FOCUS ON FIRE & ALARM SYSTEMS
MANUFACTURER - FIREANGEL
JAY FINCH, SPECIFICATION MANAGER FOR FIREANGEL, DISCUSSES NEW ALARM REGULATIONS AFFECTING NORTHERN IRELAND AND WHAT INSTALLERS NEED TO KNOW… New smoke and CO alarm regulations introduced for rental properties
Jay Finch, Specification Manager, FireAngel.
The introduction of new smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm regulations in Northern Ireland marks a significant step forward in tenant safety and the responsibilities of landlords and installers. Enforced from September 1, 2024, and now applying to all existing contracts,
requirements is essential. The legislation mandates that smoke alarms be installed in key areas, including hallways, landings, and living spaces, while heat alarms are required in kitchens. CO alarms must be fitted in rooms containing fuel-burning appliances, such as boilers or wood burners. Compliance
installers in meeting these regulatory demands efficiently. Regular testing and maintenance are also emphasised within the regulations. While landlords hold the responsibility for ensuring the correct installation and ongoing functionality of alarms, installers play a key advisory role. Educating landlords on best practices for testing and maintaining alarms, as well as providing guidance on replacing devices nearing the end of their lifespan, is integral to long-term compliance. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in significant penalties for landlords, reinforcing the need for professional installers to offer expert guidance and services. With these new requirements now in place, electrical professionals have a crucial role in safeguarding tenants across Northern Ireland. By staying informed and recommending the most effective interlinked alarm systems, installers can ensure properties are fully compliant while providing peace of mind to landlords and residents alike. For more information on FireAngel and its advanced range of fire and CO safety solutions, please visit www.fireangel.co.uk/trade
these regulations set a new benchmark for fire and CO protection in private rental properties, requiring a robust approach to compliance
hinges not only on correct placement but also on the use of sealed battery or mains-powered alarms with a tamper-proof design, ensuring long-term reliability. For enhanced protection, interconnectivity is a fundamental aspect of the new regulations, and installers must ensure that alarm
“With these new requirements now in place, electrical professionals have a crucial role in safeguarding tenants across Northern Ireland.”
from electrical professionals.
Under the updated legislation, private landlords must ensure that all private rental properties are fitted with interlinked smoke
systems are linked via either wired or wireless technology. Wireless interconnection provides a practical solution for retrofitting properties, allowing compliance to be achieved with minimal disruption to tenants, quick installation and suitable for existing property structures. FireAngel’s advanced range of interlinked alarms (including Smart RF wireless options) offers a streamlined and scalable solution, supporting landlords and
and heat alarms, as well as CO alarms where required. This shift towards an interlinked system enhances the safety of tenants by ensuring that when one alarm is triggered, all alarms sound, providing critical early warnings and facilitating swift evacuation in the event of a fire or CO leak. For installers, understanding the specific
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