Smoke Alarm

Looking Out for Everyone: Smoke & Heat Alarms – Not Just Smart, They’re the Law!

When it comes to keeping your property safe – whether it’s a place you rent out or your own beloved home – fitting smoke alarms and heat detectors isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law of the land here in Scotland.

If you’re a landlord, it’s super important to get clued up on the latest Scottish rules. Making sure your tenants are safe should always be your top priority. The new regulations say you need to have interlinked smoke alarms in every hallway and living room, and a heat detector in your kitchen.

Once it’s all fitted, you’ll get a special certificate (it’s called a “fire detection and alarm system installation certificate”) to prove everything’s up to scratch.

Calling All Edinburgh Homeowners: Still Not Sorted Your Smoke Alarms?

Hey homeowners! Have you got your family protected with a smoke alarm system that meets the new rules from 2022? If you’re in Edinburgh and need a hand getting those new, compliant smoke alarms installed, just give us a shout – we’re happy to help!

Hard-Wired vs. Battery Alarms: What’s the Difference?

Whether they’re hard-wired or battery-powered, interlinked alarms all work together like a team. If one goes off, they all go off, making sure everyone in the house gets the warning. But there are some key differences between the two:

Battery Interlinked Alarms:

• Power Source: These rely solely on batteries – either the standard replaceable kind or the long-life sealed ones.
• Fitting: They’re generally easier and less disruptive to fit, which makes them a great option if running new wires would be a hassle or cost a lot.
• Reliability: While the technology has gotten much better, because they rely on batteries, there’s always a small risk of failure if the batteries aren’t checked or changed regularly.
• Looking After Them: You’ll need to check and replace the batteries regularly to keep the system working properly.
• Cost: Usually, the alarms themselves are cheaper to buy and fit, but you might have ongoing costs for batteries.

Hard-Wired Interlinked Alarms:

• Power Source: These are connected to your property’s main electricity supply. They usually have a battery backup just in case there’s a power cut.
• Fitting: You’ll need a professional electrician to fit these, as it involves running wires between the alarms and connecting them to your home’s electrical system.
• Reliability: Because they’re connected to the mains, they’re often seen as more reliable.
• Looking After Them: You might not need to change the backup batteries as often, but it’s still a good idea to get the wiring and other bits checked periodically.
• Cost: Generally, they cost more to buy and install, but they might be more cost-effective in the long run.

So, Which One’s Right for You?

Hard-wired interlinked alarms are a solid and reliable choice, often the go-to for new builds or big renovations. Battery interlinked alarms offer more flexibility and are easier to install, especially in older homes or places where running wires would be tricky.

Need some friendly advice on which system is best for your property? Or ready to get your smoke and heat alarms sorted to meet the new Scottish regulations? Get in touch with the team at ELC Sales & Lettings today – we’re here to help keep your property safe and sound!