As Edinburgh’s number one electrical contractor, your safety is our priority. Every Edinburgh homeowner knows about the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety but many may not be aware of the changing government legislation which may affect your residential or commercial property. 

Here at DC Electrical Edinburgh we can take you through the changes and requirements and are only too happy to help you with any subsequent safety checks or hardware installation should you require them.

So what do you need to know? 

The new government standards outline that all smoke alarms should be ceiling mounted, interlinked and placed as priority in the following areas :

• One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey of your property (such as landings & hallways)

• One heat alarm to be installed in every kitchen

• One smoke alarm installed in the room you use more frequently for everyday living (in many cases this may be your open plan kitchen space)

These new standards also state that where you have a carbon fuelled appliance (boilers, fires etc) or a flue then you must also have a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. This rule applies to open fires too.There is no requirement as yet for these detectors to be linked to the fire alarms.

When are the changes required by?

The nationwide changes to fire safety requirements were first outlined in October 2019 and were initially due to be enforced from February 2021. Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic however this has been extended until February 2022 but it is worth bearing these in mind if you are looking at moving house or starting any renovation work as these requirements should ideally be factored into any work you are looking to complete. Looking to move house? The smoke and fire alarms installed in your Edinburgh property will also need to be compliant in order to qualify as sufficient when your seller’s home report is completed. Installing compliant alarms at the earliest opportunity will provide improved protection for your Edinburgh home and also help you to future proof should you make any changes or look to sell your property at a later date.

The new rules do state that even if you already have existing smoke alarms installed these will need to be changed in order to be compliant with the new regulations. In terms of your home insurance, different insurance policies will have varying terms and condition so it’s important to check with your insurance provider too to make sure your policy is valid in relation to the fire and smoke alarms currently installed in your Edinburgh home.

What sort of alarm do I need?

There are two types of alarms which are recommended (lithium battery & hard wired) but our preferred option as expert Edinburgh electricians would always be the main wired alarm option. These are a lot more cost effective, are tamper proof and as they should always be installed by a qualified electrician (in accordance with BS7671) the safest option.

We want every home in the Edinburgh and Lothian area to be compliant and most importantly safe. We can source and install the right smoke & fire alarm system for your residential or commercial property and with our full installation service you couldn’t be in safer hands. Did you know we also offer an alarm maintenance service too, helping Edinburgh homeowners and landlords alike make sure all their electrical alarms and systems are in top condition and working as they should be.

Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote and one of the friendly, professional electrician’s will guide you through your options.

For all your smoke alarm and electrical needs think DC Electrical – Edinburgh’s number one electrical experts.