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230V Smoke and Heat Alarms

230V smoke alarms provide the ultimate level of protection for homes and rental properties as they don't require regular maintenance. We have a large selection of 230V heat, ionisation and optical smoke alarms so you can ensure you have the right alarm fitted based on the environment.

Heat alarms are best suited to rooms that are often exposed to steam or smoke, such as kitchens. Ionisation alarms are sensitive to small particles and ideal for anywhere storing combustible materials. Optical smoke alarms are a great all-rounder as they can detect visible particles and sound loud enough to wake up even the deepest of sleepers.

Our alarms are all CE-tested and BSI-certified, demonstrating their high quality and reliability. In a hurry? Order before 2pm for free next-day delivery on orders over £60.

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Mains Ionisation Alarms

These alarms detect very small particles in the air, so they can be triggered by debris rising from flames right at the start of a fire. They are ideal for use in the home and anywhere storing easily combustible materials, from paper to furnishing. (Don't use ionisation alarms in a kitchen, or near a bathroom, however, as even a small amount of steam will set them off!)

The Kidde Firex 4881 mains ionisation alarm is the best alarm available in our view, and comes with a 10 year guarantee and 10 year long-life lithium battery for peace of mind.

Want to know more about the science of ionisation alarms? See our safety article on How Smoke Alarms Work.

Photoelectrical or Optical Smoke Alarms

Installing optical smoke alarms is like employing a dedicated fire watch squad all over your home or business premises.

Optical alarms, as their name suggests, 'see' visible smoke particles and sound an alarm that is loud enough to wake a sleeping family in time to escape. Since optical alarms are triggered by visible particles, they work best in detecting smouldering fires that produce smoke or ash.

The Kidde Firex 4985 optical mains smoke alarm with its long-life 10-year battery backup is an absolute bargain.

Fascinated with the inner workings of an optical smoke alarm? Don't take one apart but, read our safety article on How Smoke Alarms Work instead!

Heat Alarms

OK, another no-brainer as to what these detector detect. If your home was built after the year 2000, chances are, you have a heat alarm already installed in your kitchen. Even if you burn the toast or boil a pan of water dry, this alarm will only sound if an actual fire results.

Heat alarms operate when the temperature rises above 57 degrees C (that's 135 degrees F), and can protect dusty or enclosed spaces such as garages, lofts or basements. As a result, you can install one on your kitchen or near your bathroom, as they are unaffected by steam.(Optical or ionisation alarms might be triggered by the dust in these areas, or by car fumes in a garage.)

The Best Alarm for Your Home or Business

In fact, we should say, the best alarms, plural. At the very minimum, you should install a heat alarm in every kitchen, a ionisation smoke detector in each room, and an optical detector on the landing.

Choosing the right fire alarm for your space can feel overwhelming. With our range of Kidde and Firehawk 230V smoke alarms, you're guaranteed quality, durability and optimum safety. Find out more about which type may be best for you.

What is a 230V smoke alarm?

230V smoke alarms are mains powered and connect to the main power supply of the building. They also contain a backup battery for additional protection in the event of a power cut. Initial installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician, however, you can easily interlink wireless alarms without additional wiring.

Are 230V smoke alarms the most reliable?

This type of smoke detector is commonly used and recommended by fire and rescue services across the UK – they also meet the 2022 Scottish Regulation Alarm standards. All our 230V smoke alarms are BSI-approved and CE-tested to meet current safety standards. Unlike battery-operated smoke alarms, they require less maintenance when using a long-life lithium backup battery and come with a 10-year guarantee.

What is an ionisation smoke alarm?

Ionisation smoke alarms are extremely sensitive and detect fast flaming fires. They are perfect for spaces that contain combustible materials, like paper or furnishings, as they will provide warning of a potential fire almost immediately. This does, however, make them extremely sensitive to cooking fumes and should therefore be kept away from kitchens, bathrooms and other similar environments.

What is a heat alarm?

Heat alarms are less sensitive to fumes and steam, and they will only alarm when they detect a significant change in temperature in the room (normally 57°C). They are best suited to rooms that have regular exposure to smoke or steam, such as bathrooms, kitchens or garages.

What is an optical smoke alarm?

An optical smoke alarm (also known as a photoelectric smoke alarm) uses a pulsed infrared LED light that checks for smoke particles every 10 seconds. They are quick at detecting slow-smouldering fires and are less likely to have false alarms than other types of detectors. Optical smoke alarms are ideal for hallways, living rooms, offices or any room away from humidity or steam.

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