Should I have a smoke alarm and heat detector?

Do I need to have both a smoke alarm and a heat detector? I have a smoke alarm in the hallway but no heat detector? Are they a legal requirement? Do I really need to have one?

Asked by Monika Lydia on 31st Mar 2020
Expert Trade Answers
"A fixed heat detector will do everything you need, they are around£12 from screwfix or local diy stores they aren't a legal requirement but cover all aspects and they normally come in a twin pack with a carbon monoxide detector, hope this helps. Andy"
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Jun 2018 - report
"They are required if you are a tenant.
If you are rewiring, it is usually something that is required."
Answered on 20th May 2020 - Member since Apr 2020 - report
"Hi

It is posible 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.

Ashley
Total Home Experts"
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"We would recommend always to have a heat detector within the kitchen. It may be a requirement of the BCO and associated regulations but this is dependent upon your premises.
If you can send more details of the property we will be in a better position to advise. Alternatively you can google home fire alarm guide."
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Oct 2018 - report
"All domestic properties should have smoke detectors in hallway, top of stair landing and living room and also a heat detector within the kitchen."
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Nov 2019 - report
"Hi, you would have a smoke detector in the hallway and if it is a two story house you will need one at the top. A heat detector would be used in a kitchen. If you are going to rent the property out then you have to as they are a legal requirement. If you’re not renting the property out it is not but I would extremely recommend them as this will help alert you if there is a fire in your home."
Answered on 7th Jun 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"Hi
There is legal requirement to have a heat detector as well as smoke alarm.
Regards
Andrews audio and visual"
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Apr 2018 - report
"If you have a smoke alarm that is working then you will be fine. A smoke alarm will give you a much earlier warning than a heat detector. You only really need a heat detector in a place that smoke or steam may be present anyway such as a factory or kitchen. You could always fit a second smoke alarm, up stairs for example."
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"For new build properties, the regulations require a heat detector in the kitchen. This is normally interlinked with the smoke detectors in the hall and landing, but for older properties it's only a recommendation and is not an absolute legal requirement! So its perfectly reasonable to say no thank you.

If it's not your own flat, then it's up to the Landlord or Housing Association etc if a heat detector is fitted, so you would not be able to refuse if they have requested one to be fitted."
Answered on 1st Apr 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"Yes it is highly recommended in today’s day to have both smoke detectors and heat detection in your home.
You may also require a carbon monoxide detector if you are using gas appliances in your home."
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
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