Combined Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

No, combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms aren't suitable for kitchens or garages. Cooking vapours and steam can trigger false alarms on the smoke sensor.

Combined alarms use different warning signals for each danger. You'll hear distinct alarm patterns - some models announce "FIRE! FIRE!" for smoke detection and "WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE" for CO detection. This voice alert feature eliminates confusion during an emergency, so you know exactly what action to take.

Actually, combined alarms often reduce false alarms because they use advanced detection technology. The smoke sensor and CO sensor work independently, and carbon monoxide sensors rarely false alarm because they detect gas through a precise electrochemical process. Unlike smoke detectors, CO sensors aren't triggered by dust, cooking fumes, or steam.

Yes, pressing the test button checks both the smoke and carbon monoxide sensors in your combined alarm. There's no legal requirement to use CO test gas - a weekly test button check is sufficient for quality detectors. This makes maintenance simpler than managing separate alarms.

Sealed battery models eliminate the hassle of regular battery changes and those annoying midnight chirps when batteries run low. They are ideal for use in rental properties as the tenants are then not required to replace the batteries regularly. The sealed lithium battery lasts the full 10-year life of the alarm, making them more convenient and reliable.

Yes, we sell a range of combined smoke and CO alarms which detect both fire and carbon monoxide.

We also sell combined heat and CO alarms which detect changes in temperature in a room rather than smoke. These are ideal for kitchens & garages where smoke or dust may often be present.

CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as at head height in the living room and bedrooms. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.

Carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows, as well as through loft spaces in semi-detached or terrace houses.

Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface. Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling.

• Near an appliance: they should be placed within 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and between the height of the appliance to 150mm below the ceiling – i.e., not above a stove where it would be in the path of steam or fumes.
• In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table.
• On the ceiling: at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site.

CO detectors should be installed near potential sources of carbon monoxide, essentially any fuel-burning appliances such as boilers, cookers and ovens, fireplaces (both open and enclosed burners), and portable generators. As you are likely to be most affected by CO in areas of your home that you spend the most time in it is advisable to install alarms in those areas as well, such as the living room and bedrooms. It is also worth noting that while one detector is better than no detectors at all, larger homes may require several detectors to cover the property fully.

Also note that carbon monoxide has been proven to spread into neighbouring properties through open windows and, in semi-detached or terrace houses, through loft spaces. If your property has an attached garage with a connecting door through to the house, it is recommended to fit a CO alarm inside the house leading from that doorway.

Battery powered carbon monoxide alarms can typically be installed wall-mounted or left free-standing on flat, level surface.

• Near an appliance: they should be placed within 1 to 3 metres horizontally from the appliance and between the height of the appliance to 150mm below the ceiling – i.e., not above a stove where it would be in the path of steam or fumes.
• In living spaces: they should be positioned close to where the occupant's head is likely to be most of the time – e.g., on your bedside table.

Combined smoke & CO alarms or mains-powered CO alarms are typically installed on the ceiling and should be at least 30cm away from any wall, light fitting, or other obstruction.

Do not install CO alarms within 3 metres of doors or windows, above radiators, or immediately close to anything that gives off steam or fumes like a cooker or shower room. Similarly, it is not recommended to install detectors in dusty areas such as workshops or garages.

For more information, please check the manufacturer's instructions – you can download the PDF manual from the relevant product page on our site. You can also watch our video guide to positioning CO detectors.