New Scottish Legislation: Interlinked Smoke & Heat Alarms for Home Safety

Introduction

Ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones is a top priority. In Scotland, recent legislation mandates that all homes must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms installed by 1st February 2022. These interconnected alarms provide comprehensive coverage, alerting you no matter where you are in your home. Let’s dive into the essential steps for fitting your own interlinked smoke and heat alarms:

1. Understanding the Law

• The law change requires that every home must be fitted with interlinked smoke & heat alarms
• Interlinked alarms mean that if 1 alarm is triggered then all alarms will sound.

2. Types of Alarm Needed

• Smoke Alarms
• Install one in the living room or the room you use most
• Place one in every hallway or landing.
• Heat Alarms.
• Install one in the kitchen
• Carbon-Monoxide Alarms.
• Necessary if you have gas, coal, wood, or oil appliances.
• Not required to be interlinked to the smoke & heat alarms

3. Choosing & Buying Alarms

• Choose from Either
• Sealed 10 Year Battery Alarms
• Mains-Powered Alarms
• Alarms must comply with the following regulations
• Smoke alarms: BS EN14604:2005
• Heat alarms: BS 5446-2:2003
• Carbon monoxide detectors: British Kitemark EN 50291-1

4. Responsiblity

• Homeowners: Responsible for meeting the new standard.
• Private Tenants: Landlords are responsible.
• Council or Housing Association Tenants: Ongoing efforts to meet standards.

Conclusion

Installing interlinked smoke and heat alarms is a proactive step toward safeguarding your home. Prioritise safety, follow the guidelines, and let your home be a secure haven for all ypur family..

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.