New Regulations for Scottish Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

New regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have been announced for Scottish homes. The regulations begin from February 2022 and will affect all homeowners and landlords with a domestic property in Scotland.

What are the new Scottish alarm rules?

Announced in February 2019 and in effect from February 2022 (delayed from 2021), all homes in Scotland must be fitted with interlinked smoke and heat alarms. Most homes will also need a carbon monoxide alarm.

Do the new regulations for Scottish smoke and carbon monoxide alarms affect me?

The new requirements apply to all homes in Scotland regardless of the age or type of property. Unlike normal updates to building regulations or British Standards, the new law applies to all types of home. This includes older domestic properties, new builds and homes that have been extended or renovated before or after the rules come into effect. It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure suitable alarms are correctly installed.

What type of alarms do I need?

Not all alarms on the market are suitable and choosing the correct alarm is vital to complying with the law. All alarms must be either mains-powered (hardwired to a circuit, not a mains plug) with a backup battery, or powered by a tamper-proof battery that lasts the full lifespan of the alarm. Smoke & heat alarms must also be interlinked so that they all sound as soon as one detects a fire.

Carbon monoxide alarms have the same power requirements but do not need to be interlinked. They are necessary in any property that has a carbon-fuelled appliance (e.g. boiler or open fire) or a flue.

Use our overview below to help you identify how many and what type of alarm you require to comply with the new Scottish law:

• One smoke alarm in the room most frequently used during the daytime.
• One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey (e.g. hallways and landings).
• One heat alarm in each kitchen.
• The smoke and heat alarms must be ceiling-mounted and interlinked.
• Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance or a flue, a carbon monoxide alarm is also required.
• All types of alarm must be mains powered OR powered by a tamper-proof lifetime battery.
• All alarms must be regularly maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Where can I buy a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that complies with the new Scottish rules?

To help customers choose the best interlinked smoke and heat alarms for their property, we have collected all of our suitable alarms into a dedicated Alarms Suitable for Scottish Regulations section. There are also Scotland smoke alarm kits available to make it easier for home owners to purchase everything they need in one package.

FAQs

Do smoke alarms need to be hardwired in Scotland?

No, there are alternatives to hardwired smoke alarms that comply with the new regulations. To comply with the new Scottish law from February 2022, all smoke alarms in Scotland should be either hardwired to a circuit (mains-powered) with a back-up battery or powered by a lifetime tamper-proof battery.

Have the Scottish smoke alarm regulations been delayed?

Yes. The new Scottish regulations for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms have been delayed until February 2022.

I rent my home in Scotland, should my landlord fit alarms that comply with the new regulations?

Yes. By law, landlords should fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in line with the new regulations by February 2022.

Are carbon monoxide detectors required by law in Scotland?

Yes, carbon monoxide alarms are required in all homes in Scotland from February 2022 if the property has a carbon-fuelled appliance (such as a boiler, gas cooker or open fire) or a flue.

Further information:

Summary guide for British Standard 5839 Part 6  provides more detail on the different types of alarm, where to position them, and some guidance on installation.

Further advice on Scottish smoke and co alarm regulations

Reviewed: 02/11/2021 (doc:559 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.