Mains-Powered Alarm Systems for Safer Properties
A correctly selected and interconnected alarm system provides early warning throughout the property. We install new mains-powered systems, replace expired or faulty alarms, upgrade existing detection and alter alarm arrangements where the property layout or use has changed.
The appropriate combination can include optical smoke alarms, heat alarms, multi-sensor fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and compatible control or interconnection equipment. The final design depends on the rooms, escape routes, occupancy, existing wiring, property use and required level of protection.
Choosing the Right Type of Alarm
Optical Smoke Alarms
Detect visible smoke particles associated with slow, smouldering fires. They are commonly used in bedrooms, hallways, landings and appropriate living areas, but should not normally be positioned where steam or cooking fumes could cause unwanted alarms.
Heat Alarms
Respond to temperature rather than smoke. They are commonly used in kitchens and garages where cooking fumes, steam or dust could cause a smoke alarm to activate unnecessarily. A heat alarm should form part of an appropriate system rather than being relied upon as the property's only fire detection.
Multi-Sensor Fire Alarms
Combine optical smoke and heat sensing. The sensors work together to detect different fire characteristics while helping to reduce unwanted alarms. They can be suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, landings and other appropriate areas.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Detect carbon monoxide associated with fuel-burning appliances and other combustion risks. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. A CO alarm supplements the fire-alarm system and does not replace smoke or heat detection. An activation must never be ignored; occupants should move into fresh air and follow the alarm manufacturer's emergency instructions.
Combined Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Provide heat and CO detection within one compatible unit. They may suit a kitchen or garage containing an applicable combustion risk, subject to the property assessment and correct positioning.
Mains-Powered and Battery-Powered Options
Our principal offering is mains-powered detection with backup batteries. We can also supply and fit suitable Aico sealed-battery alarms where a battery-powered system is appropriate. Battery-powered alarms are charged as the selected product plus the applicable fitting cost and must still meet the required system grade, coverage category and property requirements.
Control, Accessibility and Interconnection Equipment
Compatible test, locate and silence controls, wireless modules, alarm interfaces, strobes and vibrating pads can be considered where required.
Room-by-Room Alarm Guide and Our Aico Options
This is general guidance only. The final alarm type and position must reflect the property, room use, manufacturer's instructions, applicable standards and any fire-risk or licensing requirements.
Which Alarm Should Be Installed in Each Room?
General room guide:
Kitchen — Heat alarm
Bedroom — Optical smoke or multi-sensor fire alarm
Hallway or landing — Optical smoke or multi-sensor fire alarm
Living or dining room — Multi-sensor fire alarm
Garage — Heat alarm or an alarm selected for the environment
Loft or utility area — Appropriate alarm selected following assessment
Near a boiler, fireplace or relevant fuel-burning appliance — Carbon monoxide alarm positioned in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance
Bathroom or shower room — An alarm is not normally positioned where steam or condensation could interfere with operation
Aico Alarm Options
We offer a choice of Aico mains-powered and suitable battery-powered alarms. The correct range depends on the property, required system grade, room, existing installation, interconnection requirements and customer preference.
Aico Ei140e Series — Mains-Powered Standard / Grade D2
Mains-powered optical smoke and heat alarms with replaceable 9V alkaline backup batteries. The alarms have a ten-year operational life and a five-year limited warranty. Compatible alarms can be hardwired together or wirelessly interconnected using the appropriate RadioLINK base or backplate.
Aico 3000 Series — Mains-Powered Premium / Grade D1
Mains-powered alarms with sealed rechargeable ten-year lithium backup cells and a ten-year guarantee. Options include optical smoke, heat, multi-sensor fire, carbon monoxide and combined heat/CO alarms. Compatible SmartLINK modules provide wireless interconnection, while AudioLINK+ supports data extraction on relevant products.
Aico 600 Series — Sealed-Battery / Grade F1
Battery-powered optical smoke, heat and multi-sensor alarms with sealed ten-year lithium batteries. Selected models include built-in AudioLINK+ and optional RadioLINK+ interconnection. These products can be supplied and fitted where a battery-powered Grade F1 solution is suitable.
