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Optical Smoke Alarms

Optical smoke alarms, also known as photoelectric smoke alarms, work by ‘seeing’ the smoke and providing an audible alarm. Ideal for use at home in landings, hallways, bedrooms and living rooms, they have a quick response to visibly smouldering fires. This quick response and early alert gives you more time to escape from your home if a fire breaks out. Because of their advanced technology, optical smoke alarms are sometimes known as 'toast-proof alarms' as they are not prone to false alarms caused by fumes and steam from cooking. This makes them suitable for use in a hallway near a kitchen where false alarms from burnt toast may be common. 

In the past, ionisation smoke alarms were recommended for homes. This technology has now been phased out in the UK, and optical smoke detectors are highly recommended as their replacement. This means that locations such as landings and hallways which previously had an ionisation alarm fitted, can now be fitted with an optical smoke alarm.

Image of the Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery Powered Smoke & Heat Alarms - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery Powered Smoke & Heat Alarms - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Radio-interlink up to 20 Hispec RF10-PRO Alarms
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compatible with the Hispec Control Unit and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
  • Alarms sold separately
  • Compliant with Scottish 2022 and Northern Ireland Landlord 2024 legislation
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4.8 out of 5 stars

From: £31.07 inc VAT

£25.89 ex VAT

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10RF

Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10RF

Supporting wireless interlink with up to 15 total alarms to cover the whole house, the UltraFire ULLS10RF optical smoke alarm features a sealed 10 year battery and 10 year manufacturer's warranty.

  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Optical smoke sensor suitable for hallways, landings, living rooms, and bedrooms
  • Wireless interlink up to 15 total alarms

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4.4 out of 5 stars

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£24.49 ex VAT

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Image of the 10 Year Longlife Battery Radio-Interlinked Smoke Alarm - FireAngel Pro Connected FP2620W2-R

10 Year Longlife Battery Radio-Interlinked Smoke Alarm - FireAngel Pro Connected FP2620W2-R

  • Battery: Built-in, lasts the lifetime of your alarm
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Can interlink with up to 50 Wi-Safe 2 compatible devices
  • Features a central button for test, hush and locate
  • Range of up to 35m in buildings
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Kitemarked to EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation
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4.7 out of 5 stars

£63.59 inc VAT

£52.99 ex VAT

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Image of the 10 Year Longlife Battery Radio-Interlinked Smoke Alarm - Aico Ei650RF

10 Year Longlife Battery Radio-Interlinked Smoke Alarm - Aico Ei650RF

  • Battery: Built-in, lasts the lifetime of your alarm
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Wirelessly interlinks via radio frequency with up to 12 alarms
  • Twist-on base, simple to install
  • LED function indicators
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Certified to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation
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4.7 out of 5 stars

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 2 Smoke and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 2 Smoke and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Radio-interlink up to 20 Hispec RF10-PRO Alarms
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compatible with the Hispec Control Unit and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
  • Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation
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4.6 out of 5 stars

Save 8%

Now: £86.53 inc VAT

£72.11 ex VAT

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range

  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Wirelessly interlink up to 20 Hispec RF10-PRO devices
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compatible with the Hispec Control Unit and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
  • Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation
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4.7 out of 5 stars

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Now: £114.62 inc VAT

£95.52 ex VAT

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery 2 Smoke Alarms & 1 Heat Alarm Kit - UltraFire ULL10RF
Free Delivery

Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery 2 Smoke Alarms & 1 Heat Alarm Kit - UltraFire ULL10RF

  • FREE delivery
  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battey
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Wirelessly interlink up to 15 UltraFire ULL10RF devices
  • 2 x optical smoke alarms and 1 x heat alarm included
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compliant with Scottish 2022 and Northern Ireland Landlord 2024 legislation
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4.9 out of 5 stars

Save £41.98

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£72.99 ex VAT

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke, 1 Heat, and 1 CO Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-Pro Range

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke, 1 Heat, and 1 CO Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-Pro Range

  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Radio-interlink up to 20 Hispec RF10-Pro Alarms
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compatible with the Hispec Control Unit
  • Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation
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5 out of 5 stars

