Detector Installation

Question

Good Afternoon

I am a Landlord in Scotland.  My smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors are all installed as per regulatory requirements with the recent addition of a hard-wired carbon monoxide detector.

Whilst I understand the carbon monoxide detector is not required to be interlinked to the smoke / heat detectors, where it is possible to do so, would the recommendation be for these to be interlinked?  The manufacturer, Aico, has confirmed they can indeed be interlinked however the Electrician who installed them has a different view.

I would appreciate any advice you may be able to offer as I'd rather make the correct choice.

Kind Regards






Brad

Matthew · Accepted Answer

Hi yes they can be interlinked and they can have radio links and it's recommended to be interlinked

Ross · Answer

Hi Brad, it depends if it’s been specified.  If you have AICO alarms and CO then it’s good practice to interlink the CO as well but not a requirement unless specifically stated in the fire risk assessment

Steven · Answer

In Scotland, smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked. A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is required where there is a fuel-burning appliance or flue, but it does not have to be interlinked to be compliant.

That said, if you are using a mains-powered system such as Aico that supports interlinking, best practice is to interlink the CO alarm where it is reasonably practicable. This ensures that a dangerous CO event will sound all alarms in the property, including bedrooms, which significantly improves safety.

So: it is not legally required, but it is the safer, “gold standard” approach if the system allows it.

Eddie · Answer

The RF versions of Aico Smoke, Heat and CO alarms can all be wirelessly interlinked.. Some versions of hard wired CO alarms can be fitted with an RF module which would enable it to be interlinked.

Daniel · Answer

In Scotland, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are not required by law to be interlinked with smoke and heat alarms. The legal requirement is that smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked with each other, while CO alarms only need to be installed in rooms with fuel-burning appliances or flues.

That said, interlinking CO alarms where it is technically possible is generally considered good practice, even though it is not mandatory. Manufacturers such as Aico support interlinking because it can improve safety by ensuring occupants hear an alert wherever they are in the property, particularly in larger homes or where background noise may be an issue.

The electrician is therefore correct from a regulatory compliance perspective, as non-interlinked CO alarms fully meet Scottish requirements. However, the manufacturer’s view is also valid from a safety enhancement perspective. If the alarms are compatible and can be interlinked reliably, doing so can provide additional reassurance for tenants, but choosing not to interlink still leaves the property fully compliant with current Scottish regulations.

Tim · Answer

They can indeed be interlinked quite easily with optical or rf

Detector Installation

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising