Smoke Alarms any recommendations?

[ioweddie]

My so call 10 year smoke alarms 'Fireangel' have conked out one after 5 years and the other one today, the company is rubbish, so looking for alternatives.
So much choice, so I thought I ask on here.
Thanks

 

[cinek]

There is no one fits all detector, though some types can be combined.

Firstly, are they for domestic or commercial premises? It is unlikely, that you will conduct a full fire risk assessment for your own home, but you would have do it for commercial business.

I would recommend a good, heat detector in the kitchen.

I would also recommend CO detector somewhere close to gas boiler, if you have one.

As to specific make of the detectors, I havent got any particular, favourite brand to recommend.

There is quite a lot of useful info on this website

Smoke Alarms « UK Fire Service Resources

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

I need new alarms and was considering the 10yr FireAngel. Uhm. I'd also better watch this thread!

 

[C43AMG]

After we had our extension done the requirement was that they had to be Hard Wired to comply with the regs. Whether this applies to replacing old ones ??

 

[cinek]

This is possibly very similiar to 'which car should I buy thread'.

Without knowing your budget, milegae and purpose for the vehicle, length of ti e you want to keep it, it is rather impossible to advise.

Re, smoke detectors, when I assess the premises there are some of elements I would look at, before making a specific recomendation;

Start with any area where the fire can possibly start, which could be pretty much anywhere. However, some areas would be more prone to ignite than others. Electrical apliances and switch boards, larger than usual volumes of cables and connectors. Whether there are any subtances which would burn, of give off heat, paper, wood, gases, etc.

Once you have worked out the most prone locations to potentially be the ignition source, you can then start looking at types of detection. It is ratner imporant that this is done properly to minimise false alarms, but most importantly they respond to real life emergencies.

Optical systems are good, cheap and jolly, but they are rather prone to number of false alarms, and might not react sufficiently to fires where there are no large particales traveling through the process of convection.

Ionised systems are more expensive to buy, but are less likely to trigger when there is no risk, and also these would provide higher grade of monitoring the surroundings.

I would also urge everyone to have their detection system hard wired to the mains, as people do tend to forget to test, or worse, replace their batteries.

 

[Druk]

We have five FireAngel FT620's supplied free and fitted by the local Fire Brigade. They have a 10yr guarantee.

They last on average 15months. We go through so many I've started dating the back so that the FB have some info for their warranty claims.

Don't go there..........

 

[cinek]

BS 5839-6:2013 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings - Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises

This document is intended as a guide to BS5839: Pt.6: 2013. It is not a substitute for reading the Code of practice itself. Instead, it’s designed to help make the implications and recommendations of BS5839: Pt.6 more clearly understood, and to offer advice on how to design, install, commission and maintain a system that meets the requirements, with reference to the 2013 amendments.
BS 5839-6 is the key standard for fire detection in domestic premises. It is written to assist the non-specialist in compliance and will help make installations easier to audit. The standard is used by enforcing authorities and contractors, and applies to domestic premises accommodating single families, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and sheltered housing (housing and common areas). It applies both to new and existing housing.

Have you considered a ten year radio-interlinked smoke alarm?
Ask your building inspector about this cost-efficient alternative which requires no electrician or expensive wiring and has a 10 year sealed battery.
More Information

The Document itself

Each clause of the document is split into 2 parts. Firstly, there is the commentary – in italics – this sets out the reasoning behind the recommendations. The recommendations are written in upright (roman) type, so it is quite possible to simply refer to these alone. The intention of the commentary is to make the document easier to use; whether it succeeds in this aim is a matter of personal perception.


BS 5839: Pt.6 - An Introduction

BS 5839: Pt.6 is not intended for householders themselves, but to provide guidance and recommendations for architects and other building professionals, enforcing authorities, contractors and others responsible for implementing fire precautions in buildings. Householders should refer to the government guidelines.

The Code of Practice should not be quoted as if it was a specification and the standard itself warns that particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.

It is also pointed out that compliance with a British Standard cannot automatically confer legal immunity. However, for a landlord or installer, compliance with the latest Code is obviously the best line of defence in any claim made against them.


The Scope of BS 5839: Pt. 6

This Code of practice covers fire alarm systems starting from a simple self-contained battery smoke alarm right through to major systems with central panel/s in accordance to BS5839-pt1.

