Smoke Alarms

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.

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.

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.

If you own your home, you're responsible for installing and maintaining the smoke alarms. If you rent, your landlord must ensure they're fitted and working when you move in, but you're responsible for testing them regularly and replacing batteries.

The rules vary across the UK.

• England: Smoke alarms are required by law in all rented properties - at least one working smoke alarm on every floor of the home.

• Scotland: Alarms are needed in the room most frequently used in the daytime, every circulation space (e.g. hallways and landings) and a heat alarm in the kitchen. There are also requirements for CO alarms.

• Wales: In rented properties, alarms have to be mains powered and interlinked.

• Northern Ireland: Landlords must install smoke alarms on every floor of the property, one in the room most frequently used in the daytime, and a heat alarm in the kitchen.

New builds and major renovations typically require mains-powered, interlinked systems that meet the requirements of Building Regulations.

We no longer sell ionisation smoke alarms because they contain radioactive material and are being phased out across the fire safety industry. Optical smoke alarms are now the standard, and they're better at detecting the slow-burning, smouldering fires that are most common in homes.

Optical alarms ‘see’ smoke particles using light sensors. They're less likely to give false alarms from cooking and respond faster to fires that produce a lot of smoke, such as burning furniture or electrical fires.

For basic protection, you need at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your home. But for proper security, install optical smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway. Heat alarms work more effectively in kitchens and garages, where cooking fumes or dust may trigger false alarms.

If you're in Scotland, you must meet the 2022 legislation requirements.

No, you can't mix and match brands when creating an interlinked system. Each manufacturer uses different communication protocols, so they cannot communicate properly with one another. You can guarantee compatibility by purchasing bundles from us.

Radio-interlinked alarms from the same range will work together seamlessly. Some even let you add compatible carbon monoxide alarms to the same system.

Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button on each one. If they're interlinked, testing one should make them all sound. Most people forget, so use our free reminder service to receive reminders by text or email.

Alarms will sound a low battery warning when they need to be replaced. If your alarm is over 10 years old, replace the whole unit – the sensors degrade over time.

You need at least one working smoke alarm on every floor of your home. Install optical smoke alarms in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where they can detect smouldering fires.

Don't put smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes cause false alarms. Use heat alarms in kitchens instead - they detect temperature changes without false alarms.

Mount alarms on ceilings in the centre of rooms, at least 30cm from walls and light fittings. This ensures they detect smoke as early as possible.

Smoke alarms detect smoke particles in the air and are perfect for living areas where fires typically start slowly. They give you the earliest warning when materials like furniture or wiring begin to smoulder.

Heat alarms detect temperature changes and are ideal for kitchens and garages. They trigger when the temperature reaches approximately 55°C or rises rapidly, thereby avoiding false alarms caused by cooking.

Both types are essential for complete protection. Use smoke alarms throughout your home, and heat alarms in kitchens and garages where smoke alarms would give false alarms.

Optical smoke alarms are the best choice for bedrooms. They detect smouldering fires from soft furnishings and are less likely to give false alarms from nearby cooking.

Smoke alarms are a legal requirement in all UK rental properties. Landlords must fit working alarms on every floor, with additional rules varying by region for heat alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Standard battery smoke alarms last until the battery runs out, so you'll need to replace the battery regularly. Sealed long-life models last 10 years without any battery changes.

Radio-interlinked smoke alarms are worth the investment for larger properties. When one detects smoke, all connected units sound together, so you'll hear the alert no matter which room you're in.

Smoke alarms work best when you mount them in the centre of the ceiling. Fit optical alarms in hallways, bedrooms and living rooms. Use heat alarms in kitchens and garages to avoid false alarms.