Aico 200 Series — Carbon Monoxide Options
Sealed-battery carbon monoxide alarms are available in standalone and compatible RadioLINK+ versions. Product selection and positioning must suit the combustion risk, property and required interconnection.
Battery-powered alarms are not automatically suitable for every rental property, HMO, new installation or altered dwelling. The required grade and category must be established before the product is selected.
Compare Our Standard and Premium Aico Ranges
Feature | Ei140e Standard | 3000 Series Premium |
|---|---|---|
Power | 230V mains | 230V mains |
Backup power | Replaceable 9V alkaline battery | Sealed rechargeable lithium cell |
Alarm operational life | 10 years | 10 years |
Product warranty/guarantee | 5-year limited warranty | 10-year guarantee |
Alarm choices | Optical smoke and heat | Optical smoke, heat, multi-sensor and combined options |
Interconnection | Hardwired or compatible RadioLINK base | Hardwired or compatible SmartLINK module |
Alarm-status data | Standard test and alarm functions | AudioLINK+ on relevant products |
Best suited to | Cost-effective standard installations | Enhanced features and reduced backup-battery maintenance |
Understanding Alarm Grades and LD Categories
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System Grades
The system grade describes how the alarms are powered and backed up.
Grade A — Separate detectors, sounders and central control and indicating equipment with standby power. This is outside the routine product-led service on this page and may be required in larger HMOs or communal buildings.
Grade C — Detectors and sounders connected to a common mains and standby supply with central control equipment. This is also outside AC1's routine domestic alarm offer.
Grade D1 — Mains-powered alarms with tamper-proof standby batteries. The Aico 3000 Series generally provides AC1's Grade D1 option.
Grade D2 — Mains-powered alarms with user-replaceable standby batteries. The Aico Ei140e Series generally provides AC1's Grade D2 option.
Grade F1 — Battery-powered alarms with sealed, tamper-proof batteries. Suitable Aico 600 Series products provide Grade F1 options where this grade is appropriate.
Grade F2 — Battery-powered alarms with user-replaceable batteries. These are not the principal products promoted by AC1.
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LD Coverage Categories
The LD category describes where alarms are installed and the extent of life-protection coverage.
LD1 — High protection: alarms throughout escape routes and in rooms or areas where a fire could start, excluding toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
LD2 — Medium protection: alarms cover escape routes together with specified higher-risk rooms or areas, normally including the kitchen and principal living space.
LD3 — Minimum protection: alarms cover circulation spaces forming escape routes, such as hallways and landings.
The appropriate grade and category depend on the property type, occupancy, fire risk, regulations, licence conditions and any fire-risk assessment. A product or package must not be presented as suitable for every property without these factors being considered.
Interconnected Alarms Provide Warning Throughout the Property
When compatible alarms are interconnected, activation of one alarm causes the other linked alarms to sound, helping occupants hear the warning elsewhere in the property.
Hardwired Interconnection
A physical interlink cable connects compatible alarms. This may be suitable for new installations, rewires and properties where routes are accessible.
Wireless Interconnection
Compatible RadioLINK or SmartLINK equipment can interconnect alarms by radio signal. This can reduce the disruption, surface trunking and decoration associated with installing a new interlink cable.
Wireless interconnection does not necessarily make the alarms battery-only. Mains-powered alarms still require a suitable permanent electrical supply. The existing wiring, product compatibility, signal path and final arrangement must be checked before installation.
Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Pricing
Provisional price basis to be confirmed by AC1 before publication. The following totals currently treat the standard Ei140e alarm as £25 + VAT, the 3000 Series premium alarm as £55 + VAT and compatible radio-interconnection equipment as £55 + VAT per alarm.
