Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Mains-Wired · Interlinked · Landlord Compliant
The law requires all new and significantly altered properties to have mains-wired, interlinked smoke alarms on every floor. For rental properties, working smoke alarms must be fitted on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a solid fuel appliance. FACE Electrical Ltd install and test mains-powered alarm systems across Birmingham and the West Midlands, ensuring full compliance with BS 5839 and current Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations.
What's Included
Mains-wired interlinked smoke alarms on all floors
Hard-wired alarms are more reliable than battery units and, when interlinked, all alarms sound when any one detects smoke.
Carbon monoxide detectors in all required locations
CO alarms fitted adjacent to any gas boiler, open fire, wood burner or other solid fuel appliance.
Heat detectors for kitchens
Kitchens are fitted with heat detectors rather than smoke detectors to reduce false alarms from cooking.
Full test and commissioning on completion
Every alarm is tested before handover. We issue a test certificate suitable for landlord compliance records.
Compliance with Smoke & CO Alarm Regulations 2022
Our installations meet the updated requirements in force since 1 October 2022, including the extension to social housing.
Why It Matters
Legal requirement for landlords
Private landlords in England must ensure working smoke alarms are on every storey and CO alarms are in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
Mains-wired alarms are far more reliable
Battery alarms fail when batteries run low. Mains-wired alarms have a battery backup and cannot be inadvertently disabled.
Interlinked alarms give early warning throughout the property
If a fire starts in the kitchen at night, interlinked alarms ensure alarms sound in every bedroom — critical for escape time.
How It Works
Assessment
We review the property layout and identify the correct alarm positions to comply with BS 5839 Part 6.
Installation
Alarms are wired from the local lighting circuit or a dedicated circuit, with battery backup included.
Test & commission
All alarms are tested — including interlinking — before we leave. A handover test certificate is provided.
Certification
You receive documentation confirming the installation meets the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Building Regulations require interlinked alarms in all new builds and where building work is carried out. For rental properties, interlinked alarms are best practice and increasingly expected by local authorities.
Yes — we can upgrade existing battery alarms to mains-wired interlinked units. The work is minor and typically completed in 2–3 hours.
Updated regulations that extended requirements to include social housing, required CO alarms in rooms with gas boilers, and placed duties on landlords to repair or replace alarms when informed of a fault.
Yes — we carry out alarm systems in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and can advise on the enhanced alarm grades required for HMO licensing.