Fire Alarm Rules for Homes in Scotland

At Safe Simple Secure, we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Scottish Government’s partners on their new Fire Alarm campaign about the new fire detection law.

Find out more about our fire alarm installation services for homes in Edinburgh.

About Safe Simple Secure

Burglar Alarm, CCTV and Home Security Experts in Edinburgh

Safe Simple Secure is an Edinburgh security company that aims to protect your property using the most technically advanced, reliable and easy to use security equipment. They provide expert security advice for both homes and businesses in Edinburgh and the Lothians. They can supply and install wireless burglar alarms, CCTV systems and door access systems.

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At Safe Simple Secure, we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Scottish Government’s partners on their new Fire Alarm campaign about the new fire detection law.

Find out more about our fire alarm installation services for homes in Edinburgh.

About Safe Simple Secure

Burglar Alarm, CCTV and Home Security Experts in Edinburgh

scotland Edinburgh alarms fire safety alarm interlinked fire alarm mygov scot firealarms carbon monoxide detector heat alarm home smoke alarm carbon fuelled appliance

“Yeah, by February 2022  
  every home in Scotland needs 
interlinked fire alarms”
mygov.scot/firealarms
“Heard the law  
  on fire alarms  
  is changing?”
What are interlinked 
fire alarms?
By February 2022, every home in Scotland needs interlinked  
fire alarms. Alarms that talk to each other - so when one goes  
off, they all go off - helping everyone to react quicker and save 
more lives. 
You might not hear the alarm closest to the fire, especially if  
you’re somewhere else in the house. An interlinked system alerts 
you to danger immediately wherever you are in your home. 
Are they battery-powered or  
mains-wired?
There are 2 different types of interlinked fire alarms: 
1) Sealed long-life battery alarms, which you can fit  
yourself.
2) Mains-wired alarms, which should be installed by  
a qualified electrician. 
Both meet the new fire safety standard. And both are  
linked by radio frequency without the need for WiFi.
mygov.scot/firealarms
Where do the  
alarms go?
Every home needs:
• 1  smoke alarm in the room you spend most of the day  
(usually your living room)
• 1  smoke alarm on every floor, either in the hallway or  
on the landing
• 1 heat alarm in the kitchen
All should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.
Will I need anything else?
If your home has a carbon-fuelled appliance – like a boiler,  
fire, heater or flue - you’ll also need a separate carbon  
monoxide detector. These do not have to be interlinked.
Smoke Alarm 
In hallway and  
main living space
Heat Alarm 
In Kitchen
Carbon Monoxide Alarm 
Fitted where there is a 
Fuel-burning appliance
Interlinked  
Alarms 
Some examples
 
What if I live in a one-bed flat?
You’ll need 2 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm. If you have a 
carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler, you’ll need a carbon 
monoxide detector too. 
mygov.scot/firealarms
What if I live in a 3-bed house?
You’ll need 3 smoke alarms  and 1 heat alarm.  
If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance like a boiler,  
you’ll also need a carbon monoxide detector. 
mygov.scot/firealarms
How much do the alarms cost?
For an average 3-bed home, an interlinked system  
with sealed long-life battery alarms costs around £220.  
Look for a recognised brand, read online reviews and  
check that each alarm complies with the following  
standards:
Smoke alarms: BS EN14604:2005
Heat alarms: BS 5446-2:2003
Carbon monoxide detectors: British Kitemark EN 50291-1
 
Will my home insurance  
be affected?
If you are unclear about the terms and conditions of  
your home insurance policy, please contact your  
insurer to check if the new fire alarms requirements  
will be included.
What should I do with my  
old alarms?
Most smoke and heat alarms can be recycled, either  
at home in your recycling bin or at any recycling centre.
What if I rent?
Private landlords should already have interlinked fire alarms in 
their homes. If your rented property does not have interlinked 
fire alarms, speak to your landlord. If your landlord fails to 
comply, you have the right to apply to a tribunal.
Social landlords are carrying out a programme of work to make 
sure interlinked fire alarms are in place. Speak to your landlord 
if you are waiting for interlinked fire alarms to be installed.
Where can I find  
out more?
 
For advice on fire safety or to request a Home Fire Safety  
Visit, contact The Scottish Fire and Rescue service on  
0800 0731 999  
or visit:  
www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/for-householders/
home-fire-safety-visit
If you have any concerns about meeting housing  
standards, contact your local authority:  
www.mygov.scot/find-your-local-council
For help with installing alarms if you’re elderly or disabled, 
contact your local Care and Repair service:  
www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk/office-locations.html
If you are concerned about a cold caller or about what a 
tradesperson is telling you, please call Trading Standards 
Scotland on 0808 164 6000
For general guidance on interlinked fire alarms and frequently 
asked questions, visit: www.mygov.scot/firealarms
For any other queries please email:  
newfirealarmstandard@gov.scot