Fixed Replacement Prices
Replacement option | Outside Congestion Charge Zone | Inside Congestion Charge Zone |
|---|---|---|
First Ei140e standard replacement at an appointment | £120 + VAT (£144 inc VAT) | £135 + VAT (£162 inc VAT) |
First 3000 Series premium replacement at an appointment | £150 + VAT (£180 inc VAT) | £165 + VAT (£198 inc VAT) |
Each additional compatible Ei140e replacement during the same appointment | £72.50 + VAT (£87 inc VAT) | £80 + VAT (£96 inc VAT) |
Each additional compatible 3000 Series replacement during the same appointment | £102.50 + VAT (£123 inc VAT) | £110 + VAT (£132 inc VAT) |
Standard New-Installation Prices
Installation option | Outside Congestion Charge Zone | Inside Congestion Charge Zone |
|---|---|---|
Install one Ei140e standard alarm using a suitable local supply and standard cable route | £120 + VAT (£144 inc VAT) | £135 + VAT (£162 inc VAT) |
Install one 3000 Series premium alarm using a suitable local supply and standard cable route | £150 + VAT (£180 inc VAT) | £165 + VAT (£198 inc VAT) |
Each further standard Ei140e installation | £120 + VAT (£144 inc VAT) | £135 + VAT (£162 inc VAT) |
Each further standard 3000 Series installation | £150 + VAT (£180 inc VAT) | £165 + VAT (£198 inc VAT) |
Optional radio interconnection: add compatible RadioLINK or SmartLINK equipment for £55 + VAT (£66 inc VAT) per alarm.
HMO, communal, portfolio and non-standard systems: tailored quotation.
How the Prices Are Calculated
The first replacement includes the applicable one-hour minimum plus the selected alarm.
Each additional compatible replacement during the same appointment includes a half-hour labour allowance plus the selected alarm. The customer sees the complete fixed price rather than the internal time calculation.
Each standard new installation includes one hour of labour plus the selected alarm.
New-installation prices assume a suitable local permanent supply, normal access, standard mounting and a straightforward cable route.
Longer routes, extensive or decorative trunking, new circuits, specialist access, repairs, incompatible bases, making good, parking and other applicable costs are additional.
Selected battery-powered, combined, control and testing-only options require separately confirmed prices.
What Is Included and What Can Affect the Price?
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What's Included in Standard Work
Standard replacement assumptions:
Existing alarm and base are accessible
Existing wiring and supply are suitable
Replacement product is compatible with the existing system
No wiring repairs or alterations are required
Standard working hours and normal ceiling height
Functional testing of the replacement and compatible interconnected alarms
New installation assumptions:
A suitable local supply or agreed circuit is available
Standard cable route and access
Standard mounting and commissioning
Agreed alarm type and interconnection method
Appropriate electrical certification where required
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What Can Add to the Price
New circuits or extensive wiring
Incompatible or damaged bases and wiring
RadioLINK or SmartLINK modules
Control switches, interfaces, strobes or vibrating pads
Specialist access, high ceilings or asbestos-related restrictions
Parking, tolls and other applicable expenses
Making good, plastering or decoration
Further visits caused by inaccessible areas or incomplete information
Fire Detection for Homes
We install new alarm systems, replace alarms approaching their replacement date and upgrade older or incomplete arrangements in houses, flats, extensions and refurbished properties.
Homeowners may require work because alarms are expired, repeatedly chirping, damaged, incorrectly positioned, incompatible, no longer interconnected or insufficient for a changed property layout. We can inspect the existing arrangement, identify compatible replacement options and recommend smoke, heat and CO detection appropriate to the property.
Regular testing and timely replacement help maintain reliable protection. The date code and “replace by” marking should be checked, and an alarm should not be retained beyond the manufacturer's recommended life.
Alarms for Rental Properties, HMOs and Communal Areas
We can install, replace and test detection, verify compatible interconnection, record alarm details and provide commissioning, testing and completion records appropriate to the work.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Rental Properties
Landlords in England must provide at least one smoke alarm on each storey containing a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Landlords must ensure the required alarms are working at the start of a new tenancy and repair or replace them when a tenant reports a fault and the alarm is found not to be working. Keeping dated testing, installation and replacement records can help demonstrate that these duties have been managed.
These minimum legal duties do not automatically define the complete alarm design for every rental property. Building Regulations, BS 5839-6 recommendations, licensing conditions, property layout and fire risk may require a different grade, category or combination of alarms.
Alarm Systems for HMOs and Communal Residential Areas
We can install and replace suitable mains-powered and battery-powered smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in HMOs, shared houses, individual flats and appropriate communal residential areas.
