What type of smoke alarm is required? The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as mains powered (‘hard-wired’) or battery powered) that should be installed. We recommend that landlords choose the type of smoke alarms based on the needs of their building and their tenants, and that those alarms are compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6. Where battery powered alarms are selected, alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries rather than alarms with replaceable batteries are the better option. - SENTINEL GS610RF ARE POWERED BY NON-REMOVEABLE 10 YEAR LIFE LITHIUM BATTERY
Where do smoke alarms need to be located? The regulations do not stipulate where the alarms should be placed. At least one smoke alarm should be installed on every storey which is used as living accommodation. Landlords should follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing the alarms. However, in general, smoke alarms should be fixed to the ceiling in a circulation space, i.e. a hall or a landing. USE SENTINEL GS610RF AND INTERLINK THEM TOO
Does replacing a battery count as a repair? Who is responsible for changing the batteries? Landlords will be responsible for repairing or replacing any faulty alarms. If tenants find that their alarms are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange for the replacement of the batteries. If the alarm still does not work after replacing the batteries, or if tenants are unable to replace the batteries themselves, they should report this to the relevant landlord. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY - AFTER 10 YEARS JUST REPLACE THE UNIT How should a tenant test their alarms to check they are in working order? Testing of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms does not require specialist skills or knowledge and should be straightforward for tenants to do. Landlords should consider providing residents with a demonstration and/or instructions to support resident understanding of how, and how often, to test their smoke alarms and make sure they are in working order. Landlords should follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions for testing alarms and consider sharing these instructions with tenants to support regular testing. EACH ALARM HAS A TEST BUTTON ON IT - PRESS AND HOLD FOR 10s