Scottish Dibbers- Smoke detectors - heads up

[Dinglebert]

I had a leaflet posted today by royal mail along with the letters. Was about to deposit it in the junk mail bag but did read it.

It was pointing our that by February 2021 all houses in Scotland must have the following



Smoke alarms in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings

Smoke alarms installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purpose

Heat alarms installed in every kitchen

All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked

Carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue

This applies to ALL homeowners and landlords

The detectors must either be hard wired in or have a 10 year lithium battery life.

I thought this was a sales ploy but on looking up the legistation its all true. The Act was passed Feb 2019.

This has the potential to be massive and expensive. I also worry that some firms will be out to fleece people with far more expensive systems and extra detectors not needed.

I personally will have to replace/add. A smoke detector in the living room, replace the one upstairs and downstairs as they are not 10 year or interlinked. I heat detector in the kitchen. My carbon monixide is at least up to standard.

At first glance this will be minimum £250 for me to self install.

While I don't imagine people will be coming to your house to check, but it may affect insurance polices and certainly you won't be able to sell a house without it being up to the new standard.

[mickey house]

When you say all smoke alarms 'should be' interlinked, is that actually a requirement. I ask because interlinking smoke alarms is where the main cost comes into play (basic battery smoke/heat alarms are cheap to buy)?

[MOUSEMARSH]

Are you sure this applies to private dwellings, I was under the impression that it was HMO and tenanted homes?

[Dinglebert]

Originally Posted by mickey house

When you say all smoke alarms 'should be' interlinked, is that actually a requirement. I ask because interlinking smoke alarms is where the main cost comes into play (basic battery smoke/heat alarms are cheap to buy)?

See more...

It is actually must be interlinked. The link to the Scottish Government site is below

gov.scot/publications/fi...cottish-homes/

and there quote is

All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked

[Dinglebert]

Originally Posted by MOUSEMARSH

Are you sure this applies to private dwellings, I was under the impression that it was HMO and tenanted homes?

See more...

Yes certain the quote from the Government site is

Q: What types of housing will be covered by the new standard?

A: All homes will be covered by the new standard, as it is important that all homes should be safe for occupants regardless of tenure. It will be the property owner’s responsibility to meet the new standard.

[Dinglebert]

Also just seen that the Scottish Government site went up only today. Have a feeling there is about to be a campalgn to inform everyone give the leaflet also came today. I do worry about certain types of people who will be out to fleece the unknowing.

[SMAX]

Interlinked smoke alarms can be wireless now. They are still relatively cheap.

For instance a pack of 4 is only £56.99

smile.amazon/SEBSON-Wi...dp/B0743D26FS/

Throw in a heat alarm for the kitchen that is also interlinked for £16.99

smile.amazon/SEBSON-Wi...dp/B07G3CG4CK/

[Dinglebert]

Originally Posted by SMAX

Interlinked smoke alarms can be wireless now. They are still relatively cheap.

For instance a pack of 4 is only £56.99

smile.amazon/SEBSON-Wi...dp/B0743D26FS/

Throw in a heat alarm for the kitchen that is also interlinked for £16.99

smile.amazon/SEBSON-Wi...dp/B07G3CG4CK/

See more...

Trouble is that those ones as far as I can see do not have the 10 year battery and the ones which have the 10 year batteries are not interlinked. So far I have got it down to £18 a detector which are both 10 year and interlinked but they don't do the heat detector and I am unclear if you can interlink different brands.

smile.amazon/Sendowtek...5&s=diy&sr=1-5

[Mr Tom Morrow]

I accept smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are life savers.

However this smacks as very much the same as the Welsh Assembly Govt plan for sprinklers in every new build or renovated house/flat/care home in Wales.

Not implemented thankfully.

[Wee_Red]

How on Earth are they going to enforce this? £220 on their estimated costs and no financial support for all those people now out of work? I have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector but informed by fire service that smoke alarms were the right ones to have, not heat detectors (I was going to go full Hive/Nest fitting).

I particularly like the part that says those that have a hearing impairment are required to have all these noisy alarms that are useless to them in addition to specialist equipment that they can actually use.

I was having such a nice day too.