DB change and smoke detectors

[Plonker 3]

Probably a simple question, but don't seem to have my head on today

If changing the DB in a house do I have to install smoke detectors too?

 

[1shortcircuit]

Not if the customer doesn't want them. Obviously common sense says that every home should have them fitted but how can you convince the ones that believe "it won't happen to me"???

 

[Plonker 3]

That was my thinking but I had it in my head that they needed to be fitted for some reason.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Perhaps someone will quote a regulation that states differently but at the end of the day you cannot force a client to have something fitted if they don't want it. At least by fitting the replacement unit you will be making there installation safer thus reducing the risk of fire. Besides, they could tell you that they will purchase and install some battery ones instead.... If they never get around to doing that then that's not really your issue.

Is it LAW to have smoke alarms to fitted to your home?

 

[jdd]

Whenever we do a rewire we include smoke alarms in the price. (Sometimes people need protecting although they don't realise it, I'm aware how patronising this sounds )

We always tell the customer they are free of charge, the truth is I wouldn't happy walking away from a complete rewire without giving smoke alarm protection.

You're not breaking any regs though mate, only on new builds or change of use of the building as far as I'm aware.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Whenever we do a rewire we include smoke alarms in the price. (Sometimes people need protecting although they don't realise it, I'm aware how patronising this sounds )

We always tell the customer they are free of charge, the truth is I wouldn't happy walking away from a complete rewire without giving smoke alarm protection.

You're not breaking any regs though mate, only on new builds or change of use of the building as far as I'm aware.

Completely agree with regards to rewire, CU change only is a different kettle of fish though as you are not disturbing the fabric of the property or causing disruption to rooms. I believe it should always be advised on an upgrade but would anyone be prepared to lose a job over it? We provide a service, present the options and let the client make the decisions (where applicable) as it is their hard earned cash that they are spending :thumbsup

 

[pjcomp]

IIRC it's a Building Regs requirement for mains-connected smokies to be included in a general refurb (which could be taken to include a rewire). but a CU change on its own doesn't fall into that category. But it's a Building Regs reg, not a BS7671 reg.

PJ

 

[Octopus]

Smoke detectors with a CU change - no
Smoke detectors with a rewire - makes sense
Smoke detectors with a extension with building control - get the customer to check what building control want!

 

[MKS]

Always fit with rewire, part of cost as someone else pointed out! Indeed building reg for ref and new builds, never done one on consumer unit but always recommend as matter of course!!

 

[Moses]

Always fit with rewire, part of cost as someone else pointed out! Indeed building reg for ref and new builds, never done one on consumer unit but always recommend as matter of course!!

If no smokes installed then I would recommend to the customer, interlinked smokes be installed.

If the customer does not agree, make a note on the cert that customer refused recommendation.

 

[cbw]

"Would you like me to quote for some interlinked smoke alarms too?"

 

[DurhamSparky]

slap some battery ones up as part of the price...! £4 each or free from local fire station..!