What are Interlinked Fire Alarms?

Jul 12, 2022

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Interlinked Fire Alarms are a great way to ensure you are protected against fire. They are able to connect all of your fire safety systems together. When one alarm goes off, all alarms will go off. This is a much better safeguard than stand-alone alarms. It means you will know if there is a fire in your building as soon as possible.

interlinked fire alarms

Interlinked fire detectors are devices that have been linked together so that if one alarm goes off, they all do. This way, if a fire breaks out in one part of your premises and sets off just one alarm, the other alarms will sound as well.

This is especially useful in larger premises. You may, for example, be sleeping in your bedroom that is too far from the kitchen where the fire is occurring. Smoke spreads extremely fast and so the sooner you are alerted to the fire, the more manageable it is.

What Does Interlinked Fire Alarm Mean?

Interlinked alarms mean that if one alarm goes off, all will sound. You may not always hear the fire alarm that is closest to the fire and therefore interlinking your alarms is vital. For example, if you’re upstairs and a fire has started in the kitchen, you may not hear the kitchen fire alarm when it sounds. However, if your alarms are interlinked then it means that once the kitchen alarm sounds, the upstairs fire alarms will begin to sound. This is particularly useful if you have a large house and it’s difficult to hear the fire alarm in every room. The smoke detector will also alert you to any fires that start in your home and this can provide added security when you’re asleep or away from home.

Two Types of Interlinked Fire Alarms

Hard-Wired Interlinked Fire Alarms

These are the most common type of interlinked systems. Detectors are connected by wires to each other. This can be difficult to self-install, however, very reliable and secure. If any one detector sounds an alarm, all of them will sound as well.

Hard-wired interlinked fire alarms are connected to each other and to a single power source. They may be connected to a single battery backup, or they may have no battery backup. If there is no battery backup, these hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms are called “networked.”

If you’re looking at networked smoke alarms, be sure that your home has enough wiring in place for them. You’ll need an electrician. The number of wire runs required depends on how many units you purchase. Some brands require more than one unit per bedroom; others allow you to hardwire two or three together in each room. For installation please ask a qualified electrician to assist.

Battery Operated Interlinked Fire Alarms

These systems use RF radio waves to transmit signals between their components. There’s no need for wiring when installing these devices. If any one sensor gets triggered, it transmits a signal wirelessly that triggers all other linked sensors within range to go off as well. Simply fit the base to the ceiling or wall and clip the detector in place as per the instruction manual provided.

Radio-interlinked smoke alarms are more expensive than hard-wired smoke alarms. You’ll find them in new homes because they’re required by UK law. However, they can also be installed in older homes. The cost is well worth it if you want to avoid false alarms and save money on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Radio-interlinked smoke detectors can be installed to make them easy to check, maintain and replace. In addition, if one of the units needs resetting or replacing due to a malfunction or power outage, only one unit needs to be serviced rather than all interconnected units at once (which would mean getting rid of every other interconnected unit).

Radio-interlinked smoke detectors are reliable as they use radio waves instead of wires for communication between each other. No matter what happens to the wiring or power, the fire alarm will still work.

Conclusion

It is important to have smoke detectors in your home. They can save lives, as well as your property. It is important that you know how to use them and how they work so that you can properly maintain them. Smoke detectors are a necessity in any home, and there are many different types. They can be hardwired or battery operated, interconnected or not. It is important that you know which type of smoke detector best suits your needs. The smoke detectors in your home can be either battery-operated or hardwired. Battery-powered smoke detectors are more common, and they typically have a lifespan of around 10 years before they need to be replaced. Battery-powered fire alarms are also easier to install, so they are the most common type. These types of smoke detectors usually come with a 9-volt battery and a backup battery.

Legislations To Be Aware Of:

Scottish Compliance

As of 1 February 2022, all properties throughout Scotland are required to have interlinked smoke alarms installed in each room. However, if you have concerns about how new legislation might affect your home insurance, please contact your insurance company directly. Also, if you own a rented property, you are legally required to have smoke alarms fitted in all rooms. Legislation is constantly changing and it’s important to stay up to date with the latest developments. If you have any concerns about how new legislation might affect your home insurance, please contact your insurance company directly. Because it is unlikely that an existing policy will be affected, this depends on the terms and conditions of your home insurance.

