Below are a collection of commonly asked questions we receive from our UK visitors. If you need any further help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to help. Please note that the answers apply only to our UK customers.
Q: I have a very deep window sill. Do all your escape ladders fit?
A:Some models, such as Kidde and
Saf-Escape ladders will only fit specific wall thicknesses and limited window sill depth. Other models, such as Kletter-Fix and Easiscape escape ladders are independent from the window sill or wall thickness.
The Kidde fire escape ladder is suitable for a wall thickness of up to 11 inches.
The Saf-Escape ladders are sold in three versions: for walls not thicker than 10 inches, for walls with 10 to 14 inches thickness and for walls with 14 to 18 inches thickness.
The Kidde fire escape ladder is suitable for a wall thickness of up to 11 inches.
The Rollo Roll-out fire escape ladder has adjustable hooks for wall thickness up to 20 inches.
The X-It fire escape ladder has also adjustable hooks for wall thickness up to 20 inches.
If you need escape ladders for even thicker walls, please inform us by e-mail at support@safelincs.co.uk.
Q: My window sill has not got a lip or overhang. Does this matter?
A: No. None of the ladders requires an overhang of the sill, neither on the inside nor the outside, as the ladders should locate against the wall and the top of the sill, only.
Q: I have a radiator underneath the window sill. Can I still use your ladders?
A: Our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders only require space for the special wall-mounted steel bar to be screwed to the wall. The ladder is then hooked to this bar in an emergency. The bar can be fitted underneath the window sill or above the window, as long as the masonry is sound.
The Kidde and the Saf-Escape ladders only require about one inch of space underneath the window sill.
The X-It and the Rollo escape ladders can clamp over the radiator
The Easiscape ladder is clipped into eyebolts which can be fitted underneath the radiator
Q: My window sill is unsound. Can I still use your ladders?
A: The Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladders require a bar to be fitted on the inside below or above a window. It is therefore very important that the masonry is sound. The window sill is only required as a handhold and to straddle while you are climbing out of the room onto the ladder. If in doubt please contact your builder.
The Kidde and Saf-Escape ladders are hooked over the window sill with large hooks resting against the inside wall and the outside wall. This means that the window sill itself does only take a vertical load and will not slip as long as the hooks are placed correctly and the wall itself is sound..
Please ensure that the wall is of sound structure and follow the written instructions supplied with each ladder.
Never hook the ladder hook-ends over the frame of the window, only!
Q: I have a Velux window. Which ladder can you recommend?
A: The best suited products are the Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder and the Easiscape ladder. Both ladders are rolled up in a fire retardantbacking sheet and can be deployed easily and quickly over a sloping roof.
Both the Kidde and the Kletter-Fix escape ladders are not suitable for Velux windows
Q: I have a Dormer window. Which ladder can you recommend?
A: The best suited products are the Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder and the Easiscape ladder. Both ladders are rolled up in a fire retardantbacking sheet and can be deployed easily and quickly over a sloping roof.
Both the Kidde and the Kletter-Fix escape ladders are not suitable for Velux windows
Q: Are the ladders safe for children?
A: Portable escape ladders: Children should only use the ladders under adult supervision. The supervising adult should usually exit first to stabilise the ladder with his weight and to be able to help the child onto the ladder. Very small children need to be carried in a baby carrier (in front of chest)
The SaffoldModum external foldout fire escape ladders are very safe to use for children from apprx. school age and can be used in conjunction with an escape harness, which prevents accidental falling.
Please note that all fire escape devices must not be used for any other purpose than an emergency exit.
Q: Where can I store the ladder?
A: The Saf-escape, Kidde, Rollo, X-It and Kletter-Fix escape ladders are stored in cardboard boxes. They can be stored under a bed or on top of a wardrobe. Please ensure that children have no unsupervised access to the escape ladder!
Q: Can I practise the escape routine?
A: The Saf-escape ladders can be fully tested and in actual fact must be installed at least once to assemble the standoffs in the relevant positions. However, test the ladder at this point by standing on the bottom rung to test the soundness of the anchorage first. There are clear instructions provided with the ladder to show how the ladder must be re-packed after a test to ensure the perfect application of the ladder in an emergency.
We do not recommend that you test the Kletter-Fix ladders as they are quite difficult to re-pack. They should only be hooked onto their fixing bar to familiarise yourself with the use of the ladder. If you do deploy a Kletter-Fix ladder please ensure you re-pack the ladder afterwards according to the instructions.
The Kidde escape ladder can only be tested by placing the hooks over the window sill. The velcro strap securing the pack of rungs must not be undone. Otherwise any warranty for the product becomes invalid. This is to ensure that in the case of emergency the ladder unfolds perfectly.
The Rollo Roll-Out fire escape ladder can be fully tested. The ladder has to be rolled-up carefully after use to ensure that the backing sheet is correctly positioned. Please note that there is a risk of damage to the guttering and roof if you climb up or down this ladder if used from a Velux window or a dormer window.
The X-It fire escape ladder can also be tested. But as the segments lock into each other at deployment, it is not easy to pack away this ladder. Usually you will have to lower this ladder to the outside ground level to dis-engage the segments. Please note that there is a risk of damage to any protruding structures underneath the escape window when testing the ladder.
Q: I have double-glazed windows that do not fully open. Can I still use your ladders?
A: You might if you can break the panes safely to escape. It is important to know that you must hit the corners of the pane to break a double-glazed pane. Never hit the centre of the pane, as the tool might bounce back and hurt you. You might want to keep a hammer or special tool available for this purpose. Obviously it is difficult to test your ladder under these circumstances, so special caution must be taken when choosing a ladder. Please note that we do not recommend the Kidde escape ladder for this applications as sharp glass fragments might damage the ropes or the fabric of this ladder.
Q: My window only opens at the top. Can I use a fire escape ladder?
A: Only if you can break the bottom pane safely to escape. You might want to keep a hammer or special tool available for this purpose. It is important to know that you must hit the corners of the pane to break a double-glazed pane. Never hit the centre of the pane, as the tool might bounce back and hurt you. Obviously it is difficult to test your ladder under these circumstances beforehand, so special caution must be taken when choosing the best ladder. Please note that we do not recommend the Kidde escape ladder for this applications as sharp glass fragments might damage the ropes or the fabric of this ladder.
Q: I would like to see your ladders before I purchase one. Where can I see one?
A: Please let us know where you live(support@safelincs.co.uk) and we will put you in contact with the nearest distributor. You can also order a ladder and return it to us within 14 days if you do not wish to keep it. Please note that you will have to pay for the return shipment cost. Your initial shipping charges will of course be refunded.
Q: I have very limited space around the window. Which escape ladder do you recommend?
A: We would recommend the Easiscape ladder which only requires two eyebolts underneath the window to clip the ladder into.
Q: I want to fit an escape ladder on a balcony or over a railing. What do you recommend?
A: Our Kletter-Fix mobile escape ladder can be hooked over the structurally sound railing of a balcony or any other sound railing.(max width 70mm) .
Q: How can I test my heat alarm?
A: Our heat alarms have test buttons. Press the test button for about five seconds. If you want to test the alarm with a heat source you can test the alarm with a hair dryer. Be careful as not to damage the plastic or sensor with excessive heat. Do not attempt test using open fire as this will damage the unit!
Q: How can I make sure I hear the smoke alarm?
A: Our mains powered smoke alarms and radio-interlinked alarms are all interlinked. If one alarm detects fire it passes that information to all other smoke alarms in the same system. You can interconnect some of our alarms with other smoke alarms from our range. We also offer fire detection systems for the hard of hearing featuring strobe lights and vibration pads for the pillow.
Q: How do I interconnect different alarms that are 'interconnectable'?
A: EI battery-operated smoke alarms (have letter 'C' in the part number):With two strands of bell wire or twin cable. Kidde and Aico mains-powered alarms: With 3 core wire. All radio-interlinked smoke alarms: No signal cables required between the alarms. The alarms will interlink instead with radio-frequency.
Q: Which smoke alarm has a relay contact to connect to a GSM dialer?
A: There are two main options:
For mains powered, any Ei140 or 160 series alarm can be mounted on an Ei128R or Ei128RBU relay base. This will then give a switched output from the volt-free relay contacts whenever the alarm is triggered.
For low-voltage, the Ei100R, 105R, Ei181, Ei186 can be used. All of these units have a built-in set of volt-free relay contacts to again give a switched output.
Q: How do I operate Magnetic Door Retainers using a smoke alarm system without central panel?
