Smoke Alarm

[1581960]

Looking for a fire/smoke alarm to install in the hallway of our bungalow, but there is a bewildering array of possibilities on Amazon and Ebay costing from as little as £5.99 (1/2Pcs Home Fire Alarm Smoke Detector Gas Sensor Fireangel with Batteries) to ones that are several times that price.

Advice from someone with knowledge and understanding of the jargon and specifications would be most welcome.

Many thanks.

Alan

 

[maggiebee]

When I needed one I just phoned my local fire station. They did a safety check for me and installed two smoke alarms free of charge.  Worth a call?

[1581960]

Thats a thought Maggie, thank for that.

[Buenchico]

If you're in Scotland, the law requires that you use interlinked smoke detectors:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes/

If you're in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the requirement to install interlinked detectors only applies to rental properties. However you might want to think about why landlords are obliged to install interlinked detectors and apply the same principles to guide your own choice of devices.

I'm happy enough to use standalone smoke detectors in my tiny (one bedroom) home though.  I've got a couple of FireAngel ones from Screwfix, which were incredibly easy to install (even for someone, like me, with zero DIY skills!). They're £8.79 each
https://www.screwfix.com/p/fireangel-sb1-r-battery-standalone-smoke-alarm/848cc
or £14.99 for two
https://www.screwfix.com/p/fireangel-sb1-tp-r-battery-standalone-smoke-alarms-2-pack/383cc
(Note that they're designed to be less sensitive to false alarms, such as when you burn the toast, than other types but still respond well to anything which might pose a real threat to your safety)

[barry1010]

Have you thought about contacting your fire service for a safety check? They will advise on what is best for your home and where they should go.

They often supply and fit at no charge

[barry1010]

Apologies, got distracted and posted late 

[1581960]

Good answers, many thanks to all.

[Ringlet]

I love it when this site answers questions that I haven't even asked.  

I have just bought a new home and was wondering about the installation of fire/smoke alarms.  Then up pops this question, and the helpful suggestions it brought. 

Thank you to everyone.

[Omg21]

As said earlier,  I would contact the fire service.  A relative has recently moved in to a house and the fire service fitted smoke alarms without any cost.

[fbg40]

Hi  158..........

Have you also thought about a carbon monoxide detector ?? As a retired Fm I would certainly recommend one of these.This one from Amazon looks quite good. 

Kidde 2030-DCR Compact 10 Year Life Carbon Monoxide Alarm with AA batteries

FBG40

[1581960]

Thanks maggiebee, you were first with fire station advice and I have given you 'Best answer'

Rang the fire service yesterday, had a visit this afternoon from two (a guy and a Gal) very helpful people from the local fire station. Assessment carried out, loads of good advice given and an appropriate detector fitted in the appropriate place. All free of charge.

Yes fbg40, we were also given advise about a Carbon Monoxide Alarm and where best to install it.

Thanks again to everyone that replied.

Alan