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

Sean · Answer

AICO have a product range which has both mains and battery detectors with the ability to use an interlinking module in the heads to ensure your system is communicating even if wireless.

Theres no negative in my opinion for them all to be linked together as if the boiler were to begin leaking, i'm sure most people would want to be notified by the detector on a landing space instead of only adjacent to the boiler itself.

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.

Alex · Answer

Good question — and it’s good you’re thinking beyond the minimum requirements.

In Scotland, the regulations require that smoke and heat alarms are interlinked, but carbon monoxide (CO) alarms do not have to be. So strictly speaking, your installation is already compliant.

That said, where it is possible, many professionals would recommend interlinking the CO alarm — and there are a couple of reasons why:

Why interlinking can be beneficial
Improved safety: If CO is detected in, say, a boiler cupboard or kitchen, all alarms in the property will sound — not just the one nearby. That’s especially useful at night or in larger properties.
Consistency: Tenants hear the same alarm response regardless of the danger (fire or CO), which can reduce confusion.
Coverage: CO is colourless and odourless, so a louder, whole-house alert adds an extra layer of protection.
Why some electricians advise against it
Nuisance/false alarms: A CO alarm triggering all smoke/heat alarms could cause panic, especially if it’s a low-level or fault trigger.
System complexity: Mixing device types on an interlinked system can occasionally lead to compatibility or fault-finding issues (though less so with modern systems).
Not required by regs: Some installers stick strictly to compliance to avoid unnecessary complications or liability.
What manufacturers say

Manufacturers like Aico design their systems to be interlinked safely, so if they confirm compatibility, that’s a strong point in favour of doing it.

Practical recommendation
If all devices are from the same compatible range and properly installed, interlinking the CO alarm is generally a good idea, even though it’s optional.
It’s particularly worthwhile in:
Larger properties
HMOs
Homes with gas appliances in separate rooms

If you do go ahead, just make sure:

The devices are fully compatible
They’re installed and tested correctly after linking
Bottom line

You’re already compliant — but interlinking the CO alarm is considered best practice rather than a requirement, and many would see it as a sensible upgrade for added safety.

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

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