Fire Alarm Installation & Servicing

Mains-powered interlinked smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms for homes and rented properties, and fire alarm systems for HMOs, blocks of flats and businesses.

NICEIC registered electricians

Costs agreed before work starts

Certification for completed work

Findings explained in plain English

Working smoke and heat alarms give people the early warning they need to get out safely. In homes and rented properties that usually means mains-powered alarms with battery backup, interlinked so that when one sounds they all do. In HMOs, blocks of flats and commercial premises it often means a fire alarm system with a control panel, detectors, sounders and call points.

We install new alarms and systems, replace old or failed detectors, and carry out the testing and servicing that keeps them working, with certification and records for landlords, managing agents, insurers and fire risk assessors.

When to call us

You're a landlord and need to meet smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules
Your alarms are battery-only, not interlinked, or past their replacement date
You're building an extension, converting a loft or renovating
You run an HMO and need a fire alarm system suitable for its size and layout
Your fire risk assessment has recommended a new or upgraded system
Your fire alarm panel shows a fault, or the system needs servicing

What's involved

1Survey and advice on the right type and coverage of detection
2Mains-powered interlinked smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms (wired or wireless interlink)
3Fire alarm systems with control panel, detectors, sounders and manual call points
4Replacement of old or failed detectors
5Testing, commissioning and periodic servicing
6Certification and logbook records

Good to know

Rules for landlords in England

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations, as amended in 2022, landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Alarms must be working at the start of each tenancy, and faulty alarms must be repaired or replaced once reported.

Which standard applies?

Fire detection in homes, including flats and many HMOs, is covered by BS 5839-6, which sets out grades of system and levels of coverage based on risk. Non-domestic premises and larger systems fall under BS 5839-1. Your fire risk assessment, and for HMOs your council's licensing standards, determine what's required.

Building work

New homes, extensions and loft conversions normally need mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms with battery backup to meet Building Regulations (Approved Document B).

How much does a fire alarm installation cost?

Every job is different, so we price it once we understand what's needed. The main factors are:

Number of alarms or detectors and the coverage required
Wired or wireless interlinking
Standalone alarms or a panel-based system
Size, layout and number of floors
Access for cabling and making good

We explain charges before we attend and agree the price of any work with you before it starts. Sending photos in advance helps us quote more accurately.

Fire Alarm Installation & Servicing: FAQs

Do smoke alarms have to be mains-powered?

For rented properties the law requires working smoke alarms on each storey, which can be battery-powered. However, new builds, extensions and loft conversions normally need mains-powered interlinked alarms, and mains-powered interlinked alarms with battery backup are widely recommended for better protection.

What is an interlinked fire alarm?

Interlinked alarms are connected, by wiring or radio, so that when one detects smoke or heat, they all sound. This gives everyone in the property earlier warning wherever the fire starts.

How often should a fire alarm system be serviced?

Domestic alarms should be tested regularly by pressing the test button. Larger systems in HMOs, blocks and commercial premises should be tested weekly by the responsible person and professionally serviced at regular intervals, typically every six months under BS 5839-1.

How long do smoke alarms last?

Most smoke and heat alarms have a recommended replacement date, commonly around ten years from manufacture. Check the date on the alarm; we can replace expired units like-for-like or upgrade them.

Fire Alarm Installation & Servicing — areas covered

Available across Surrey, Reigate, Crawley & Mid Sussex, South West London, Richmond, Twickenham & Staines, Sutton & Morden, South East London, Bromley, Croydon & North Surrey, Berkshire, West Kent, Sussex.