Should Scottish Government delay new smoke detector law

[baldelectrician]

Was contacted by a local paper last week and asked about the Scottish Government smoke alarm requirements coming in on February.

Was mentioned in an article (and even had my good looks used to enhance sales ), although they spelled my name wrong (Stewart McLintock)

See below

 

[baldelectrician]

i bet every man in uk is think that ,most men in uk was hit with ugly stick when that where born , playboy might be knocking on your door soon wait hold that thought .

I have been told I have a face for radio

 

[Julie.]

I have been told I have a face for radio

Dangerous thing to say on this forum, where everyone has now seen your face!!

Although I would neither confirm nor reject your assertion...

 

[pc1966]

most men in uk was hit with ugly stick when that where born

In my case I fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

 

[pirate]

Interesting to see this thread raising some valuable points.
I won't repeat what has been said before, but i can confirm that I have received multiple requests for quotes to do installations to the new Scottish regs and the last 3 have all been driven by the clients concern over possible problems with insurance claims...rather than just keeping them safe.

My 2 most recent are in flats nearby, which are either 2 or 3 bed, and basically all these flats need the same minimum of a heat and 2 smokes, there being no gas installed and no other fuel-burning appliance. Of course, when installed, the 3 detectors are within 3 metres of each other, and in some cases you can actually see them all!

The residents are all reasonably well-to-do and savvy, and while a raised eyebrow is usual, the basic cost of £255 for Aico units is not an issue. This excludes fitting and commissioning and issuing a certificate, obviously. It's above the much touted figure the Scottish Government have postulated, and the latest 3 bed house i quoted for is coming in at £400 to match the minimum standard. I suggested extras, which I personally would have, but to no avail.

As word spreads throughout this local flatted development I am expecting many more enquiries, and of course they will all expect the same cost.

Thus, I learn now that my usual supplier, Safelincs, now offer these:

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range - £114.62 inc VAT

Buy the radio interlinked sealed battery 3 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm kit from the Hispec RF10-PRO Range. 5 year warranty and express delivery.

www.safelincs.co.uk

Anyone used them?
I have painted myself into a corner with Aico, as these HiSpec are much cheaper.
If I spec these cheaper ones, my previous clients might be a tad miffed...

On the other hand, I've never had a call back to an Aico unit. Thus, just wondering if any of you have any experience of the HiSpec units. I see availability is far from instant.

My gut reaction is to continue to spec Aico, but give the client the option to choose the cheaper units, and I'll fit them as usual.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[littlespark]

I’ve seen those hispec, and I tell customers they are new to market, I don’t have any idea on how reliable they are.

Aico have been around for years, and many of the ones I’m upgrading are already Aico.
And I’m listed as an Aico installer…. So I won’t be changing.

Have already been turned down a couple of times as being too expensive.

 

[pirate]

Thanks @littlespark

I too am listed as an Aico installer, and I too have been turned down as too expensive...but, know what? I'm ok with that...

A 5 year guarantee is only as good as the company behind it...

I'm discussing fitting the HiSpec ones with a friend, and we might go with them to see how they are, but he is a fully clued-up guy and that makes all the difference!


I'll report back...

 

[pc1966]

The residents are all reasonably well-to-do and savvy, and while a raised eyebrow is usual, the basic cost of £255 for Aico units is not an issue. This excludes fitting and commissioning and issuing a certificate, obviously. It's above the much touted figure the Scottish Government have postulated, and the latest 3 bed house i quoted for is coming in at £400 to match the minimum standard. I suggested extras, which I personally would have, but to no avail.

In many ways this is my biggest point of contention, that the gov has lied about the real-world cost of having it done by quoting a DIY price based on the (then) cheaper models like FireAngle.

I can think of a few folk personally who are struggling with fuel price increases and would be lucky to have a spare £50 let alone a few hundred.

Now I want to make it clear I think your £400 is quite reasonable for a professional install, and I am lucky (as probably most of the working folk on this forum are) that I can afford it. But it does ---- me off that this is being imposed on many poor folk by a party that claims to be up for helping those less well off.

Radio-Interlinked Sealed Battery 3 Smoke Alarms and 1 Heat Alarm Kit - Hispec RF10-PRO Range - £114.62 inc VAT

Buy the radio interlinked sealed battery 3 smoke alarms and 1 heat alarm kit from the Hispec RF10-PRO Range. 5 year warranty and express delivery.

www.safelincs.co.uk

Anyone used them?
I have painted myself into a corner with Aico, as these HiSpec are much cheaper.

I see "pre-order for 1 Feb" which is tight!

Having had poor results from FireAngel before I would be worried they are going to be cost-saving rubbish from China and have a high failure rate over a couple of years. Thankfully not in the business of installing them professionally so for family I'm going with Aico!

I would be genuinely interested in knowing how well they do.

 

[pc1966]

Having had poor results from FireAngel before I would be worried they are going to be cost-saving rubbish from China and have a high failure rate over a couple of years.

OK, checked the images and they are from China, where as I think Aico are from ROI.

I know which gov I would rather support!

 

[littlespark]

I’d never heard of hispec until this legislation was announced…. In fact, I only recall seeing them the past 6 months or so…

My concern would be they are a flash-in-the-pan get rich quick company that will disappear into the distance after a year or two after the detectors start failing.

Cynical. I know

 

[pirate]

Must say I agree...no track record, so have to be wary. My friend knows this and is happy to be guinea-pig this time round...but I will let you know. Thank you all for your comments..as usual, such help is invaluable.

 

[nicebutdim]

OK, checked the images and they are from China, where as I think Aico are from ROI.

I know which gov I would rather support!

I wonder if EI/Aico detectors are actually manufactured in IE?

 

[pc1966]

I wonder if EI/Aico detectors are actually manufactured in IE?

Probably not all of the parts, such is the supply chain these days. But if I can support counties with better human rights records I will.

 

[ferg]

I've just got my third job taking out fire angel detectors and replacing with Aico after less than 2 years.

In fairness they are a fair bit cheaper and compliant but longevity does not seem to be their strong suit.

 

[pc1966]

I've just got my third job taking out fire angel detectors and replacing with Aico after less than 2 years.

In fairness they are a fair bit cheaper and compliant but longevity does not seem to be their strong suit.

In my case it was the "10 year" batteries failing after about 2 years.

 

[James]

Worth noting that in England,
if you ask the local fire brigade they will come and fit smoke detectors for free if you are unable to afford them.