The required system depends on the building layout, number of storeys, occupancy, escape strategy, HMO licence conditions, local-authority requirements, existing fire precautions and fire-risk assessment. Some buildings require different grades and categories within individual dwellings and communal areas.
This page covers domestic-type alarm systems designed and installed where appropriate under BS 5839-6. AC1 does not currently design or install conventional or addressable commercial fire-alarm panel systems. Buildings requiring Grade A or Grade C control equipment, manual call points, separate sounders, zoning, monitoring, commercial-system integration or a BS 5839-1 system must be referred for a separate specialist fire-alarm assessment.
Replacing Existing Smoke and Heat Alarms
A like-for-like alarm-head replacement may be straightforward where the existing base, wiring, supply, interconnection and compatible product remain suitable. The model number, manufacture date and replacement date should be checked before ordering.
A new base, wiring alteration or wider system upgrade may be required where:
The original alarm or range is discontinued
The replacement is not compatible with the existing base or interconnection
The wiring or base is damaged
Different manufacturers or incompatible ranges have been mixed
The alarm has been incorrectly positioned
The property requires additional or different detection
Repeated unwanted alarms indicate siting, contamination or sensor-selection issues
We will confirm the appropriate replacement approach from the information provided and, where necessary, assessment on site.
Book Smoke, Heat or Carbon Monoxide Alarm Work Online
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Step 1
Select the Work
Choose replacement, new installation, system upgrade or request advice.
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Step 2
Tell Us About the Property
Confirm property type, use, number of storeys, bedrooms, rooms requiring coverage and whether it is a rental property, HMO or communal area.
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Step 3
Provide the Existing Alarm Details
Upload photographs and model numbers where available. Confirm whether alarms are mains powered and hardwired or wirelessly interconnected.
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Step 4
Choose Products or a Package
Review available standard and premium alarm options, pricing, assumptions and optional wireless equipment.
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Step 5
Select a Preferred Appointment
Choose an available routine appointment where the product and scope are suitable for direct booking.
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Step 6
Review and Confirm
Accept the applicable price, terms and payment requirement. Complex, HMO, communal or non-standard systems may require office review before confirmation.
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Step 7
Installation and Handover
The electrician installs or replaces the agreed alarms, tests the system and provides applicable records and user information.
Installation, Commissioning, Maintenance and Alarm Records
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Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance
Following a new installation or system alteration, we test the installed alarms, verify mains and standby power where applicable, test hardwired or radio interconnection and confirm the “one alarm, all alarm” function. We record the alarm types, models and locations, the applicable system grade and LD category where established, and any agreed limitations or variations.
We can provide planned smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm inspections for individual properties, HMOs and property portfolios. This can include:
Functional testing of each alarm
Interconnection testing
Visual checks for damage, obstruction and contamination
Mains and standby-power checks
Fault and low-battery investigation
Manufacture, replacement-date and expiry checks
Compatibility and siting review
Testing of compatible control switches, strobes and vibrating pads
Identification of failed, damaged or expired alarms
Remedial recommendations and replacement works
Domestic systems other than Grade A should generally be user-tested at least monthly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Professional maintenance frequency should reflect the system grade, property type, fire risk, licence conditions and client requirements.
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Commissioning and Record Sheets
Depending on the work completed, AC1 can provide:
Installation and commissioning sheets
Routine inspection and testing sheets
Alarm schedules and asset registers
Make, model, location and replacement-date records
Interconnection and functional test results
Fault and remedial-work records
Photographic completion evidence
AudioLINK+ alarm-status reports for compatible products
Appropriate electrical certification
User testing, maintenance and handover information
A straightforward compatible alarm-head replacement may receive a replacement and functional-test record rather than a complete new-system commissioning certificate. Documentation will reflect the actual scope completed.
Fire Alarm Installation and Replacement Across the South East of England
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Hertfordshire
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Essex
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London
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Cambridgeshire
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Kent
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Buckinghamshire
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Surrey
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Bedfordshire
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Norfolk
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Suffolk
Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarm FAQs
Need New, Replacement or Tested Alarm Protection?
Choose an alarm replacement, compare mains-powered and battery-powered options, book an inspection and testing visit, or tell us about the property so we can recommend the appropriate smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection.
Speak to our expert team today