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myFire Alarm Installation Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of fitting fire alarms is around £100.
- The job will take approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes different fire alarm types to choose from, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
- How to find smoke alarm installers near you.
Want to discover the cost of fitting a fire alarm?
To get a fire alarm installed will usually cost around £100, but there are many cost factors that can change the overall cost, such as electrician prices, and the type you may need, such as interlinking smoke alarms.
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Table of Contents
- How Much Does Smoke Detector Installation Cost?
- Supply Only Costs
- Additional Costs
- Labour Costs and Timescales
- Cost Factors of Installing a Fire Alarm
- What's Involved in Installing a Fire Alarm?
- Can I Install a Fire Alarm Myself?
- Choosing a Fire Alarm
- Building Regulation for Fire Alarms
- Cost of Removing a Fire Alarm
- Hiring Someone to Install a Fire Alarm Checklist
- FAQs
- Sources
How Much Does Smoke Detector Installation Cost?
The cost of installing a fire alarm is not that high. It mostly depends on the type of alarm and how many you need.
If you are just installing an extra battery-powered alarm, you can buy one for £10 to £15. They are easy to install. If you need to pay for installation, the cost will be £40 to £75.
Mains-powered alarms will cost you more as they need to be installed by an electrician. The average cost is £75 to £125. This cost is per alarm.
If you want a smart-enabled fire alarm, then this will cost you more. You can expect to pay £80 to £100 with installation for a battery-powered alarm. For a mains-powered smart alarm, the cost will range between £105 and £250.
Do I need a smoke alarm and a heat detector? I have a smoke alarm in the hallway, but no heat detector. Are they a legal requirement?
"It is possible to have heat without smoke, but smoke without heat is rare. Best to be safe and have both, or a detector that does both jobs."
Installing Fire Alarm Prices
The price to install your fire alarms will depend on the type you choose and how many there are. The biggest difference comes from the way they are powered.
Battery Powered
| Type of Alarm | Cost per Alarm |
|---|---|
| Ionisation | £45 – £75 |
| Optical | £40 – £70 |
| Heat | £45 – £75 |
| Smart | £80 – £200 |
| Linked | £45 – £75 |
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Mains-Powered
| Type of Alarm | Cost per Alarm |
|---|---|
| Ionisation | £70 – £125 |
| Optical | £65 – £120 |
| Heat | £70 – £125 |
| Smart | £105 – £250 |
| Linked | £70 – £125 |
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Supply Only Costs
Buying a fire alarm is usually pretty cheap. They are generally pretty cheap unless it is a more technical smart alarm.
| Type of Alarm | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mains-Powered | £10 – £20 |
| Battery Powered | £10 – £15 |
| Ionisation | £15 – £25 |
| Optical | £10 – £20 |
| Heat | £15 – £25 |
| Smart | £50 – £150 |
| Linked | £15 – £25 |
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Additional Costs
If you are getting a mains-powered system, then there are other jobs you might want or need to get done while you have an electrician in your home.
Getting An Electrical Safety Certificate
If you plan to rent your property or have concerns about the wiring, getting an electrical safety certificate can be a good idea. It’s a good job to combine with fitting a fire alarm, as most electricians can do both jobs for you. The average cost of an electrical safety certificate is £120.
Rewire Your Home
If your home is older and hasn't been modernised recently, then it is possible that while fitting a fire alarm, your electrician may discover that there are problems with the wiring of your home.
If this is the case, you may need to get your home rewired. Otherwise, you may not be covered by your insurance. Home rewiring costs are high at around £4,000, making it a costly job if needed.
Fitting a Security System
While thinking about your fire alarms, you may also want to think about your home's security system. It might be time for an upgrade or simply time to install one.
The cost of a new security system for supply and fitting is around £500. However, the size of your home is a big factor in the final cost.
I've just spotted a replace-by date on my smoke alarm. I've pressed the test button, and it still seems to work. Do I need to replace it or not?
"It is always advisable to replace them once they have reached the expiry date, as you can’t guarantee the functionality of the alarm. It may be down to the internal battery or sensor within the unit."
Labour Costs and Timescales
You can probably fit a battery-powered alarm yourself. However, if you don't feel confident, you can hire any tradesperson willing to do the job for you. They will probably charge you for no more than an hour of your time.
The cost will vary depending on where you are and the tradesperson you choose. A price of £30 to £50 would be reasonable. The job should take no more than 30 minutes.
Fitting a mains-powered alarm will require an electrician. Most will charge per alarm that needs to be fitted. Prices range between £55 to £100 per alarm.
You should expect the work to take a minimum of 1 to 2 hours, with an extra 30 minutes for each alarm after the first one.
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Cost Factors of Installing a Fire Alarm
When calculating the price for fitting fire alarms in your home, there are a few factors to consider.
Type of Fire Alarm
The type of fire alarm will affect the cost per unit. Assuming that they are mains-powered alarms, the type will make no difference in the installation cost.
If you have battery-powered alarms, you will most likely be able to fit them yourself.
