Replace Smoke Alarms

Rafloution

Quick q if possible.

I need to get my smoke alarms replaced and have bought them ready to go. House is relatively new so they are interlinked etc. For an Electrician to swap out existing and replace with new ones I bought do I need a Safe Electric registered and a cert of completion? I'm hoping so etc. but just not sure when and how to ask. Cheers

Deagol

They usually just pop off a base plate and new ones pop on. No electrician needed. Have you read the manual??

meercat

this is minor works

It doesn’t require a rec

Escapees

Make sure to use a heat detector type rather than optical/ionisation type if any are in or adjoining an open plan kitchen...

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123182123#Comment_123182123

That’s assuming you’ve bought the same make and model. Otherwise it’s a power off job, replace all base plates and wire in the new ones.

No cert required as it’s not a protected works job OP. Just wondering why your replacing them all though?

Deagol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123184812#Comment_123184812

Fair point - I assumed that the OP would buy like for like replacements, can't think of any reason not to?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123184824#Comment_123184824

Because they change design over time unfortunately. I was doing same with units I fitted in 2017. Original units can’t be bought anymore and the same branded ones have different base plates.

It’s only 3 wires for each unit though.

Escapees

Ionisation smoke alarms have a limited lifetime, with an expiry date always printed on them (if they don't malfunction or die in the meantime). I think the biggest issue with domestic smoke alarms is the accumulation of dust over time, something that's dealt with in the case of commercial detectors via servicing.

The most common EI (Aico) smoke alarms have changed design and part numbers over the years, but they have always stayed compatible with the original mounting plates.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123185469#Comment_123185469

Thats a benefit of using a well known large brand, EI are brilliant like that. They can also add in their radio modules and have app monitoring whicch can be cool!