A: Probably the easiest and option is to use Ei140 or Ei160 series smoke alarms. One of the units is mounted on an Ei128R relay base and all door holders would be wired through this relay base. The door holders used would be for example an electro magnetic door retainer. All units are run from a 230V AC supply. If any interlinked smoke alarm detects fire the relay contacts in the Ei128R will cut power to the door retainer which releases the fire door. The Ei140 and Ei160 series alarms do have an internal battery back-up so the alarms would still sound in the event of a mains failure. However, the door holders or the Ei128R relay will not operate without mains power, which means they would go into safe mode and let the door close.
Q: How do Radio Interlinked Smoke alarms work?
A: Several RF smoke alarms form a group which has the ability to recognise each other's signals. If one of these alarms detects fire, it sends a digitally coded signal to the other alarms which then also sound an alarm. Radio-interlinked smoke alarms are used in larger houses, small commercial premises and wherever there is a risk that not everybody in the building will hear a fire alarm from a different part of the building.
Q: Which alarms can be interlinked?
A: All mains powered smoke alarms can be interlinked with signal wire. However, we also offer mains powered AICO/Ei and Kidde Slick alarms with radio-interlink. This saves the connection cable between the units.
In addition we offer battery powered radio-interlinked smoke alarms. A sealed battery operated with ten year battery life is also available.
Q: Do I have to wire mains powered RF alarms at all?
Yes, each mains powered smoke alarm has to be supplied with mains power. In retrofit situations, this power supply will usually be taken from the nearest light fitting. In new builds the electrician will create a dedicated electrical circuit for the alarms. Normal mains powered alarms require also a signal cable between the smoke alarms. Where radio-interlinked mains powered units are used no signal wire between the alarms is required.
Q: How can the alarms interconnect without a cable connection?
A: Radio-interlinked smoke alarms replace the signal cable between alarms with RF communication. A radio signal is sent when the test button is pressed, or the alarm senses smoke. This is received by all the interlinked alarms in the system and will cause all alarms to sound.
Q: How many alarms can be interconnected using radio frequency?
A: This depends from the model. Usually 12 or 15 alarms can be interconnected.
Q: Is there any method of controlling a interlink system?
A: All our RF alarms offer a range of accessories, such as Manual Call Points. Ei and Aico RF units also offer manual fobs and wall switches to test or silence the system.
Q: Which fire extinguisher do you recommend?
A: It depends from the circumstances. Please refer to our multiple choice section where we will help you to determine suitable fire extinguishers for your application.
Q: Can you refill extinguishers and do you sell extinguishers that can be re-filled?
A: All our Gloria and Ultrafire extinguishers are fully serviceable and can be re-filled. In accordance to the British Standard powder, foam and water extinguishers must be re-filled after 5 years. CO2 fire extinguishers must be re-filled after 10 years. An exception are the P50 service free extinguishers which do not require service or refilling for ten years.
Q: Where can I store the extinguishers? And how do I fit extinguishers to the wall?
A:All our fire extinguishers come with brackets to fit them to a wall. Special vehicle brackets are available on request. You can also buy extinguisher cabinets and extinguisher stands to ensure that extinguishers clearly stand out and can always be located. The fire blankets can also be fixed to a wall.
A: Carbon Monoxide (chemical symbol: CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal and wood), as used in our everyday appliances such as heaters, engines and boilers.
Q: Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?
A:Having no colour, smell or taste means that it is very hard to detect. Inhaling carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leaving the body's organs and cells starved of oxygen. Each year, over 50 people die in the UK as a direct result of exposure to Carbon Monoxide Gas (CO). Many more people die through strokes and respiratory illness made worse by inhaling low levels of CO over prolonged periods. More, still are left with permanent damage and invalidity.
Q: What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
A:The symptoms of mild Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to those of viral cold infections: headache, nausea, dizziness, sore throat and dry cough. More severe poisoning can result in a fast and irregular heart beat, over-breathing (hyperventilation), confusion, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. Ultimately it leads to coma and death.
Q: How can you protect you and your family?
A:Make sure rooms and heaters are well ventilated, have your chimneys and flues checked regularly, make sure boilers and heaters are maintained and serviced regularly. Buy a Carbon Monoxide alarm/detector. A Carbon Monoxide alarm will measure the concentration of Carbon Monoxide in a room and sound an alarm if the CO concentration is higher than permitted
Q: Why use Emergency Lighting?
