Fire Alarm Installation

BS 5839 compliant fire alarm systems for homes, HMOs, and commercial premises — designed, installed, and certified by qualified electricians.

Fire Alarm Systems for Every Property

A properly installed fire alarm system is the single most important life-safety measure in any building. UK Building Regulations and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 set minimum standards for fire detection — and these standards have tightened significantly in recent years, particularly for rental properties and HMOs.

We design and install fire alarm systems to BS 5839 (the British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems), covering everything from simple domestic smoke alarm upgrades to fully addressable commercial systems with zone plans and integration to building management systems.

Domestic Fire Alarm Requirements

Building Regulations (Part B)

Since June 2022, all new-build homes and homes undergoing material alterations in England must have interlinked fire alarms fitted. This means:

  • Smoke alarms on every storey with a habitable room
  • Heat alarms in kitchens (not smoke alarms — cooking smoke causes nuisance tripping)
  • Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances (gas boilers, wood burners)
  • All alarms must be interlinked — when one triggers, all sound simultaneously

Rental Properties

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (amended 2022), landlords must install and maintain working alarms in all rental properties. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000. For landlord electrical certificates, compliant fire detection is a key component of the inspection.

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

HMOs have the strictest requirements. Under the Housing Act 2004 and LACORS Fire Safety Guidance, HMOs typically require a Grade A LD2 system — mains-wired, interlinked detectors with battery backup in escape routes, kitchens, and high-risk rooms, often with a central control panel.

Hard-Wired vs Wireless Systems

Hard-Wired (Mains-Powered)

The gold standard for reliability. Mains-powered detectors with battery backup are required by Building Regulations for new builds and major renovations. They're permanently powered, so there's no risk of flat batteries causing false security. Installation requires electrical work — new cabling from the consumer unit to each detector location.

Wireless Interlinked

For existing properties where running new cables would be disruptive or impractical, wireless interlinked alarms (like Aico 600 series or FireAngel Connected) communicate via radio frequency. They meet Building Regulations for replacement installations and are significantly less disruptive to install. Battery life is typically 10 years (sealed lithium cells).

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial properties fall under BS 5839 Part 1 and require a fire risk assessment to determine the appropriate system category:

  • Category M — manual call points only (minimal, only for very low-risk premises)
  • Category L — automatic detection for life protection (L1 = full coverage, L2 = escape routes + high-risk rooms, L3 = escape routes only)
  • Category P — automatic detection for property protection (P1 = full, P2 = high-risk areas only)

Most commercial properties require at least L2 or L3 coverage. We design system layouts based on your fire risk assessment, install to BS 5839, and provide full system commissioning certificates.

Detector Types

  • Optical smoke detectors — best for slow-smouldering fires (common in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways)
  • Heat detectors — ideal for kitchens, garages, and boiler rooms where smoke detectors cause false alarms
  • Multi-sensor detectors — combine smoke and heat detection for faster response with fewer false alarms
  • Carbon monoxide detectors — required in rooms with gas appliances, wood burners, or oil-fired heating

Costs

Domestic fire alarm installation costs vary by system type and property size:

  • Wireless interlinked system (3-bed house): £200–£400 (supply and fit)
  • Hard-wired mains system (3-bed house): £400–£800 including cabling
  • HMO Grade A LD2 system (6-bed): £800–£1,500 with control panel
  • Commercial system: from £1,500 depending on premises size and category

Need fire alarm installation or an upgrade to meet current regulations? Get a free quote from our qualified fire alarm installers.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about this service.

Yes, since June 2022, Building Regulations require interlinked fire alarms in all new-build homes and rental properties in England. When one alarm triggers, all alarms in the property sound simultaneously. Existing homeowners are strongly advised to upgrade to interlinked systems.
Smoke alarms detect airborne particles from fires and are used in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. Heat alarms detect rapid temperature rises and are designed for kitchens, garages, and utility rooms where smoke alarms would cause frequent false alarms from cooking or steam.
Domestic alarms should be tested weekly using the test button. Commercial systems require weekly testing of the panel and call points, with a full professional service every six months. All detectors should be replaced every 10 years regardless of whether they still appear to work.
Yes. Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations (amended 2022), landlords must install smoke alarms on every storey, heat alarms in kitchens, and CO alarms in rooms with combustion appliances. All alarms must be tested at the start of each new tenancy. Fines for non-compliance can reach £5,000.

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