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More people are combining their alarm systems to include other aspects of their security measures such as CCTV or door entry systems.

Have you thought about the benefits of also linking your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to your burglar alarm?

90% of households have smoke alarms installed. Many of these are standalone battery operated alarms. Although this makes them easy to install, batteries eventually run flat and often are not replaced immediately. A battery operated smoke alarm may also be less efficient as you cannot be alerted if you are away from home.

The benefits of connecting your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to your wired security system means they do not require batteries and are powered via your alarm system (even if the mains fails). You can even be notified of a fire when you were away from home.

Smoke alarms should be fit on every floor of the property and carbon monoxide alarms should be fit in any room with a “solid fuel burning combustion appliance”. (For example, open fires, stoves and boilers)

A smoke alarm should be fit as close to the ceiling as possible. This is because smoke rises quickly.

A carbon monoxide detector should be fit at least 150mm down from the ceiling, on the wall. If the combustion appliance is in a room used for sleeping, place the detector close to the breathing zone of the occupants. Carbon monoxide moves differently to smoke, mixing with the air. It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion. It is also a good idea not to place these detectors below the top of window and door frames, as the ventilation may alter the true reading of carbon monoxide in the air.

Remember, if you are renting a property, the law on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors changed in 2015. Renters are now required by law to have these installed appropriately and in working order in all properties.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke alarms, why not take a look at our previous blog posts here.