fire safety is compromised. Further to this, the Responsible Person may be liable for prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Retaining fire doors in residential blocks
There are a number of solutions available that allow fire doors in residential buildings to be held open safely in normal day-to-day use, but will close the fire door when the fire alarm sounds. In BS 7273-4: 2015 Critical (Category A) areas, such as stair wells, it is paramount that fire doors are maintained and effective at all times to slow the spread of smoke and flames throughout the building.
Fireco’s Pro Fire Door Retainer System allows fire doors to be held open safely and legally
Fireco’s Pro Fire Door Retainer System is one example to enable fire doors to be safely and legally held open, without compromising their effectiveness in a fire, even in Category A areas. This system can be configured with any proportion of Dorgard Pro or Freeswing Pro units to suit the needs of the building, with up to 500 devices in one system. Fire door retention improves ventilation and ease of movement within a building, which reduces temptation for residents to illegally hold them open.
This wireless fire door retainer system is operated by a control hub, which is wired directly into the building’s fire alarm system. During a fire, the fire alarm is activated, and the hub signals every device in its system to release the fire doors, causing them to close. The optional InSite Site Manager cloud remote management system gives you the ability to check the system status, including the status of each individual component, from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fire door regulations for buildings of different heights?
The regulations vary based on building height. For all residential buildings with more than two dwellings: Residents must receive information about proper fire door usage, Regular inspections of all fire doors as specified in your fire risk assessment, Records of all inspections must be maintained. For buildings over 11 metres in height: The Responsible Person must check all communal area fire doors every three months, Annual best endeavour checks must be conducted on all flat entrance doors.
How do I conduct best endeavour checks on entrance doors to flats?
The Responsible Person must make reasonable attempts to gain access to flats: Give at least 24 hours’ notice before inspection, Make multiple contact attempts if residents are unresponsive, Provide educational materials about fire door importance, Document all communication attempts in writing, Keep records of all inspection attempts and outcomes.
Why are fire doors essential in flats?
Fire doors serve two critical purposes in flat buildings: 1) They contain fires within individual flats, preventing spread to communal areas, 2) They provide residents with safe escape routes during emergencies. A properly functioning fire door can contain fire and smoke for its rated period, giving residents valuable time to evacuate safely. For this reason, fire doors must always remain closed when not in use.
Are door closers required on doors in flats?
Yes, door closers are required on flat entrance doors that function as fire doors. These devices ensure the door automatically closes after use, maintaining fire protection. If closers are removed or disabled, the door may remain open during a fire, allowing smoke and flames to spread throughout the building.
What are fire door accessibility solutions?
The heavy construction and required closers on fire doors can create accessibility issues for: Disabled residents, People with reduced mobility, Older residents, Families with young children. These challenges sometimes lead to misuse, such as propping doors open or disabling closers. This compromises building safety and may result in prosecution under fire safety regulations. A solution to this can be to fit fire door hold open devices. These devices hold open the fire door during day-to-day operation, and close it automatically when the fire alarm sounds. For all communal areas in residential buildings, hold open devices must conform to BS 7273-4: 2015 Critical (Category A).
What fire door hold-open solutions do Safelincs provide?
Safelincs offers solutions that allow fire doors to be held open safely while ensuring they close automatically when the fire alarm activates. The Fireco Pro Fire Door Retainer System is suitable even for critical areas like stairwells, where effective fire doors are essential. This system: Allows doors to be safely held open during normal use, Automatically releases doors when fire alarms sound, Connects directly to building fire alarm systems, Can support up to 500 devices in one setup, Improves building ventilation and ease of movement, Offers remote management options.
What are fire door inspection services?
Safelincs provides: Professional fire door inspection services, Fire Door Gap Gauge for checking the gap between a fire door and its frame, Free fire door inspection checklist, Documentation systems for compliance.
Why choose Safelincs for fire door products and services?
Safelincs provide a one-stop-shop for fire doors, hardware and services. Our accredited team will support the Responsible Person to identify any compliance or performance issues, remediate the issues where possible or provide custom-made replacement fire doors. Safelincs also offers: A wide range of fire door products, including holders, closers and inspection tools, Nationwide service with a dedicated, award-winning support team, Technical expertise in fire door compliance, Commitment to quality with ISO9001 certification, 3rd party accredited services from our qualified team, Free educational resources for responsible persons and residents.
What are fire doors?
Fire doors are specially constructed doors designed to stop the spread of fire and smoke for a set period. They form an essential part of a building’s passive fire protection system.
What are the legal requirements for fire doors in flats?
Fire door legal requirements vary depending on your building type and fire risk assessment results. For residential flats, fire doors typically require an FD30 rating, providing 30 minutes of fire resistance. You must install intumescent strips and smoke seals around the door frame. Self-closing devices are also mandatory, and you must maintain gaps no larger than 4mm around the sides and top, with 8mm maximum at the bottom. They must be regularly inspected and maintained.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
In buildings over 11 metres, communal fire doors must be checked every three months and flat entrance doors annually. For all multi-occupied residential buildings, inspections should be scheduled according to the fire risk assessment. There are different rules for the frequency of fire door inspection for commercial fire doors.
What is a fire door holder?
A fire door holder is a device that allows fire doors to be safely held open during normal use but released automatically when the fire alarm sounds, ensuring the door closes.
How do fire door hold-open devices work?
An electromagnetic fire door hold-open device uses an electromagnet mounted to a wall or floor and a steel plate attached to the door. When powered, the electromagnet holds the door open by attracting the steel plate. If the fire alarm is triggered or power is cut, the magnet releases, allowing the door closer to shut the door automatically. An acoustically-activated fire door hold-open device uses a sensor to hear the sound of the building’s fire alarm. When it detects the alarm, it releases the door so the closer can shut it automatically.
What are fire door closers?
Fire door closers are mechanical devices that ensure a fire door shuts automatically after being opened. They are required on most fire doors to maintain protection.
How do I choose the right fire rated door closers?
When selecting fire-rated door closers, consider the door size and weight, frequency of use, and whether the closer needs to be visible or concealed. Safelincs can advise on the most suitable options.
With over 20 years of experience in content writing, design and marketing, Mel now heads up the Content & Marketing Team at Safelincs. Having been in the fire safety industry for over 5 years, Mel has now developed a deep understanding of some of the critical issues facing the industry. Alongside her team, she aims to support the public with resources and information to help them improve fire safety at home, in the workplace or in 3rd sector organisations.