Location of property
Your property's location will affect the installation cost. Tradespeople's rates are different in different cities. London usually has the highest rates, and prices generally drop as you travel north.
Ease of Access
If accessing your consumer box or running the wires is especially difficult, this may add to the cost. If you can't run the wires above the ceiling, you may need to pay extra to have the wires boxed in or just tacked into position along the ceiling.
Number of Fire Alarms
The more alarms you have, the higher the supply costs will be. Most electricians will quote you an installation cost per alarm, so the more alarms there are, the higher the fitting cost.
What's Involved in Installing a Fire Alarm?
There is a big difference between installing a battery-powered alarm and a mains-powered alarm. Fitting a mains-powered alarm is a job that should only be done by a licensed electrician.
Installing A Battery Powered Alarm
Installing a battery-powered alarm is a simple process. All you need to do is decide where to place it. It should be away from any light fittings and bathroom doors.
You remove the cover and use screws to fix the base of the alarm to the ceiling. Then, all that’s left is to pop in the batteries and replace the cover.
Installing A Mains-Powered Alarm
The first step will be to make sure there is a dedicated slot on your consumer unit to run your fire alarms off. It will usually be a 6 Amp circuit breaker. With the power off, the wires are first run to the consumer unit.
Depending on the location of the alarms and the consumer unit, the smoke alarm wire may be run above the ceiling, or it may have to be boxed in.
Next, the wire from the consumer unit is connected to the smoke alarm. If your alarms are linked, then a second wire is connected at the same time, which will go to the next alarm in the chain.
The smoke alarm is fixed to the ceiling with screws, and the connections are checked. Finally, the cover is put back on.
Can I Install a Fire Alarm Myself?
It all depends on the type of fire alarm you have chosen to go for. It is a quick and simple job if you are just installing battery-powered smoke alarms. You need to screw the alarms into place.
If you are replacing mains-powered smoke alarms with a similar system, then it is often a simple job. However, you should only take it on if you have experience working with electrics.
If you are installing a new, mains-powered fire alarm, then you should leave it to a professional. This installation involves working with your mains electrical system, and can be dangerous if not completed correctly.
Choosing a Fire Alarm
When choosing the type of fire alarm you want, you need to think about how it will be powered and which features you want it to have. You may need more than one type of alarm to have a comprehensive alarm system.
I'm buying a new smoke alarm, but my current alarm only lasted a couple of years. What types should I consider for a long-lasting alarm?
"Smoke alarms should be mains fitted, and will last a long time as they don't run on battery but have a battery for backup should the power ever go. A couple of years seems a bit short, but Fire Angel is a very good make that I've had no complaints for, and it lasts a long time (5+ years)."
Power Source
The way your alarms are powered is a big decision. It affects the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance.
Mains Fire Alarm Cost
Mains-powered alarms are wired directly into your electrical system. They do not need any maintenance, but they must be fitted by an electrician. The average cost for mains-powered alarms is £15.
Pros
- ✔ Peace of mind that it is always working
- ✔ No maintenance
Cons
- ✖ More expensive installation
Battery Fire Alarm Cost
Battery-operated alarms can be powered by standard batteries or ten-year batteries, although these cost a lot more. The average cost of a battery-powered alarm is £10.
Pros
- ✔ Easy to install
- ✔ Cheaper to install
Cons
- ✖ Batteries need to be replaced
- ✖ Alarm should be tested every week
Features
Another consideration in the type of alarm that you choose is how it works and the features it may have. Some alarms may have more than one of these features, while others only offer a single feature.
Ionisation Fire Alarm Cost
In an ionisation alarm, the air inside the alarm is ionised. This allows a current to flow. When smoke enters the alarm, it breaks the circuit and sets the alarms off. The average cost for this type of alarm is £20.
Pros
- ✔ Works well in dusty areas
- ✔ Not affected by cigarette smoke
Cons
- ✖ Can give false alarms if placed too near the kitchen
Optical Fire Alarm Cost
Optical alarms contain a light sensor and a red LED. Every few seconds, the light sensor checks how much light it can detect from the LED. The smoke from large fires scatters the light and sets the alarm off. The average cost for an optical alarm is £15.
Pros
- ✔ Works well in kitchens and hallways
- ✔ Does not trigger from cooking
Cons
- ✖ Does not work well in dusty places
- ✖ Bathroom steam can set them off
Smart Fire Alarm Cost
Smart alarms not only sound an alarm when they detect a fire, but they also send an alert to your phone. Depending on your chosen type, this may be via a message or by making your phone make an alarm sound. The average cost of a smart alarm is £100.
Pros
- ✔ Can alert you to a fire no matter where you are
- ✔ Makes it more likely you will hear the alarm
Cons
- ✖ You get what you pay for – some are better than others
Heat Fire Alarm Cost
Heat alarms are triggered when the air temperature gets higher. This means they are not prone to false alarms when you burn the toast. The average cost for a heat alarm is £20.
