Do You Really Need a Domestic Fire Alarm?
Here's what you should know
Most of us know that fire alarm save lives - but many households are still unsure how many sensors are needed, where to put them, and what the law requires. Here's a simple breakdown.
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The Law in Scotland (since February 2022)
By law, every home in Scotland must have:
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One smoke alarm in the living room (or the room you use most).
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One smoke alarm in every hallway or landing.
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One heat alarm in the kitchen.
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All alarms must be interlinked - if one goes off, they all go off.
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If you have a carbon-fuel appliance (like a gas boiler, fireplace, or stove), you must also have a carbon monoxide detector, though this doesn’t need to be linked.
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Where to Place Your Alarms​
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Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling, ideally in the centre of the room, at least 30cm away from walls or light fittings.
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Heat alarms belong in kitchens or garages where cooking fumes could trigger false smoke alarms.
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Don’t put alarms in bathrooms (steam can set them off).
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For flats, alarms should be in each circulation space (like hallways) on every level.
Most people choose either mains-powered alarms with a backup battery, or sealed battery alarms (lasting up to 10 years). Remember - both comply with Scottish legislation.
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Why It Matters​
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It’s the law – homeowners and landlords are responsible for compliance.
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It saves lives – giving you early warning to escape safely.
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It protects property – fast detection means quicker response.
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It offers peace of mind – especially if alarms are interlinked and smart-enabled.
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Final Word
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Yes - you really do need a domestic fire alarm system, and not just one. In Scotland, the law is clear about how many sensors you need and where to put them. Getting this right isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about protecting the people and the home you love.
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Not sure what system suits your home? Contact us today for friendly advice on choosing and installing compliant fire alarms.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Fire Alarms in Scotland
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1. Do I need a fire alarm in every bedroom?
No, the law doesn’t require alarms inside bedrooms. However, you must have a smoke alarm in the hallway or landing outside sleeping areas so it can be heard at night.
2. Do fire alarms need to be hardwired?
No. Both mains-powered alarms with backup batteries and sealed long-life battery alarms (lasting up to 10 years) are acceptable, as long as they are interlinked.
3. How do interlinked alarms work?
If one alarm goes off, all alarms in the property will sound. This ensures everyone in the home is alerted, even if the fire starts on a different floor or in another room.
4. What if I live in a flat?
Each flat needs its own alarms. You must have:
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One smoke alarm in the main living area
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One smoke alarm in each hallway or landing
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One heat alarm in the kitchen
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Shared stairwells or communal areas don’t require alarms.
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5. Do landlords have different responsibilities?
Yes. Landlords must make sure alarms are installed and working at the start of every tenancy. Tenants should test them regularly and report any issues.
6. Do I also need a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes, if your home has any carbon-fuelled appliance (like a gas boiler, fire, heater, or stove) or a flue. It doesn’t need to be interlinked, but it must be compliant with standard EN 50291.
7. What happens if I don’t comply with the law?
While there are no direct fines for homeowners, non-compliance could affect your home insurance and may put your family at risk. For landlords, failure to comply is a breach of tenancy law.