Fire & Smoke Detection

In most cases the installation of smoke detectors in dwellings can significantly increase the occupants safety by giving early warning of an outbreak.
Building Regulations now require the installation of automatic smoke detectors to new dwellings and loft conversions.
The guidance below covers most normal sized dwellings, for larger premises with storey floor areas in excess of 200m2 or for dwellings more than 3 storeys - you MUST make reference to the Building Regulations for further guidance. (see links below)

TYPE OF SMOKE DETECTORS.
All smoke detectors must be mains powered (preferably with a secondary battery power supply)
and be designed to comply with BS5446; Part 1.
Where there is more than one smoke detector required (see positioning requirement link), they
should be interlinked together, so that all sound the warning should one of the detectors pick up
smoke.

CO2 DETECTORS                                                                                                                                    Carbon Monoxide detectors are not mandatory in the UK but are highly recommmeded. These days the Smoke and CO2 detector are combined as a dual unit. Consider an Electronic type as these will have a longer working life.The chemical types have an operating life of approximately 6mths.