Pros
- ✔ No false alarms
- ✔ Can be placed directly in the kitchen or a garage
Cons
- ✖ Does not go off until a fire is established – can be a later alert to a problem
Linked Fire Alarm Cost
Linked alarms can be joined with or without wires. When any of the alarms in the system detects a problem, all of the linked alarms will go off. This is a good option for larger homes or homes with soundproofed rooms. The average cost of linked alarms is £20.
Pros
- ✔ The whole building is alerted if there is a problem
Cons
- ✖ Wireless ones can be a little unreliable
Building Regulation for Fire Alarms
Building regulations now specify that all smoke/heat/fire alarms in a home should be mains-powered.
This means that if you have any other work done on your home that will be subject to building regulations, then you will be required to also fit a mains-powered alarm if you do not have one.
If you want to have battery-powered alarms in addition to a mains-powered alarm, that is absolutely fine. If there is one mains-powered alarm in your home, you can do whatever else you want.
Since work on the electrics in your home should be carried out by a Part P registered electrician, this will also affect the installation of your alarms.
Building regulations also cover the placement of the alarms. There must be at least one alarm placed in each circulating space. This means that you should have one alarm within each hallway of your home.
That is the minimum requirement, but having more alarms may be necessary to ensure you are fully covered and protected. If you are unsure, you can ask for advice from your local fire station.
Cost of Removing a Fire Alarm
If you are changing to a completely new system, you may want to remove the old one. The cost will depend on the type of alarm system you need to remove.
If the old alarms are battery-powered, removing them is very easy. All you need to do is unscrew them from the ceiling. Then, patch the holes. If you are concerned about your budget, this is a very simple job to DIY, and pretty much anyone should be able to do it.
If the old system was mains wired, you will be best off getting an electrician in to sort it out. The cost will depend on how much time they need to complete the work. Electricians usually charge £50 to £120 per hour, depending on where you are in the country. The more alarms there are to remove, the more it will cost.
There is no cost for disposing of old smoke alarms, as you can just take them to your local recycling centre or tip. They can be put in the specialist electronics disposal section, where they will be disposed of properly.
Hiring Someone to Install a Fire Alarm Checklist
When looking for someone to install a fire alarm system in your home, you have two options. You can either use a specialist fire safety company or use an electrician.
You might choose a specialist fire safety company if your home has a complicated or unusual layout and you are looking for a comprehensive fire safety risk assessment and plan.
Whichever type of specialist you choose, there are a few things to look out for.
- Experience – Make sure you choose someone with experience with the type of alarm you need.
- Part P registered – This means that they can self-certify any work they do on your electrics as being safe regarding building regulations.
- Reviews – Always check the online reviews of any tradesperson you are considering. It is a good way to get an idea of any potential problems that might arise.
FAQs
How often do you need to replace a fire alarm?
It depends on the type of alarm system you have. However, any smoke detectors that are part of a fire alarm should be replaced every ten years. After this time, they become less sensitive and may miss the early signs of a fire.
Can I get a free fire alarm?
Many local fire stations offer 'Safe and Well' visits. In these visits, they will assess the fire safety of your home. If you need alarms, they may fit some basic ones for you then and there. This is a good option for anyone struggling to pay for an alarm.
There can be a long wait for a visit. So, if you can afford one yourself, it is a good idea to arrange for your own fire alarm.
There can be a long wait for a visit. So, if you can afford one yourself, it is a good idea to arrange for your own fire alarm.
What is the difference between a smoke alarm and a fire alarm?
A smoke alarm responds to a large amount of smoke or particulates in the air. A fire alarm usually has more than one type of sensor. They often also have heat detectors that can detect if the temperature in your home is abnormally high.
A fire alarm may also describe a system of connected devices in your home rather than a single smoke alarm.
Do read any information carefully, as sometimes the terms "smoke alarm" and "fire alarm" are used interchangeably.
A fire alarm may also describe a system of connected devices in your home rather than a single smoke alarm.
Do read any information carefully, as sometimes the terms "smoke alarm" and "fire alarm" are used interchangeably.
What is the cost of installing smoke alarms – UK?
The cost will depend on the type of smoke alarms you choose. Basic battery-powered alarms average at about £12. If you want the alarms connected, it will be nearer £150 for two.
For wired smoke alarms, you can expect to pay around £90, per alarm point. For the wired options, this extra cost includes the cost of installation.
For wired smoke alarms, you can expect to pay around £90, per alarm point. For the wired options, this extra cost includes the cost of installation.
What is the average fire alarm cost – UK?
The average cost depends on the type of system you are fitting. The cheap option is to opt for battery-powered alarms; The average price is£15.
Wired fire alarms price per point is on average £100. The average cost for app-enabled fire alarms is nearer £200. For these mains-powered options, the cost of installation is included.
Wired fire alarms price per point is on average £100. The average cost for app-enabled fire alarms is nearer £200. For these mains-powered options, the cost of installation is included.
Sources
https://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/safety/smoke-alarms
https://www.fireangel.co.uk/products/?type=smoke
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b
