Rewire and regulations on smoke alarms

[wedmonds]

Hi All,

My house is undergoing a full rewire.

As I would like smoke alarms, is it a requirement to have them wired in or can i simply put up the battery ones? I know the law on new builds is that they have to be wired in but really dont want to stretch to the extra cost if i dont have to.

Thanking you!

Regards

wedmonds

 

[IQ Electrical]

Had a quick look at Approved Document B and it seems to focus on 'new dwelling houses'

Personally, I'd find the cash and have a basic grade D system installed, it's a doddle during a rewire!

 

[acvc]

OSG I'm sure states newbuilds and refurbishments require mains powered smokes.

 

[Sav]

I would put mains powered smokes and heat in kitchen, interlinked of course. . If your having the rewire and house in a mess, just go that extra bit and put them in.
My views only though and I always put them in refurbs I carry out.
Hope this helps,
Best regards,
Sav

 

[IQ Electrical]

It IS in document B, all new and refurbished dwelling houses.

It also asks for interlinking.

I did say I took a 'quick' look

 

[wedmonds]

Great thank you.

OK so it sounds like its best to do it.

I dont understand what interlinked is, can you explain a little more.

What is the best setup for a kitchen and for the rooms etc?

I will get my local sparky to do the work but want to understand what i am asking

Thanks again.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Interlinked means that if say the 1st floor detector is activated, the ground floor detector also sounds.

There are a few criteria to determine the minimum requirents, ask your electrician to show you the On-Site Guide, page 65.

 

[Sav]

Basically, interlinked means that the smokes are "linked" together via the wiring.
So, if one starts to sound, it triggers the other ones to start as well. So whether your upstairs sleeping etc, you get an advanced warning before its too late.

Kitchen needs a heat detector, then landings would need a smoke alarm each (on each landing that is ).
I would recommened Aico, as we fit them regularly and they are very reliable. Also, they have a battery back up, in case of power failure, your alarms can carry on working.

Sav

 

[wedmonds]

Great thank you all!

 

[Spudnik]

Aico 161's!!

Mains powered with lithium rechargeable battery back.

Should last up to 10 years without changing a battery.

I fit nothing but these now and the clients love it.

May also pay to have a remote switch fitted somewhere, especially if they are not easy to reach.

This would allow you to hush a false alarm and carry out a test, without having to reach the detectors.

 

[sjm]

We all love Aico don't we? Wireless are brilliant. JASON.S is spot on with the remote switch advice.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I never give the customer the option, i fit Aico mains interconnected alarms as a matter of course, and include it in the quote.