All Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are available as battery-powered, mains-powered and radio interlinked models. Optical sensors are best for bedrooms and living areas, detecting slow smouldering fires. Heat alarms are suited to kitchens. Interlinked systems, where all units sound when one detects smoke, offer the highest level of protection for multi-room properties.

Smoke alarms are a legal requirement in all rented properties across the UK. Landlords must install at least one working smoke alarm on every floor where there is living accommodation. In Scotland, all homeowners must also fit interlinked smoke and heat alarms, regardless of whether they rent or own their property. It’s worth noting that the regulations of your particular building type dictates which grade of alarm is required, as per B3 5839-6.

Battery smoke alarms are a reliable choice for most homes, particularly sealed ten-year lithium models, which last the full life of the alarm without battery changes. Mains-powered alarms are required for new builds and extensions under BS 5839-6 Grade D, and are often preferred for rental properties as they can't be disabled by removing batteries.

We recommend using an optical smoke alarm in hallways, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, as they are good at detecting smouldering fires from soft furnishings and are less likely to be set off by cooking fumes from a connected kitchen.

Heat alarms are recommended for kitchens and garages as they do not sound false alarms from cooking fumes, vehicle fumes or steam.

Ionisation alarms have been phased out due to the small amount of radioactive material used in the detector chamber. Safelincs recommends optical smoke alarms where ionisation alarms were previously used.

To ensure your smoke alarm is functioning properly, it's essential to test it regularly.

Steps to Test a Smoke Alarm

1. Check the Date: Ensure the smoke alarm is not older than 10 years. If it is, replace it.
2. Press the Test Button: Locate the test button on the smoke alarm. Press and hold it for a few seconds. You should hear a loud alarm sound, indicating that the unit is working. DO NOT USE REAL FIRE, VAPES, OR CIGARETTES TO TEST SMOKE ALARMS. This can damage the smoke alarm and void any warranty. For more detailed guidance, please consult the manual provided with your smoke alarm.
3. Clean the Alarm: Dust and debris can affect the alarm's performance. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the outside and inside of the alarm.
4. Document the Test: Keep a record of when you tested the alarm and any maintenance performed. This helps ensure regular checks.

Frequency of Testing

• Monthly: Test the smoke alarm every month.
• Annually: Clean your alarm. If your alarm is sounding a low battery warning, replace the batteries.
• Every 10 Years: Replace the entire smoke alarm unit.

Regular testing and maintenance of your smoke alarm can significantly enhance your safety and preparedness in case of a fire.

Sign up to our free smoke alarm reminder service to receive regular reminders by email or text message.

If your smoke alarm is sounding continuously, first check there is no smoke or fire in your property. If no fire or smoke is present, or the alarm is beeping intermittently, there are three main reasons why this may be happening:

• It could indicate the alarm is over 10 years old and needs replacing. View our range of smoke alarms to find a replacement.
• There could be a build up of dust inside. To clean it, you can use a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer on a cold setting.
• It could also be an issue with the power supply or the batteries may need replacing.

Read our in-depth smoke alarm troubleshooting guide to find a full list of reasons and solutions.

Optical smoke alarms, also known as photoelectric detectors, have a high sensitivity to large particles in the air. They are slightly quicker at detecting slow-smouldering fires that produce a lot of smoke (such as fire from soft furnishings). They are suitable for living rooms and sleeping areas and are used near kitchens as they are less prone to false alarms.

Ionisation smoke alarms use a small amount of radioactive material in the sensor chamber to detect fires, and have been discontinued. Safelincs encourages customers to purchase optical smoke alarms instead.

See also heat alarms for the most suitable protection in a kitchen.

Read more about how different smoke alarms work.

The best location to install your smoke alarm is in the centre of the ceiling rather than on the wall.

During a fire, smoke initially rises and then spreads horizontally. Placing the smoke alarm in the centre of your ceiling means that it is closest to all four points of your room. This ensures that you receive the earliest possible warning of a fire.

For more information, read our guide to positioning your smoke alarm and guide to which smoke alarms are best for each room.