Interlinked Smoke Alarms (Scotland)

From February 2022, new laws in Scotland will come into force requiring all homes in Scotland to be fitted with interlinked Smoke and Heat alarms.

An interlinked fire alarm however can trigger all the alarms in the home when smoke is detected – regardless of where the fire originated or which interlinked alarm was first activated.  This means that wherever in the home you are, the nearest smoke alarm (because they are interconnected) will trigger and activate in the event of smoke in the house. This is an incredibly important new piece of legislation in Scotland and should not be ignored.

Fitting interlinked smoke alarms for your home

At HF Fire & Security, we can provide a complete smoke alarm installation service and update your existing fire and smoke alarm systems to meet the new Scottish Government standards.

Due to the variation in size and layout of homes across Scotland, prices for fitting interlinked smoke alarms can vary but based on a standard three bedroom home layout, we can install new interlinked smoke alarms to your home from just £250.

To find out more, please call us today on 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk to book a time slot to make your home made safe, secure and compliant with new Scottish Government legislation.

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How many alarms do I need?

Based on the new legislation, all homes in Scotland are required to have the following:

• One smoke alarm – fitted in every hallways and landing.
• One smoke alarm – installed in the room most used for general daytime living purposes (generally a living room).
• One heat alarm – installed in every kitchen.
• One carbon monoxide alarm – installed in rooms with a carbon-fuelled appliance (ie. boilers, fires, stoves and heaters).

All the interlinked smoke alarms must be ceiling mounted and connected to each other so that in the property, when activated, they will sound to provide a synchronised warning throughout the property.

Carbon Monoxide alarms fitted in rooms with carbon fuelled appliances, do not need to be interlinked though it is advised to do so for the highest level of safety.

Can all of the alarms be battery powered?

All interlinked smoke alarms must be either mains-powered or powered by a sealed long-life lithium battery which is tamper-proof. An alarm that is only powered by replaceable batteries (e.g. AA, 9v alkaline etc) are not compliant with the new legislations in Scotland.

What if I already have smoke alarms fitted?

All Smoke and Heat alarms fitted must be interlinked to form a connected and synchronised system in your home. Whether through a hard-wire interlink cable or via wireless radio frequency connection.

Stand-alone alarms that are NOT interlinked are not allowed.

To find out more about the new legislation, please visit the Scottish Government publication on the changes to the law on Fire and smoke alarms using the link below.

Fire and smoke alarms: changes to the law

Homeowners who do not have interlinked fire and smoke alarms fitted after this date and who then suffer from a fire in their home may see their insurance cover rejected. This is an incredibly important new piece of legislation in Scotland.