How to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Today we’re going to be talking about the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you decide to install them yourself then it’s good to know the correct procedure so you get it right first time. If there’s anything here you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to talk you through it.

Most carbon monoxide and smoke alarms will be securely attached to the ceiling or wall. This is done with adhesion or screws. Knowing where to place them is important. It is advised by the Fire Service to install your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at every level of the house. If you have a lot of large appliances, such as TVs and freezers, then more alarms around these areas is important. You also need to make sure you fit smoke alarms where you’re likely to hear them, for instance near your bedrooms. If you only have one floor, then fix them in the hallway that’s ideally between where you sleep and spend most of your time in the living area. You don’t want them near a bathroom because the steam is likely to keep setting them off, also don’t fit them near garages or in your kitchen where again, steam and fumes may set them off. Fit them to the ceiling and around 25 to 30cm from a light fitting.

So now we move on to installation.

We’re going to talk generically about how to install one with screws, either a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm. Adhesive fit batteries are fairly simple and straightforward to install, just follow the instructions on the outside of the packet they come in.

You’ll need googles to protect your eyes from any debris or dust that falls from the ceiling and a reliable ladder, consider a tape measure, power drill, pencil, and if you don’t have a ladder, then a step stool, also a hammer and screwdriver.

You’ll need to remove the base plate from the alarm itself and break out any tabs from the base plate. That’s if they have them at all, don’t worry if they don’t. Make sure that where you’re going to be placing your alarms isn’t on a hidden pipe or cable before you start drilling. 

Use the slots on the base plate to guide on where the screw holes should go and use a pencil to mark the areas. Start drilling these screw holes and make sure you wear your goggles. Make sure you insert some wall plugs, a firm fit will be best, and this can be done by firmly pressing them in with your fingers. Then you can fit the base plate to the wall using your screwdriver and the screws that will have come with the alarms.  You’ll also need to fit the battery, making sure you don’t set it off as you do.

RML Electrical – for carbon monoxide and smoke alarm instillation.

We’re here for you and if you need any help concerning what we’ve discussed today, then give us a call, we’re here to help you. We can supply and fit most alarms and we’re here to answer your questions.