A:Emergency Lighting and Illuminated Emergency Exit Signs light up and mark the emergency exit route when the power supply fails. The minimum backup duration of emergency lighting and emergency exit signs is specified by local regulations and is generally between 1 and 3 hours. All our units have internal batteries with 3 hours backup duration. Self-contained emergency lights and fire exit signs are classified according to their modes of operation:
Q: What is LED Emergency Lighting?
A:LED emergency lights use less energy than emergency lights with traditional fluorescent bulbs and contain less harmful waste. The trickle charge of the battery even with the light off is also lower. LED lights are also longer lasting than tubes. Whilst Cadmium for use in emergency lighting is currently still allowed, our range of LED emergency lighting products only uses NiMH batteries, which are more environmentally friendly. Government financial assistance is also available to switch to low energy emergency lighting and exit signs, see www.eca.gov.uk.
(2) SOLID - Protected against solid objects over 12mm diameter, not exceeding 80mm long, e.g. fingers
(0) LIQUID - Not protected
(2) SOLID - Protected against solid objects over 12mm diameter, not exceeding 80mm long, e.g. fingers
(3) LIQUID - Protected against sprayed water at up to 60° from the vertical
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(0) LIQUID - Not protected
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(3) LIQUID - Protected against sprayed water at up to 60° from the vertical
(4) SOLID - Protects against solid objects over 1.0mm, e.g. small wires
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(5) SOLID - Protects against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(5) SOLID - Protects against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
(5) LIQUID - Protected against low pressure jets, from all directions - limited ingress allowed
(6) SOLID - Dust tight. Totally protected against dust
(4) LIQUID - Protected when sprayed from any direction - limited ingress allowed
(6) SOLID - Dust tight. Totally protected against dust
(5) LIQUID - Protected against low pressure jets, from all directions - limited ingress allowed
Q: Maintained/Non Maintained how are they different?
A:Non maintained means the light will only operate in the event of a mains failure, Maintained means the lamp operates at all times and stays lit for the minimum emergency duration after a mains failure.
Q: What is Cash Rating and how is it determined on a Cash or Burglary Safe?
A:The Cash Rating of a safe relates to the amount of cash for which an insurance company will offer overnight insurance cover. As with all insurance companies this value can vary slightly depending on location and may be higher or lower than the manufacturer recommended Cash Rating quoted. Please check with your insurer for exact ratings. Cash Ratings are determined by door and wall thickness, lock types used and the general build quality of a safe. The higher the Cash Rating the more secure the safe is.
Q: How is the fire rating determined on a Fireproof or Data Safe?
A: The following is an explanation of internationally accepted fire resistant safe testing procedures for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. During all tests the internal temperature must remain below 177°C when exposed to furnace temperatures during a one hour test period of 925°C, a two hour test period of 1010°C and a three hour test period of 1105°C.
Q: Does my safe require installing?
A: Msome of the safe we sell will require installation either by yourself or by a professional installation engineer. Further information regarding installation is displayed on each product listing. Full installation instructions are included with your safe.
Q: Are there any additional charges for delivery to an upper floor or via steps?
A: Our Free Delivery includes the delivery of the safe to your door, only. This applies to any UK mainland location. Please note that we can not deliver with this standard delivery if there are stairs leading to your door. Please contact us if you are uncertain or want the safe to be delivered over stairs.
If you require the fire safe to be delivered into the building, you can choose an upgrade to indoor delivery with a hand pallet truck by clicking the relevant upgrade within our product description. Please note that this option is not available for smaller fire safes. If you choose this upgrade the driver will arrive with a suitable vehicle with tail lift and pallet truck. The driver will position the safe into any position that can be reached with a hand pallet truck. This can also include the use of any lifts available, as long as the size and weight-carrying capacity of the lift is suitable. The driver will position the safe and remove the packaging. The access to the building must have no obstructions, eg steps etc. Please notify us if you have any steps in the building, as the driver might not be able to move the hand pallet truck over the steps.
If you require the safe to be transported to different floor levels via stairs, please ring us on 0800 077 6149 or e-mail us on support@safelincs.co.uk . We will then discuss your particular situation and can quote any extra transport costs, if necessary.
Q: Can I change the electronic lock combination myself?
