Smoke Detectors

Work in progress. Feel free to add to it

Smoke alarms save lives and every household should have at least one.

There are different types of smoke detectors and different legal requirments to have them.

Basic detection

What Sort of System should I have?

The 3 basic types of system used in dwellings that are 3 stories or less, have a floor area of less than 200m2 and that are NOT Houses of Multiple Occupation are

Grade F

This is the most basic protection and consists of one or more battery powered detectors.

Pros - Easy and cheap to fit.

Cons - The batteries are often removed and not replaced, either due to false trips or low battery power.

Grade E

Mains powered interlinked detectors with no battery backup/standby power

Pros - There are no batteries to replace

Cons - They do not work in a power cut, occupiers can turn them off by turning their power supply off. Cost of installation

Grade D

Mains powered interlinked detectors with battery backup

Pros - Works in a powercut.

Cons - Batteries will still need to be replaced, cost of installation.

Legal Requirements and other recommendations

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have smoke alarms in older houses, houses built after (need to check date) were required to have grade D or E systems installed. Houses having some types of building work carried out (eg loft conversion, 2 storey extensions) are also required to have grade D or E systems.