Smoke/heat alarms

[currie123]

Hi does anyone know of a reason why different makes of smoke and heat alarms can't be interconnected ?

I have several jobs of installing them adding to existing smoke alarms and I haven't been near to the jobs to check the brand already installed? I planned to fit aico .

Thanks

 

[tazz]

Because they are interlink by different methods...but they all used the same method of power and signaling, so if you replace all for Aico there will not be a problem.

 

[driverman]

Hi does anyone know of a reason why different makes of smoke and heat alarms can't be interconnected ?

I have several jobs of installing them adding to existing smoke alarms and I haven't been near to the jobs to check the brand already installed? I planned to fit aico .

Thanks

I was recommended to use AICO detectors by several members here.....so must be good!

 

[currie123]

Ok I understand that but If existing was for example BRK similar to the ones screwfix sell can aico ones be added without the existing being replaced?

 

[tazz]

no you must replace all within the dwelling

 

[currie123]

Ok thanks

 

[tazz]

Should not be a major problem...as most dwellings will have only 2 smokes in the circulation areas and possibly a heat in the kitchen

 

[driverman]

no you must replace all within the dwelling

slightly of subject here.......what is the recommended life time span of smokes / heats detectors? Mine were installed when house was built some 20 yrs ago. I've been here 10 yrs and they still work when dinners been cooked! Any ideas?

 

[tazz]

All detection commercial or domestic has a life span of 10 years

 

[Octopus]

slightly of subject here.......what is the recommended life time span of smokes / heats detectors? Mine were installed when house was built some 20 yrs ago. I've been here 10 yrs and they still work when dinners been cooked! Any ideas?

Most have "expiry" dates on them some where!

 

[driverman]

Most have "expiry" dates on them some where!

Think I should have a look. I did an extension to my own house a fair bit back, whereby I now have a long landing. Existing smoke on landing remained. I recently learnt on reading a document that smokes should be so sited that they are within 3m of all bedroom doors. An additional one is required.

 

[tazz]

Most have "expiry" dates on them some where!

Domestic like Aico will display expiry date...commercial will be down to the maintenance to report

 

[uksparks]

AICO every time for me, if you start mixing brands you will end up with problems.

 

[tazz]

Think I should have a look. I did an extension to my own house a fair bit back, whereby I now have a long landing. Existing smoke on landing remained. I recently learnt on reading a document that smokes should be so sited that they are within 3m of all bedroom doors. An additional one is required.

A smoke detector has a radius of 7.5 meters, well within most hallways and landings...this equals 10m x 10m squared or 100sq meters. The 3 meter rule is for sound pressure at 3 meters from a bedroom door. My last measurement of a Aico detector was 96 db at aprox 1 meter from the detector, loader than most commercial base detectors. So unless you live in a mansion, with its landing more than 100 sq meters, you don`t need to worry

 

[robsparky1975]

I fitted 4 Aico rf units today and they work a treat,seem louder than firex.

 

[tazz]

I fitted 4 Aico rf units today and they work a treat,seem louder than firex.

Ahh but as fitter did you actually measure the db level ...?
It is worth investing in a sound pressure meter, they are not expensive, about £35-40 pounds from Maplin etc...will give you the ability to mark own your average reading on you part 6 cert, as required