Fire Alarm Rules for Homes in Scotland

Fire Alarm Rules for Homes in Scotland, updated 8/31/21, 10:47 AM

At Safe Simple Secure, we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Scottish Government’s partners on their new Fire Alarm campaign about the new fire detection law.

Find out more about our fire alarm installation services for homes in Edinburgh.

About Safe Simple Secure

Burglar Alarm, CCTV and Home Security Experts in Edinburgh

Safe Simple Secure is an Edinburgh security company that aims to protect your property using the most technically advanced, reliable and easy to use security equipment. They provide expert security advice for both homes and businesses in Edinburgh and the Lothians. They can supply and install wireless burglar alarms, CCTV systems and door access systems.

Tag Cloud

“Yeah, by February 2022
every home in Scotland needs
interlinked fire alarms”
mygov.scot/firealarms
“Heard the law
on fire alarms
is changing?”
What are interlinked
fire alarms?
By February 2022, every home in Scotland needs interlinked
fire alarms. Alarms that talk to each other - so when one goes
off, they all go off - helping everyone to react quicker and save
more lives.
You might not hear the alarm closest to the fire, especially if
you’re somewhere else in the house. An interlinked system alerts
you to danger immediately wherever you are in your home.
Are they battery-powered or
mains-wired?
There are 2 different types of interlinked fire alarms:
1) Sealed long-life battery alarms, which you can fit
yourself.
2) Mains-wired alarms, which should be installed by
a qualified electrician.
Both meet the new fire safety standard. And both are
linked by radio frequency without the need for WiFi.
mygov.scot/firealarms
Where do the
alarms go?
Every home needs:
• 1 smoke alarm in the room you spend most of the day
(usually your living room)
• 1 smoke alarm on every floor, either in the hallway or
on the landing
• 1 heat alarm in the kitchen
All should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.
Will I need anything else?
If your home has a carbon-fuelled appliance – like a boiler,
fire, heater or flue - you’ll also need a separate carbon
monoxide detector. These do not have to be interlinked.
Smoke Alarm
In hallway and
main living space
Heat Alarm
In Kitchen
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Fitted where there is a
Fuel-burning appliance
Interlinked
Alarms
Some examples

What if I live in a one-bed flat?
You’ll need 2 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm. If you have a
carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler, you’ll need a carbon
monoxide detector too.
mygov.scot/firealarms
What if I live in a 3-bed house?
You’ll need 3 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm.
If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler,
you’ll also need a carbon monoxide detector.
mygov.scot/firealarms
How much do the alarms cost?
For an average 3-bed home, an interlinked system
with sealed long-life battery alarms costs around £220.
Look for a recognised brand, read online reviews and
check that each alarm complies with the following
standards:
Smoke alarms: BS EN14604:2005
Heat alarms: BS 5446-2:2003
Carbon monoxide detectors: British Kitemark EN 50291-1

Will my home insurance
be affected?
If you are unclear about the terms and conditions of
your home insurance policy, please contact your
insurer to check if the new fire alarms requirements
will be included.
What should I do with my
old alarms?
Most smoke and heat alarms can be recycled, either
at home in your recycling bin or at any recycling centre.
What if I rent?
Private landlords should already have interlinked fire alarms in
their homes. If your rented property does not have interlinked
fire alarms, speak to your landlord. If your landlord fails to
comply, you have the right to apply to a tribunal.
Social landlords are carrying out a programme of work to make
sure interlinked fire alarms are in place. Speak to your landlord
if you are waiting for interlinked fire alarms to be installed.
Where can I find
out more?

For advice on fire safety or to request a Home Fire Safety
Visit, contact The Scottish Fire and Rescue service on
0800 0731 999
or visit:
www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/
home-fire-safety-visit
If you have any concerns about meeting housing
standards, contact your local authority:
www.mygov.scot/find-your-local-council
For help with installing alarms if you’re elderly or disabled,
contact your local Care and Repair service:
www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk/office-locations.html
If you are concerned about a cold caller or about what a
tradesperson is telling you, please call Trading Standards
Scotland on 0808 164 6000
For general guidance on interlinked fire alarms and frequently
asked questions, visit: www.mygov.scot/firealarms
For any other queries please email:
newfirealarmstandard@gov.scot