BS 5839: Pt.6 covers the following domestic building types:
Bungalows
Multi-storey houses
Individual flats
Individual maisonettes
Mobile homes
Individual sheltered accommodation as well as their common parts
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
Certain NHS housing in the community
Mansions
Shared houses
Houses divided into several self-contained single-family dwelling units


Not included are hostels, caravans, boats (other than permanently moored) and mmunal parts of blocks or flats or maisonettes.

BS 5839: Pt.6 is primarily concerned with saving lives and reducing injuries. However, it does contain within it recommendations for helping to reduce property damage too. Good fire safety practice and adherence to the Code can give the best possible early warning of fire and so reduce the financial impact as well as human suffering.


The Grade System

Relates to system engineering, not level of protection.

BS 5839: Pt.6 grades fire detection systems from Grade F up to Grade A. Generally speaking, the greater the fire risk and the more demanding the application, the more comprehensive the system needs to be.

Grade F - System of one or more battery powered smoke alarms (and heat alarms if required)
Grade E - System of interlinked mains powered smoke alarms (and heat alarms if required) with NO stand-by supply. The interlink can be hardwired or radio-interlinked.
Grade D - System incorporating one or more interlinked mains powered smoke alarms (and heat alarms if required), each with an integral stand-by supply. The interlink can be hardwired or radio-interlinked.
Grade C - System consisting of fire detectors and alarm sounders (which may be smoke alarms) connected to a common power supply, comprising normal mains and stand-by supply, with central control equipment
Grade B - Fire detection and alarm system comprising fire detectors (other than smoke alarms), fire alarm sounders and control and indicating equipment to either BS EN 54-2 (and power supply to BS EN 54-4), or to Annex C of BS 5839: Pt.6
Grade A - Fire detection system incorporating control and indicating equipment to BS EN 54-2, and power supply to BS EN 54-4, installed to BS 5839: Pt.1 with some very minor exceptions

As the overwhelming number of residential applications in the UK will fall into the D to F categories, this is the area on which this guide will naturally focus. If you are particularly interested in unusual grades of protection, you are invited to look further at the relevant clauses of the Code.

Of course, installers and specifiers may install a system with greater safety features than laid down in the letter of the Code. For example, rather than a Grade E system landlords might consider it prudent to install a Grade D system instead. This is especially true considering the many restrictions that apply to the use of Grade E systems.

Battery Operated Smoke Alarms - Grade F

BS 5839: Pt.6 acknowledges the advantages of the single, battery operated smoke alarm. They are simple to install and offer protection at very low cost. Battery operated smoke alarms conforming to BS EN 14604:2005 are recommended. Battery operated smoke alarms are typically suitable for owner-occupied buildings (existing buildings) with up to two storeys.

Single story tenanted properties were allowed in the last version (2004) of this standard to be fitted with Grade F alarms. This has now been changed to a grade D requirement. As an aside, landlords have now been found liable in cases where tenants themselves have disabled an alarm. For this reason, it is unlikely that landlords will be able to trust tenants to adequately look after a smoke alarm. The Code highlights the fact that battery powered smoke alarms are also only suitable for owner-occupied properties if the likelihood is, that batteries will be replaced within five days of a low battery signal.


Mains Powered Smoke Alarms without Backup Battery - Grade E

The Code does not recommend an application for alarms without backup power source any longer. Grade E systems have serious drawbacks: power cuts or the termination of supply for whatever reason disables them totally. They can also be rendered useless by the tripping of a protective device, or even - in some cases - by the fire itself. Householders may also disable them at the mains all too easily if false alarms are a problem.


Mains Powered Smoke Alarms with Backup Battery - Grade D

The problems outlined above can be overcome by using mains powered alarms that incorporate, within each alarm, a stand-by supply such as a primary or rechargeable battery.The alarms have to be interconnected either through wiring or radio-interlink. The mains power supply can come from a dedicated power supply directly from the fuse box or from the nearest permanently powered light fitting, as long as the smoke alarm heads can be removed without removing the base as well.

Grade D is required for new, owner-occupied buildings of up to three storeys, two storey rented properties and existing, owner-occupied buildings of more than two storeys. Very large storeys (>200m2) might require Grade B alarm system.

A question remains for landlords - can they be sure that their tenants are paying their electricity bills? Given that many tenants may have low incomes (in many local authorities, 70% or more of all tenants are on subsidised incomes), they may well experience periods of disconnection - and yet the landlord could well be liable if the alarm fails to sound because the tenant has not paid his or her bills! Unfair or not, as the law stands, it obviously makes good commercial sense to ensure that a reliable, ideally re-chargeable and sealed-in backup battery is in place.