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Now: £155.41 inc VAT

£129.51 ex VAT

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Image of the Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - UltraFire ULL10RF Series
Free Delivery

Radio-Interlinked 10 Year Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - UltraFire ULL10RF Series

  • FREE delivery
  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battey
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Wirelessly interlink up to 15 Ultrafire ULL10RF devices
  • 3 x optical smoke alarms and 1 x heat alarm included
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • Compliant with Scottish 2022 and Northern Ireland Landlord 2024 legislation
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Save £53.96

Now: £118.79 inc VAT

£98.99 ex VAT

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Image of the Replacement for FireAngel SO-601 9V Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10
Free Delivery

Replacement for FireAngel SO-601 9V Optical Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10

  • Easily replace FireAngel SO-601 alarm with UltraFire ULLS10
  • Adaptor plate simply twists onto existing baseplate
  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Combined test and silence button
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • CE and Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
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4.8 out of 5 stars

£22.43 inc VAT

£18.69 ex VAT

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Image of the Replacement for FireAngel ST-620 10 Year Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10
Free Delivery

Replacement for FireAngel ST-620 10 Year Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10

  • Easily replace FireAngel ST-620 alarm with UltraFire ULLS10
  • Adaptor plate simply twists onto existing baseplate
  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Combined test and silence button
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • CE and Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
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4.7 out of 5 stars

£22.43 inc VAT

£18.69 ex VAT

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Image of the Replacement for FireAngel ST-622 10 Year Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10
Free Delivery

Replacement for FireAngel ST-622 10 Year Smoke Alarm - UltraFire ULLS10

  • Easily replace FireAngel ST-622 alarm with UltraFire ULLS10
  • Adaptor plate simply twists onto existing baseplate
  • Battery: 10 year sealed lithium battery
  • Warranty: 10 year manufacturer's warranty
  • Combined test and silence button
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade F1 installations
  • CE and Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
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4.7 out of 5 stars

£22.43 inc VAT

£18.69 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Battery Backup - Firehawk FHN250BB

Mains Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Battery Backup - Firehawk FHN250BB

The Firehawk FHN250BB is a mains powered optical smoke alarm with an alkaline battery backup. It can be hardwired interlink up to 15 devices in one system including the Firehawk FHN250 or FHN450 alarms.

  • 230V mains power with alkaline battery backup
  • 6 years manufacturer's warranty
  • Hardwire interlink up to 15 Firehawk smoke and heat alarms.
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation

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4.7 out of 5 stars

£18.83 inc VAT

£15.69 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - FireAngel SW1-R

Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - FireAngel SW1-R

  • Power: 230V mains powered with backup battery
  • Backup Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Interlinks with up to 12 FireAngel W1 mains powered alarms
  • Optical sensor detects the presence of smoke in the air
  • Large, central test and silence button
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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5 out of 5 stars

£19.91 inc VAT

£16.59 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Back-Up Battery - Kidde Firex KF20

Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Back-Up Battery - Kidde Firex KF20

  • Power: Mains powered with battery backup
  • Backup Battery: 9V alkaline or self-charging longlife lithium backup options
  • Warranty: 6 year warranty
  • Silence feature for Low Battery Chirp
  • Interlinks via cable with up to 24 alarms
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D1 or D2
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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4.8 out of 5 stars

From: £20.10 inc VAT

£16.75 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei146e

Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei146e

  • Power: 230V mains powered with back-up battery
  • Backup Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Interlinks via cable with up to 12 alarms
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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4.7 out of 5 stars

£40.55 inc VAT

£33.79 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Radio-Interlinked Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei146eRF

Mains Radio-Interlinked Optical Smoke Alarm with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei146eRF

  • Power: 230V mains powered with back-up battery
  • Backup Battery: 9V alkaline back-up battery (included)
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Wirelessly interlinks with up to 12 compatible alarms
  • Range: up to 30m within buildings
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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4.8 out of 5 stars

Save 8%

Now: £106.52 inc VAT

£88.77 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Powered Radio-Interlink 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei140eRF Series

