Introduction

From 1st February 2022 every home in Scotland must be fitted with interlinked smoke & heat alarms. It is a legal requirement.
Interlinked smoke and heat alarms mean that if one alarm is triggered, then all alarms will be triggered within 20 seconds.
Interlinked smoke and heat alarms are an essential part of home safety. They provide early warning in case of fire, allowing you and your family to evacuate safely. Failure to have interlinked smoke and heat alarms fitted will be noted on the home report, and may require remidial work to be carried out before the sale can go through.

These are the basic requirements of an Interlinked Smoke and Heat Alarm system

A Smoke Alarm should be fitted in the following locations -

• The main living room or room used most during the day
• On each hallway or landing on all levels
• In a loft conversion
• In a garage conversion

Smoke Alarms should be mounted on the ceiling following these rules -

• As central as possible
• At least 300mm away from the wall
• In the living room - No more than 7.5 metres from any point on the ceiling. If this is not possible then additional alarms should be used.
• In the hallway/landing - No more than 3 metres away from each bedroom door.
• In the hallway/landing - No more than 7 metres away from the living room & kitchen door.
• On a sloping ceiling - No more than 600mm down from the apex.
• Do not locate smoke alarms directly above heaters or fireplaces to avoid nuisance alarms.

A Heat Alarm should be fitted in the kitchen

Heat Alarms should be mounted on the ceiling following these rules -

• As central as possible
• At least 300mm away from the wall
• No more than 5.3 metres from any point on the ceilingIf this is not possible then additional alarms should be used.
• On a sloping ceiling - No more than 150mm down from the apex.

A Carbon Monoxide Alarm should be fitted in each of the following areas -

• Every Room with a carbon-fuelled device e.g. boiler, fire , heater or flue. Unless the apliance is used solely for cooking.
• If the boiler is in a cupboard, mount the carbon monoxide alarm on the wall outside the cupboard, no more than 300mm away from the cupboard door.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be mounted on the wall following these rules -

• As least 150mm below the ceiling
• Higher than any door or window

Conclusion

Installing interlinked smoke and heat alarms is a straightforward task that you can do yourself. It’s an important step in ensuring the safety of your home. Remember to test your alarms regularly and replace the batteries as needed. Stay safe!.

InterAlarms can help

InterAlarms can provide an interlinked smoke and heat alarm system in your home. Please complete our enquiry form here and we will provide a quote for a complete safety system for your home.
Alternatively we provide do-it-yourself kits here. These are supplied pre-linked with fully fitting instructions.