The minimum back-up duration recommended is 72 hours, and the Code acknowledges that there could well be circumstances where a longer stand-by period is justified e.g. tenants’ inability to pay their electricity bill.


Fire Detectors supplied with Power from a common Power Supply Unit - Grade A, B, C

More expensive high specification systems can offer connection of all fire detection devices to a common power supply via low voltage transformers, or interlinked fire and security systems. Again, a minimum 72 hour back-up is recommended by the Code. Due to the complexity of A, B and C Grades, we have omitted the descriptions from this short guide.


Levels of Protection - Categories of System

This relates to the level of protection afforded by the system.

Within the A - F grades defined earlier, the standard identifies three different categories of protection:

LD1 - A system installed throughout the dwelling, incorporating detectors in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the dwelling, and in all rooms and areas in which fire might start, other than toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms
LD2 - A system incorporating detectors in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all rooms or areas that present a high risk of fire to occupants
LD3 - A system incorporating detectors in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises

It is noted that an LD3 type system is intended to protect escape routes for those not directly involved in the fire and may not save the life of anyone in the immediate vicinity of the fire.

 

[219]

I can only add , in Scotland at least , contact your local fire station and you can take advantage of a free Fire Home Safety Visit .

The guys will come out , assess any fire risks in your premises , advise you as required , and will supply and fit any smoke detectors as required - all completely free of charge .

Online booking form in link below

For Householders | SFRS


We'd much rather prevent fires than have to come and put them out !

 

[ioweddie]

I live in a bungalow, I have two alarms fitted but no they need replacing, the 10 year battery ones have failed and the feedback is poor so going back to 1 year battery ones, just checking through all the help so far. Thanks Guys

 

[219]

I just use the standard ones , with PP3 batteries which I replace about once a year . I test the alarms regularly by pressing the buttons , and SWMBO tests the one outside the kitchen by burning things ( usually toast ) every so often The alarms 'chirp' to warn you when the batteries are running down , and I always have spare ones on hand to swap in .

Our CO alarm failed after about five years just recently and had to be replaced , but that was pretty much its projected lifespan .

 

[grober]

I've tried the long life expensive battery ones and the "cheap and cheerfuls" both over the counter/DIY store types as Derek above and found little difference in their quality and how long they last. The professional quality wired ones will undoubtedly be better but cost proportionately more. Likewise with the expensive CO mains powered one , its now replaced with a cheaper battery one after it pegged out.

 

[marty359]

Hard wired with battery back up and hush feature. One at the top and bottom of stairs to cover escape routes and a heat in the kitchen

 

[developer]

Due to creating a habitable room in our loft, the nice building control person insisted I fit interlinked mains powered/10 year lithium battery back up smoke alarms in every other habitable room and hallway/landings, plus a heat detector in the kitchen.

His logic was that if someone was in the loft room and there was a fire on either of the other two floors, they needed to be warned.

He was, of course, quite correct.

At the time, wireless was less well thought of (though things may have changed by now) much to the delight of the leccy, who got two days work out of it.

Anyway, both our local electrical wholesalers stocked EI, and bar for two unexplained false alarms in about 4 years, they've been reliable.

Mains Powered - Hard-Wired Alarms - Ei Electronics - Smoke, Heat and CO Alarms.

 

[Dieselman]

We have five FireAngel FT620's supplied free and fitted by the local Fire Brigade. They have a 10yr guarantee.

They last on average 15months. We go through so many I've started dating the back so that the FB have some info for their warranty claims.

Don't go there..........

I can only add , in Scotland at least , contact your local fire station and you can take advantage of a free Fire Home Safety Visit .

The guys will come out , assess any fire risks in your premises , advise you as required , and will supply and fit any smoke detectors as required - all completely free of charge .

Online booking form in link below

For Householders | SFRS


We'd much rather prevent fires than have to come and put them out !

I guess these are being sponsored by the British Tax-payer...and Ins Co's. after charging £20k per attending appliance, attending a road accident and insisting on cutting the roof off.

Having said that, it's good that the Fire Brigade personnel have something to do...they could get bored sleeping and doing second jobs...

 

[Dryce]

I just use the standard ones , with PP3 batteries which I replace about once a year .

Same here. We're on our third set of alarms now - change them every 8 to 10 years.

I'm thinking that the next set should have 10 year batteries in them so we don't have to replace the PP3s. As we get older my guess is that the risk of injury from climbing up and changing the PP3 batteries will rise.