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Homeowner?
Carbon monoxide alarms should always be installed in rooms where fuel-burning appliances are present, such as kitchens, boiler cupboards, utility rooms, and garages. For optimal protection, alarms should be positioned at breathing height either wall-mounted around 1.5m from the floor or placed on a shelf. If installing in a bedroom, place the alarm close to where the person’s head would be during sleep.
Avoid installing CO alarms directly above fireplaces or near extraction fans, windows, or vents, as these may affect airflow and delay detection. In multi-storey homes, at least one carbon monoxide alarm should be installed on every level that contains a fuel-burning appliance.
If multiple appliances are present in different rooms, interlinked alarms are recommended so that a CO leak in one area alerts the entire household. For rental properties, placement must meet both manufacturer recommendations and landlord safety legislation.
Smoke alarms provide early warning in the event of a fire and must be installed on the ceiling, ideally in the centre of the room, at least 30cm away from walls or light fittings. The most critical locations are escape routes, such as hallways and landings, and all living spaces including lounges and bedrooms.
Every floor of a property should have at least one smoke alarm. In larger homes or those with complex layouts, additional units may be necessary to ensure full coverage. In open-plan spaces, consider positioning alarms close to sleeping areas or along the main travel path to an exit.
Avoid placing smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms where steam or cooking fumes can cause false alarms. Use heat alarms in these areas instead.
Using interlinked smoke alarms throughout the home ensures that if one alarm detects danger, all others will sound. This is vital for alerting residents during the night or when in other parts of the property.
“Fire alarm” is often used interchangeably with smoke or heat alarms, but professionally, it refers to a full fire detection system, especially in larger residential or commercial settings.
For domestic properties, fire alarms (typically comprising a network of smoke, heat, and CO alarms) should cover:
In HMOs, new-builds, or flats, mains-powered interlinked fire alarm systems are typically required to meet building regulations and BS 5839-6 standards. Installers should explain that these systems aren’t just about box-ticking, they’re designed to give residents the maximum possible time to escape in an emergency.
Explain that regulations vary across the UK for example, Scottish legislation requires an interlinked alarm system in every home. Making this clear to clients builds trust and ensures installations are seen as essential, not excessive.
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