Combined Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

What makes a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm the wise choice?

Space-saving design meets maximum protection. Instead of cluttering your ceilings with multiple detectors, a combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm handles both threats from a single location. With the combination of various sensors in one alarm, detection technology becomes more advanced, reducing the risk of false alarms or even increasing the speed at which fire or carbon monoxide is detected.

You'll hear distinct warning signals for each danger. Fire emergencies trigger one alarm pattern, whilst carbon monoxide detection produces a different alert, so you know exactly what action to take. Some models even include voice announcements that clearly state "FIRE" or "WARNING CARBON MONOXIDE" to eliminate any confusion during an emergency.

How do smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet current UK requirements?

In England, from 1 October 2022, both private and social rentals must have at least one working smoke alarm on each storey where a room is used as living accommodation. There must be a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance. This includes gas fires, boilers, and wood-burning stoves, but excludes gas cookers.

For homeowners, CO alarms are also mandatory when any fixed combustion appliance is installed or replaced, excluding gas cookers, in all homes.

Where should you install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm?

Placement depends on your home's layout and heating systems. In general, smoke alarms should be mounted to the ceiling in a circulation space, i.e., a hall or landing. Combined units work exceptionally well in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways where you spend a significant amount of time. However, they're not suitable for kitchens or garages where cooking vapours or dust might trigger false alarms.

What about smoke and carbon monoxide alarm standards?

Quality matters when lives are at stake. Smoke alarms should be compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6, and carbon monoxide alarms should be compliant with British Standards BS 50291. All our combined detectors meet these essential standards.

Are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms suitable for everyone?

Absolutely. We stock specialist models for people with hearing difficulties, including detectors with vibrating pads and flashing lights. Specialist smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that alert by vibration or flashing lights (as opposed to by sound alerts) may be required for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Ready to protect your family with a reliable smoke and carbon monoxide alarm?

Browse our expertly selected range below. Each detector combines proven technology with user-friendly features, ensuring compliance with all current UK safety standards. Popular models like the Kidde K10SCO offer excellent value with voice alerts and AA batteries. Our fire safety specialists are always available on 0800 612 6537 to help you choose the perfect protection for your home. Understanding the difference between gas leaks and carbon monoxide can also help you make informed decisions about your home's safety needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I install a combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in my kitchen?

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.

How do I know whether my alarm is detecting smoke or carbon monoxide?

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.

Do combined alarms give false alarms more often than separate detectors?

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.

Can I test both functions of my combined alarm with the test button?

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.

Are 10-year sealed battery models better than replaceable battery versions?

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.