A: Yes, full instructions on how to do this will be in your safe manual. If you no longer have your manual please contact us for further information.
Q: What if the batteries run down on a safe with an electronic lock?
A: All Electronic locks are designed to save your combination through an internal memory even if the batteries run down. Batteries are accessible from the outside of the safe and are very easy to replace by following the manufacturer instructions.
Q: Do fireproof filing cabinets actually work?
A:There are a lot of fire protection filing cabinets and fire safes on the market to protect paperwork. You just need to make sure you pick the right category depending from the material/media you are trying to protect. The following options are available:
1) Fire safes/fireproof filing cabinets for paper and valuables, which are keeping the inside temperature in the fire safe down below 177°C during a 'standard' fire for the stated period of time. Above this temperature, paper will get damaged
2) Fire safes for paper, valuables and Digital Media such as hard drives, USB sticks, DVDs, CDs ect. These safes keep the inside temperature below 125°C. Above this temperature, the drives would get damaged
3) Fire safes for paper, valuables, Digital Media and Magnetic Media (floppies, backup tapes and even photographic film). These media are far more sensitive and the safes have to keep the inside temperature very low at below 52°C to avoid damage
4) Very handy are also combi fire safes with separate sections for paper/valuables and for magnetic media
To choose the right fireproof safe, you need to choose, which materials/media you want to store, how much internal fire safe space you require and for how long you want to protect. Some distributors offer Overview pages.
If you for example choose a safe with 1 hour fire protection, this safe should be able to hold the inside temperature below the temperature required for the materials/media stored inside for at least one hour, even if the safe stands at the centre of a typical fire. In reality, this does not happen very often and most safes will protect the contents for much longer periods, as the fire temperature in the locality of the safe is usually lower than in the centre of the blaze.
You can choose different styles of fire safes:
-fireproof filing cabinets, which are usually designed for protection of paper and match the normal look and function of filing cabinets.
-Front-opening fire safes, which are suited for longer protection times and usually can hold more content
-top opening fireproof boxes, which are good for small amounts of items requiring protection
Q: I cannot see the prices on your website. Why?
A: We are using 'cookies' to operate our shopping cart systems. If your browser settings are set at too high a security setting, your computer might not allow the 'cookies'. Please allow temporarily the usage of cookies while you are browsing our website. Alternatively, please ring us and place an order over the phone.
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Q: I need my purchased product urgently!
A: Please ring us and we will quote you the special freight costs.
Q: I don't live in the UK, France, Germany, Italy or USA. I still would like to order. What can I do?
A: Please e-mail our sales staff at support@safelincs.co.uk with your request and we will quote you a price including the added delivery costs. We will also contact you by phone so that you can purchase our products.
Q: I don't want to use credit cards to pay. How can I pay?
A: You can pay by cheque. Please complete the 'pay by cheque' option on the purchase page of our online shopping cart, or simply send us a letter with a description of the product desired with a cheque payable to Safelincs for the correct amount including postage to:
Safelincs
33 West Street
Alford
Lincs
LN13 9FX
Q: Can I return my purchased products under any circumstances?
A: We strive to give you full satisfaction and will always try to act according to your wishes. We are accepting cancellations up to 7 days from the receipt of goods and you can return up to 14 days following the cancellation. Please see our Terms and Conditions for details. However, there are some restrictions linked to the nature of our safety products.
The Kidde fire escape ladders will only be accepted as a return as long as the velcro strap holding together the rungs has not been undone.
We do not accept smoke alarms and fire extinguishers unless they are still in the original, unopened packaging. The smoke alarm for the deaf and hard of hearing, however, can be opened and still be returned, as this is important to assess the suitability of the product for your needs.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
Q: When do I receive my refund?
A: As soon as we receive the goods, we will check the state of the goods and immediately instruct SagePay to refund you on your credit card. If you paid by cheque we will send you a refund cheque.
Q: Do I receive a full refund?
A: Yes. You will be refunded the full amount paid to us by yourself. The only exception is the cost for special delivery charges we might have paid if you have requested special delivery.
Q: We are a retailer and would be interested in selling your products. What can you offer?
A: We are supplying supplying reselers and installers in the UK and other countries with batches of fire safety equipment. Please send us an e-mail to quotations@safelincs.co.uk stating the type of product you are interested in and the required volumes. Please state also a delivery address and we will reply quickly.