Interesting question

[down2earth]

Hi all, the boss went to look at a job yesterday on a barn conversion, variety of jobs need doing but one of the things the client wants is to remove the smoke alarms as she finds them unsightly. It was pointed out the dangers and the non compliance with building regs but she is insistent, ultimately, presumably the decision is hers but there is an element as the contactor of not leaving the property in a less safe condition than when you started.

Would you take the smoke alarms out?

Regards

Wigglyamps

 

[Victor]

No, leave them where they are, its not worth the agro fighting with an insurance company should there ever be a fire and it comes to light that you removed them and made the installation non complient.

 

[UKMeterman]

See it as a way to get a very big job, quote for a aspirating smoke detection system....

 

[Mr.Ian]

I doubt removing smokes is an option for you, i'm sure she would then mention if god forbid after having a fire that the electrician removed them. Staight onto your shoulders !!!!! - Get her a neck brace to stop her looking up n leave them there!!!!:rofl:

 

[ruston]

No , I would'nt remove any safety device from anywhere regardless if it was a requirement or not unless I was replacing in with a more up to date item or system.

 

[mogga]

refer her to the LABC and put the ball in her court IF the LABC say its cool to remove remove them but ONLY if you have a warrent from LABC I doubt she will get one or even go to LABC and request one

Also get wholesalers info packs on different modles and possibly samples to see if there are any more astheticaly ( big word of the day) Pleasing ones for her ladyship

 

[Rockingit]

If it's a sizeable budget sort of job, you could always suggest replacing them for the infra red beam type sensors (of which I know sod all about, so don't bother asking!).

Every technical problem has a technical solution, and I've found that clients are remarkably responsive to good ideas and alternatives when they know it's because you've done the homework and know what you're up to.

 

[alarm man]

if she doesnt like a domestic smoke,shes going to hate a ir beam..

 

[Marvo]

It was pointed out the dangers and the non compliance with building regs but she is insistent, ultimately, presumably the decision is hers

I disagree, you're the professional and if you wouldn't be able to justify it to your insurance company or a judge if there's a fire then don't do it.

By all means look at other options such as upgrading to smaller sensors or relocating the existing ones within the building codes. We've even done custom paint jobs for interior designers to help blend in necessary services.

 

[supasparxs]

If it's a sizeable budget sort of job, you could always suggest replacing them for the infra red beam type sensors (of which I know sod all about, so don't bother asking!).

Every technical problem has a technical solution, and I've found that clients are remarkably responsive to good ideas and alternatives when they know it's because you've done the homework and know what you're up to.

Alternatively Dedicated Micros (a CCTV manufacturer) has developed so a camera analeptics so the CCTV system can scan thermal currents above a fire. Again it isn't cheap. I can login to my Norbain account to find out a cost price for the kit.

 

[alarm man]

i wouldnt be happy to use a camera to detect a fire,you could go down the vesda route if they want to pay the extra

 

[dingledong]

i would think a camera would be as ugly as i sensor

 

[supasparxs]

Years ago I worked on the central escalator project in Harrods,
They use this system in that area.
It works. (but it isn't cheap)

 

[down2earth]

Thanks for all the replies, the consensus seems to be don't take them out and try and find an alternative if they'll stump up the wedge.