Mains Powered Radio-Interlink 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit with Alkaline Back-up Battery - Aico Ei140eRF Series

  • Power: 230V mains powered with alkaline back-up battery
  • Back-up Battery: 9V alkaline battery (included)
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Radio-interlink with up to 12 compatible devices
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2 installations
  • Compliant with Scottish 2022, Welsh Landlord 2022, and Northern Ireland Landlord 2024 legislation
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Save £43.92

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£355.59 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Optical Smoke Alarm with Sealed Self-Charging Lithium Battery Backup - Firehawk FHN250RB

Mains Optical Smoke Alarm with Sealed Self-Charging Lithium Battery Backup - Firehawk FHN250RB

  • Power: 230V mains powered with back-up battery
  • Back-up Battery: sealed self-charging lithium battery
  • Warranty: 10 year warranty
  • Interlinks with up to 12 Firehawk FHN series alarms
  • Combined test and silence button
  • Fast-Fix bases for easy installations
  • Suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D1
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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5 out of 5 stars

£31.79 inc VAT

£26.49 ex VAT

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Image of the Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Self-Charging 10 Year Back-up Battery - Aico Ei3016

Mains Powered Optical Smoke Alarm with Self-Charging 10 Year Back-up Battery - Aico Ei3016

  • Power: 230V mains powered with back-up battery
  • Backup Battery: Self-charging lifetime battery
  • Warranty: 5 year warranty
  • Mains powered optical smoke alarm
  • SmartLINK compatible when used with Ei3000MRF
  • Hardwire interlink with up to 12 compatible devices
  • Available in five variants
  • Kitemarked to BS EN 14604: 2005
  • Also suitable for both the Welsh and Scottish 2022 legislation
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4.8 out of 5 stars

£53.99 inc VAT

£44.99 ex VAT

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What is an Optical Smoke Detector?

What is an Optical Smoke Detector?

Optical smoke alarms, also known as photo-electric smoke alarms, are the most common type of sensor seen in households. This sensor type is suitable for rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. These are considerably safer than the previous sensor type, ionisation, as they do not contain any radioactive material. The advanced optical smoke sensor, means that they are less prone to false alarms caused by cooking fumes and steam, making them suitable for being installed near, but never in kitchens or bathrooms.

How do they work?

Optical smoke alarms work by 'seeing' smoke produced by slow smouldering fires, often a result of soft furnishings burning. The alarm works by using the light scatter principle, this is where a pulsating infrared LED operates within the alarm sensor, pulsing every 10 seconds to check for smoke particles. Once smoke particles are detected within the optical chamber, it activates the sounder alerting occupants to the fire. For further visual information on how optical smoke alarms work, please see our handy guide page.

Where Should I fit an Optical Smoke Alarm?

Where Should I fit an Optical Smoke Alarm?

Optical smoke alarms are best situated in rooms where soft furnishings are, such as bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and landings. Within these rooms, it is recommended by the manufacturer that the alarm is installed on the ceiling, however there are exceptions where smoke alarms can be installed on the wall. The best installation locations are specified in the user manual supplied with any alarm.

How to change the battery in an optical smoke alarm

How to change the battery in an optical smoke alarm

Changing the battery in an optical smoke alarm all depends on how the alarm is powered. Some optical smoke alarms are powered by a sealed lithium battery and do not require to be changed for the entirety of their 10-year lifespan. After the 10-years, it is strongly recommended that the alarm is replaced in full, as the sensor deteriorates over time, making it less effective in detecting a fire and more likely to false alarm due to contamination.

Other optical smoke alarms are powered by a replaceable alkaline batteries, which through typical use, should be replaced every one to two years. For most of these types of replaceable batteries, the battery compartment can be found on the back of the alarm when removed from the base plate. When replacing a battery, it is key to remember that the replacement battery is one recommended by the manufacturer. Use of batteries which are not recommended, could result in the alarm not functioning as it should, or even fail to power the alarm at all.

The location of your alarm, or more specifically the temperature of the room, can affect the battery life in a smoke alarm. If the temperature is too cold, this affects the battery performance, and may reduce its efficiency.

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