Smoke and heat alarms

[Steve Dixon]

Hi. I’ve bought a house which will be rented. The current rules in Scotland require new smoke detectors to be fitted. I have 2 hard wired ones already in the hall and landing but need a new one in the main living room. Can I add to the exsisting 2 or will the whole system need replacing? Can a heat sensor be added to this also? The house is only 4 years old. Thanks.

 

[Octopus]

Why do you think you need one in the living room?

 

[polo1]

The Scottish regulations for private rented properties require a mains, interlinked smoke detector in the principal living area, heat in kitchen and smoke in hallway as a minimum.
OP - if you use the same make as existing, there is no reason you cannot add to what’s already there. Interlinking can be hard wired or wireless.
Don’t forget a CO detector if you have a gas appliance. This can be a battery supplied one.

 

[Steve Dixon]

Thanks. Already have a CO detector. Is it an easy job to link a new detector or will the wiring be a problem to interlink them?

 

[polo1]

Thanks. Already have a CO detector. Is it an easy job to link a new detector or will the wiring be a problem to interlink them?

If hard wired, a 3 core & earth cable is required between detectors ( live, neutral & signal wire). Easy/hard - depends on access for running cables!
You should also have the appropriate certification for the installation. It’s not a DIY job if the property is to be rented.

 

[Steve Dixon]

Ok thanks. Wasn’t going to diy but just wanted to know about the cable running really. Should a heat sensor in the kitchen also be linked or can it be independent?

 

[polo1]

All heats/smokes must be interlinked, either by hard wiring or radio bases.

 

[Octopus]

The Scottish regulations for private rented properties require a mains, interlinked smoke detector in the principal living area, heat in kitchen and smoke in hallway as a minimum.

Seems a bit OTT, especially if its next to the hall! - is this a legal requirement?

 

[Steve Dixon]

May look at the radio link option as this would mean they don’t need to be wired together just hard wired to the electric. Is that correct?

 

[polo1]

May look at the radio link option as this would mean they don’t need to be wired together just hard wired to the electric. Is that correct?

Yep.

 

[polo1]

Seems a bit OTT, especially if its next to the hall! - is this a legal requirement?

It is indeed; lower & upper hall too in the case of a 2 storey property

 

[Octopus]

It is indeed; lower & upper hall too in the case of a 2 storey property

Live and learn something new everyday ....

Who actually "polices" this?

 

[Andy78]

Why do you think you need one in the living room?

I think it is an interpretation of grade D LD2

LD2 - A system incorporating detectors in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises, and in all rooms or areas that present a high risk of fire to occupants

A living room is viewed to present a high risk of fire as it may contain a fire (either gas,electric,or solid fuel) and/or people smoking.

That's how I've always understood LD2 anyway. Hallway, landing, living room, and kitchen as a minimum in domestic situations. Maybe more if there are extended escape routes.

 

[Octopus]

^^ fortunately LABC officers around here only want hall, landing and heat if the kitchen / diner is open plan.

I've also put one in our garage (as its below my sons bedroom) and one in the kids TV room - so we have 5 in total and in the rare event they go off, the noise is enough to wake the dead!

 

[polo1]

Live and learn something new everyday ....

Who actually "polices" this?

The local authority where a property is located. Private landlords are required to register with the LA before they can legally rent properties out to tenants.
In practice, it probably requires a tenant to complain before any shortfall in detectors would be picked up. Indeed I know of several properties where there is still no detection in place.
Personally, I couldn’t live with the guilt of a tenant suffering harm or worse because I couldn’t be arsed installing the required life safety system in one of my properties.

 

[ferg]

I had a discussion with an agent about a smoke detector in a front porch about the size of a postage stamp.

The same agent also told me they are obliged to report non compliant landlords.

 

[Octopus]

Private landlords are required to register with the LA before they can legally rent properties out to tenants.

Hum .... so the decent ones do - I heard recently that HMRC are "allegedly" not aware of up to 40% of rented properties