All about your smoke alarms

Your new home has mains-powered smoke alarms as standard. In this guide we’ll tell you a little about them and what you need to do to keep them in good working order.

About your alarms

• Your smoke alarms are mains-powered, with a standard nine-volt battery backup, so they’ll continue to work even if there’s a power cut.
• They’re linked, so if one is triggered all of the alarms in the house will sound.
• We will deal with any issues related to your smoke alarms during the first two years. After that you should deal directly with the manufacturer, who guarantees them for five years. 

If your smoke alarm beeps intermittently

• This normally means the mains power to the alarm isn’t working or the battery needs replacing.
• Check whether there has been a power cut and ensure the switch responsible for your alarms has not been tripped. For more information on this, please see our guide to your Consumer Unit.
• If there’s been no power cut and the alarm is definitely getting mains power, you’ll need to replace the battery.
• If that still doesn’t work, contact your New Home Customer Care team.

How to replace your alarm battery

Change the battery with a new one when the alarm beeps every 45 seconds.

1. Turn off the power, usually at the consumer unit (fuse box). Green LED should be off.
2. Using a small flat blade screwdriver gently flex the locking clips on the side of the base away from the alarm.
3. Using your other hand, disconnect the alarm by gently pulling away from the base
4. When alarm is removed, remove screw and open battery door on the rear of the alarm. Replace battery with Duracell MN1604, MX1604, Eveready BP3S, 6LF22, Goldpeak 1606A or 1604S.  Close battery door and refit the screw
5. Press the test button on the alarm to ensure correct operation before reinstalling. Locate the moulded arrow on the side of the base and smoke alarm. Position the smoke alarm just below the base with both arrows in the same orientation and locate the alarm onto the base by gently applying pressure until the alarm clicks into place.
6. Restore mains power and ensure green LED lights and press the test button to confirm operation.

Maintaining your smoke alarm

• Change the batteries as required.
• Keep your smoke alarm clean. Gentle vacuuming using a soft brush attachment will help to keep the sensors free of dust.
• Test the alarm regularly. We would suggest every month.
• The fire service recommends that you replace the entire alarm system every 10 years.