The benefits of using a mains-powered smoke detector

A fire usually occurs when you least expect it, which is at night. It spreads quickly as well, but the real killer is smoke. If you are asleep when a fire starts and do not have a smoke detector, your chances of survival are low.

A series of mains-powered smoke alarms can be installed in your home if they are connected to an independent circuit or lighting circuit if necessary. The activation of one of the smoke detectors will cause the other ones to sound, which is ideal for the hard of hearing and those with larger properties but a worthwhile investment for many others.

Simply put, mains-powered smoke detectors are safer than battery-powered counterparts. A battery-powered smoke detector's battery could die at any time, and if you don't check it regularly, you won't know. This would not occur with a mains-powered smoke detector because you do not always turn off your electricity for extended periods of time. If your electricity went out, your mains-powered smoke detector would not be affected because it has a battery backup to ensure it retains power during emergencies.

Current building regulations (BS 5839‑6) advise that new build and materially altered premises should have a Grade D, Category LD2 alarm system with smoke alarms installed in escape routes and high-risk areas e.g. hallways, landings and the principal habitable room such as the living room along with heat detectors in every kitchen.

This is required for good reason and should be adopted in older properties too. It can be straightforward to bring older properties in line with current best practices to ensure the safety of your home.

If you do not have main powered smoke alarms or are not sure if they are working correctly, you should contact your local electrician in Warrington for further advice.