10 Year Thermally Enhanced Optical Smoke Alarm (Thermoptek) - FireAngel ST-750T

Technical Data

This is the technical data for the 10 Year Thermally Enhanced Optical Smoke Alarm (Thermoptek) - FireAngel ST-750T.

Q. What smoke alarm should I use in a bedroom with an en suite bathroom?

A. It is usually recommended to install an optical smoke alarm in a bedroom. This is because optical smoke alarms are slightly quicker at detecting slow smouldering fires that can originate from upholstery type materials and over-heated wiring. Also, an optical smoke alarm would be less likely to sound a false alarm than an ionisation would, if steam/water droplets were present from the bathroom. Detectors should be installed as central to the room as possible; however for your application I would also consider the position of the en suite to make sure that the detector is not in the direct path of the joining door. This is just to try and avoid the chances of a false alarm. No detector is designed for use in bathroom areas.

Q. How do I safely dispose of my old smoke alarms?

A. Safelincs is signed up to Valpak's WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Distributor Take-Back Scheme (Registration ID: 7370). Private households can therefore drop off their electronic and electrical fire safety waste at their municipal recycling centre when they are purchasing new products from us. To find your nearest recycling centre, please visit www.recycle-more.co.uk.

Q. How long do the batteries last in smoke alarms?

A.

The 9V alkaline batteries last 12-18 months. Lithium batteries will usually last 5x longer than their alkaline counterparts, achieving around 5 years lifetime. Some lithium cells are also rechargeable, and when used in a mains-powered alarm may last for the entire functional lifespan of the alarm. Newer alarm models may also feature a "sealed" lithium battery. These batteries are specialist components which are designed to not be removed or need replacing by the user, and have been tested by the alarm manufacturer to ensure they last for the lifetime of the alarm.

Please Note: the actual lifetime of your batteries depends on how often the alarms are tested or activated, as sounding the alarm draws more power than when the alarms are "waiting" to detect fire. You should also read your alarm's manual to make sure you only use the recommended types and brands of batteries, as failing to follow these instructions may cause the alarm to malfunction, not alerting you in the event of a fire, and might also invalidate the warranty.

Q. Can a smoke alarm be fitted with a sticky adhesive pad in a let property?

A. The sticky pad is suitable for all battery operated smoke alarms. However, we cannot judge if battery alarms are suitable for your let property, as let properties usually require mains powered alarms. There is some advice to this in the governments guides to fire risk assessments. http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Fire-Risk-Assessment/
Also see the LACoRS guide for let properties.

Q. What sort of smoke alarm system would I need to install for a HMO?

A. BS 5839-6 recommends that one or two storey HMOs with an individual floor area of no more than 200sqm (not the total of both floors) should have a Grade D smoke alarm system installed. Grade D refers to mains powered smoke alarms with a back up battery power supply. The alarms can be interlinked either by wire or by radio signal and the system does not require a separate fire alarm panel. For HMOs of 3 storey or higher, a Grade A panel system would need to be installed. This can cover the whole of the building, or can be used just for the communal areas with a separate Grade D system installed for the individual dwellings. For both applications, the level of cover should be a minimum of LD3 (in all escape routes) but this may change according to the fire risk assessment.

Q. How long do smoke alarms last before needing replacement?

A. It is recommended that smoke alarms are replaced after 10 years. This is because the sensors in the smoke alarms become less sensitive and may not activate when a fire is present.

Q. What is the best way to test my alarm?

A. We recommend testing alarms by pressing the test button built-in to the unit, as this is designed to simulate the detection of the target stimuli (usually smoke, heat, or CO) at the alarm sensor. You should test your alarms regularly to ensure they are protecting building occupants, preferably every week. For more detailed guidance, check the manual included with your alarm.

Q. Can I put my smoke alarm on the wall, or must it be mounted on the ceiling?

A.

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 to the sides of the room. By installing the alarm on the ceiling, this ensures that you receive the earliest possible warning of a fire.

Q. Do I need an ionisation or optical smoke alarm?

A. We recommend using an optical smoke alarm in hallways, as these are less likely to go off because of cooking fumes from a connected kitchen. Optical smoke alarms are also ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, as they are good at detecting smouldering fires from soft furnishings. For landings we recommend ionisation alarms. Heat alarms are designed for kitchens and garages. No alarms should be installed in bathrooms.