Every home must now have:

  • 1 smoke alarm in the room you spend most of the day (living room)
  • 1 smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey (hallways/ landings)
  • 1 heat alarm in the kitchen

All smoke and heat alarms should be installed on the ceiling and linked together. Check each alarm’s instruction manual for guidance on placement. If your home has a gas boiler, non-electric heater or flue, you must have a carbon monoxide detector. This does not need to be connected to the fire alarm. If you live in a 3 bedroom, 2 storey house you need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. You may also need carbon monoxide alarms.

Our Top-Rated Interlinked Fire Alarms:

Battery Powered: FireAngel Wireless Interlinked Smoke Alarm

FS2126-T FireAngel

The FireAngel FS2126-T (WST-630T) wireless interlinked smoke alarm is a premium product that offers early warning of fires via a network of interconnected alarms. Optical and thermal sensors trigger fast reactions to both slow smouldering and fast flaming fires. FireAngel products are used by 92% of the UK’s fire services, making it one of the most popular brands on offer. The FS2126-T is designed to work with other FireAngel devices. It features an 85dB alarm, which is loud enough to wake you up when sleeping or even walking past the room in which it’s installed. The device uses optical and thermal sensors that trigger fast reactions to both slow smouldering and fast flaming fires.

  • FireAngel FS2126-T (previously WST-630T).
  • 10 year battery life.
  • Loud 85dB alarm.
  • Battery Powered.
  • 5 Year Manufacturer’s Guarantee.
  • Can Interlink with up to 50 other devices.
  • Connects wirelessly to other FireAngel wireless products.
  • Up to 200m Range.
  • Grade F1.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

The FireAngel FS2126-T (WST-630T) wireless interlinked smoke alarm has a full ten-year warranty, which is one of the longest in the industry. The product is easy-to-install and produces an 85dB alarm capable of providing an early fire warning sign. Lastly, these smoke alarms are battery-powered and can be interlinked with up to 50 other smart radio frequency devices.

Battery Powered: ANKA Wireless Interlinked Smoke Alarm

Anka fire alarm interlinked fire detectors

Wireless technology allows the detector to communicate with other compatible wireless-enabled alarms throughout your home. Also, ANKA fire alarms can be wirelessly connected with wireless heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, remote controllers and sirens, they can also be used to monitor vibration. The ANKA wireless interlinked smoke alarm is designed to be battery-powered and can be used as part of a home security system. Lastly, the detectors are easy to install and operate without any wiring required.

  • Wirelessly interlinked.
  • DC 3V battery.
  • Sealed 10-year battery.
  • 85dB alarm.
  • Suitable for properties with an existing CO detector.
  • Fixed temperature heat detectors(136.4°F (58°C).
  • Test and Silence button.
  • Low battery Notification.
  • 14 years of smoke detector manufacturer.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

To keep your tenants and yourself safe, you should be familiar with legislation concerning interlinked smoke detectors. We are committed to helping you find the right smoke detector. Our experts will answer any questions and guide you through our selection process.

Mains Powered: Hispec Mains Interlinked Smoke Alarm

Hispec RF PRO

The Hispec Mains Radio Frequency Mains Photoelectric Smoke Detector with 10yr Lithium Battery can be linked wirelessly to up to 20 detectors within the RF-Pro Range of detectors. In addition, the Hispec Mains Radio Frequency Mains Photoelectric Smoke Detector has a 10-year rechargeable lithium battery backup and 85db alarm, along with the Fast Fix base that comes included.

