Fire alarm detectors-lighting

[gazdkw82]

I'm getting rid of the 2 fire alarm detectors and putting some new mains powered ones.

I'm going to take it off the light fitting in the living room and landing. How's best to do this on a plastered ceiling? Work around the joists and get a t+e through? Might seem an easy question but I've never done a fire alarm detectors before.

On that note, any recommendations for a detector?

 

[westward10]

Radio linked detectors as already suggested so a physical hard wired link is not required.

 

[gazdkw82]

If interlinking with a cable then you only need one detector to be powered as the power to the others is supplied by the interlink cable. If using two independently fed detectors you could wirelessly interlink them.

Can all detectors be wired like this?

 

[gazdkw82]

Do they have to be linked?

 

[Andy78]

Do they have to be linked?

As the householder it's up to you to decide what level of system you want. Interlinked is best and it is required in new builds.

 

[westward10]

Interlinked is preferable as an isolated unnoticed fire can be alerted.

 

[haj]

Aico with RF module for interlinking easy

 

[telectrix]

hard wire the upstairs detector into landing light. easy ti connect in attic. make sure it's optical and not ionisation and at least 2 ft.from light, then radiolink to downstairs one/s, no wiring needed. job done.

 

[multimick]

still needs a feed for downstairs one

 

[pirate]

Aico, radio linked as many have said. Half an hour max to fit 3...
and cos I'm rubbish, another half hour to set them up! No wiring, no chasing, only downside is 10 year lifespan, but hardly a major concern.

 

[multimick]

have they got a 10 year battery radio linked version ?

 

[Andy78]

Aico, radio linked as many have said. Half an hour max to fit 3...
and cos I'm rubbish, another half hour to set them up! No wiring, no chasing, only downside is 10 year lifespan, but hardly a major concern.

All detectors should be replaced every ten years anyway.

 

[gutterball]

If you are wiring off the light make sure it's got a permanent feed. Won't be the first time I have seen alarms only powered when the lights on.
Also recommend Aico.

 

[pirate]

Yes, Multimick, the do 10 year battery ones with radio link, Heat and smokes. I have fitted a few and I like them.

Andy78, I agree with what you say about lifespan. To clarify, sometimes folks baulk at the cost of the Aico radio linked ones, and their 10 year lifespan meaning they are looking at the same expense in another 10 years, however I ask them what is the price on their safety and they usually come round in the end. The lack of any need to raggle/chase/wire and redecorate makes the initial installation look very reasonable too.

 

[Automation ATO]

gas detector

 

[Pete999]

gas detector

13:30