Smoke alarm terminology

[garyo]

I'm looking for a pair of permanently powered interlinked smoke alarms to give to my electrician when he comes back in a couple of weeks. All I can seem to find is ones that interlink using WiFi and seem expensive, presumably because of that technology. My presumption was that they'd be linked by cable and be more robust/reliable as a result too... do they exist?

Cheers

Gary

 

[SFK]

Garyo,
Mains linked smoke alarms exist and are very normal. They normally work by having a 2C+Earth cable to the first alarm and then 3C+Earth cable to the following alarms, where the extra wire in the cable is used as the signal cable to tell all the other alarms to sound when the first alarm detects smoke.

The AICO website has lots of information:
https://www.aico.co.uk/technical-support/basic-wiring-diagrams/

I have a preference for AICO,
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/EI146RC.html

and there are many other brands:
https://www.screwfix.com/c/security...280012#category=cat810274&wirelesswired=wired

But note that your electrician likely has a favorite brand that he is experienced and prefers installing, so might be best to let him buy.

SFK

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And can likely buy them cheaper than you can.

 

[^woody^]

Is it not the case that all/any mains powered smoke detector can be interlinked by default? So you dont ask for interlinked detectors, just mains.

 

[garyo]

Is it not the case that all/any mains powered smoke detector can be interlinked by default? So you dont ask for interlinked detectors, just mains.

That could be why I'm finding it so intractable...

Banallsheds : you're right. Unfortunately in the early conversation with the electrician re: specific switch plates and light fittings we decided it'd be easier for me to source what I want him to fit, and he just supplies sundries and cables.

 

[SFK]

Garyo,
One extra thought (which I am happy to be shot down with as I have never wireless smoke alarms and so have no experience of them).

If you are only having 2 connected smoke alarms fitted, and presuming they are far apart (say different floors) the extra cost of 2 wireless base stations might be cheaper and less disruptive than trying string a 3c+E cable between them. Again this is where electricians experience is very valuable.

Not sure what TLC returns policy is, but if you have to buy smoke alarms for your electrician, you might want to also buy two wireless base stations (on a use or return basis) so you do not have to make a quick trip out again on the day. Two Radio bases are £41+vat each from TLC, so that £100 extra cost might be cheaper/easier in the end.

Okay, I am ready to be corrected ................................. :>

SFK

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Garyo,
One extra thought (which I am happy to be shot down with as I have never wireless smoke alarms and so have no experience of them).

If you are only having 2 connected smoke alarms fitted, and presuming they are far apart (say different floors) the extra cost of 2 wireless base stations might be cheaper and less disruptive than trying string a 3c+E cable between them. Again this is where electricians experience is very valuable.

Bear in mind the generic advice to never use wireless if wired is an option.

 

[SFK]

Ban all Sheds,
Agree 100% with you on that - always always always best to NOT use Wireless, in any of its types.
But...... for two Smoke alarms if massively far apart......... I felt I should highlight its possible use.
SFK

 

[garyo]

the extra cost of 2 wireless base stations might be cheaper and less disruptive than trying string a 3c+E cable between them.

I've not quite plasterboarded upstairs, so at the moment I think (touch wood) I can get a cable in without causing too much agro, the financial incentive makes that worth my while.

Bear in mind the generic advice to never use wireless if wired is an option.

That's my inherent feeling too.

 

[garyo]

What do you both think about Woody's question, by the way?

Is it not the case that all/any mains powered smoke detector can be interlinked by default? So you dont ask for interlinked detectors, just mains.

I presume it's probably true given that this £11 detector from your TLC link seems to be interconnectable, SFK... https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/EI141RC.html

 

[SFK]

Garyo
If you have not plasterboarded, take Ban All Sheds advice and use cable.
And if you can put in more than 2 alarms.
SFK

 

[SFK]

Garyo
he is right, when I showed the Screwfix alarms link, I simply clicked on their "Wired" button expecting them to all be interconnected (noting that there is no 'interconnected' selection button).
SFK

 

[SFK]

And to add, that £11 plus vat that you have a link to is for the Aico 140 range and is definitely linkable.
Good item and price.
Sfk

 

[SimonH2]

Before choosing the £11 one on price, it's worth reading their (AICO's) information on types of detector and what they are good/not good at detecting. From their product page :
Ionisation alarms are best at detecting fast flaming fires which are commonly caused by clothing and paper.
Fit in: Bedroom
Their Ei2110e seems to be the nearest to a "universal" alarm, being listed as suitable for bedroom, dining room, hallway, landing, living room.
A list of their hardwired alarms here.