  • Connect up to 20 Hispec RF PRO devices wirelessly.
  • 10yr Sealed Lithium Battery Backup.
  • Loud 85dB alarm.
  • Fast Fix base included.
  • Insect proof.
  • Test function and hush feature.
  • Tamper proof.
  • Compatible with Hispec Control Unit.
  • Connects to Hispec FF10 devices to create hybrid system
  • Scheme Rating: D1
  • Detection Type: Photoelectric Sensor
  • Power Source: 220-240v
  • Battery Backup: Rechargeable Lithium Battery with 10 year life
  • Alarm Sound Level: 85dB at 3 metres
  • Operating Temp: 0°C ~ 40°C
  • Radio Frequency Range: Up to 80m in open areas & 30m indoors
  • Approvals: BS EN14604:2005
  • Guarantee: 5 years.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

 

Mains Powered: FireAngel Mains Interlinked Smoke Alarm

interlinked fire detectors

The FireAngel WSM-SN-1 mains-powered wireless smoke alarm combines a sleek, stylish design with advanced thermoptek detection to provide the ultimate solution in domestic smoke detection. Also, smoke sensors, which respond quickly to slow-burning or fast-spreading fires, are used by 92 per cent of UK fire and rescue services.

  • FireAngel WSM-SN-1.
  • 230Vac mains powered.
  • Wirelessly interlinks to other products in the Sona/Fireangel range.
  • Easy fit tamper-proof base.
  • Sealed-for-life battery.
  • Connects wirelessly to other FireAngel and Sona wireless products.
  • Ultra low-profile aesthetic design.
  • Grade D1.
  • Supplied as detector and separate wireless module.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

The Wi-Safe 2 radio link technology allows all Sona and FireAngel products to communicate wirelessly, creating an interlinked alarm system.

Mains Powered: FireAngel Mains Interlinked Smoke Alarm

Smoke Alarm | SW1-PF-T & RF-BW-T

The FireAngel Mains Powered Smoke Alarm is a high-performance, interlinkable mains-powered smoke alarm. In addition, FireAngel, a manufacturer of fully certified fire alarm systems, offers its customers a 5-year warranty on the SW1-PF and RF BW models. However, this product is NOT compatible with the FireAngel WST or WHT range.

  • FireAngel SW1-PF-T & FireAngel RF-BW-T.
  • 230Vac mains powered.
  • BS5839-6 Grade D.
  • Wireless interlink only (does not connect to wired product in same product range)
  • Easy fit tamper-proof base.
  • 9v zinc carbon battery back-up.
  • Grade D2.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

The large button at the bottom of this unit can be pressed with a sweeping brush to test the unit. In addition, this activates Sleep Easy, which silences low battery chirps for 8 hours, giving you a peaceful night’s sleep.

Mains Powered: Hispec Mains Interlinked Heat Alarm

interlinked fire detectors - Hispec RF PRO Mains Heat Alarm | 10 Year Battery

These Hispec mains-powered interlinked alarms are equipped with lithium batteries, which last for 10 years and do not need to be replaced during that time. Also, the RF Pro range of alarms can easily be radio-interlinked, making a synchronised system that will sound the alert if one alarm is activated, allowing everyone in the property to react.

  • Connect up to 20 Hispec RF PRO devices wirelessly.
  • 10yr Sealed Lithium Battery Backup.
  • Loud 85dB alarm.
  • Fast Fix base included.
  • Insect proof.
  • Test function and hush feature.
  • Tamper proof.
  • Compatible with Hispec Control Unit.
  • Connects to Hispec FF10 devices to create a hybrid system.
  • Scheme Rating: D1.
  • Detection Type: Heat sensitive.
  • Power Source: 220-240v.
  • Battery Backup: Rechargeable Lithium Battery with a 10-year life.
  • Alarm Sound Level: 85dB at 3 metres.
  • Operating Temp: 0°C ~ 40°C.
  • Radio Frequency Range: Up to 80m in open areas & 30m indoors.
  • Approvals: BS 5446-2:2003.
  • Guarantee: 5 years.
  • Interlinked fire alarms.

This is a great fire alarm that provides excellent protection for your home or business. Generally, it’s easy to install and can be linked with other Hispec devices, which makes it perfect for creating a fully connected system.

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