Safelincs

You can of course take both alarms off and re-use the wiring for a different brand at a better price. There are a number of suitable suppliers. If you just want to replace there are Ei166 replacement models.

Hi Maureen, the St620 has not been in production for a while and your smoke alarm is probably 10 years old by now, which means it needs replacing. There is a replacement smoke alarm for the St620 that fits the same base so you can just take the old alarm off and twist the new alarm on. Harry

Hi Bob This will be a smoke alarm with sealed lifetime battery. You cannot replace these and will sadly need to replace the alarm. Harry

Hi Michelle The trend is to move away from powder extinguishers indoors (although I have heard that there is an attempt to re-introduce them for some indoors applications in the standards), as the powder can be inhaled, reduces visibility and makes a mess. However, powder extinguishers don't have to be replaced before the end of their serviceable life. When it eventually comes to replacement it depends what your rooms contain. CO2 extinguishers have only a very narrow application and not great for general fire fighting, so if you have an office or retail application you would be better off with foam extinguishers that have been di-electrically tested or a water mist with de-ionised water. Both can be used on live electrical equipment up to 1000 Volt. Harry

Hi Nicola, they can still be requestyed at service@safelincs.co.uk Harry

Hi Julia Powder works well in that scenario but will cause issues with the clean up. A water mist extinguisher with de-ionised water will work well for the mixed risks (three-phase electric, wood, fabrics) and is residue-free. Harry

Hi Michael, if collateral damage is key then water mist is the best bet. While powder is still the most commonly used extinguisher for engines, the water mist will deal with the flames and cool down hot surfaces that could re-ignite the fuel. However, 1.4ltr seems insufficient. I would go for two small units (assuming it's a small engine). They are easier to handle and store. Harry

Hi Susan, If it is not the battery or other devices in the room it might be that the alarms are contaminated by dust (eg if they are the optical version) or simply faulty. Next step should be to check whether the alarms are still under warranty and to contact the manufacturer. If all else fails the affected alarms need replacing. There are Deta replacement smoke alarms available. There are manufactured by the OEM. Harry

Hi, you can purchase fire door gap gauges at Safelincs Harry

Hi Cate, what model numbers are the other units, please?

The foot operated door openers sold by Safelincs have flange headed wood screws of 30mm length to avoid penetrating a fire door. With a 5mm diameter they are quite stubby to achieve the hold required. Harry

Hi, Safelincs offers a free and downloadable FRA Harry

Hi Ed, I leave the discussion about the legal aspect to others, however, we provided fold out fire escape ladders to customers with mezzanine floors (including Heathrow baggage handling) and that seemed to satisfy their fire risk assessments. These are usually combined with swing gates etc to prevent the risk of falling. These escape ladders are available with harnesses as well. Harry

Hi Homebody, would you know what alarm model this is? Mabe you can send a photo? Harry

Hi Mark, assuming this is the standard base plate of the Ei series, there is no sounder in the base plate. So the sound is likely to come from a CO alarm with a dying battery in the vicinity. Maybe in a drawr or similar. It is very difficult to spot the source of an occasional beep. Harry

The Nest smoke alarms, while not cheap, offer that capability. It sends a message to your mobile. Harry

Hi Lauren, it is difficult to work out what caused this. You should definitely report the issue to your landlord. Imagine the next tenant would become ill and you could have prevented it. Harry

Hi, could it be that the alarms are older than 10 years? In which case they might require replacing. Harry

While Ionisation alarms on landings give you a minute speed advantage in detecting finer traces of fires, there is no issue with using optical alarms on both hallway and landing. Ionisation alarms are being phased out, as they contain radio-active components. Harry

Yes, we have heard this numerous times. The process of laying screed seems to generate a gas that triggers CO (carbon monoxide) alarms. That does not necessarily mean that it actually is CO, as some other gases can affect CO alarms (eg hydrogen from re-charging lead acid batteries). Airing the building til the floor is fully dry and cured should hopefully resolve the issue. I don't think you have reason to withhold payment. The screed company has not done anything wrong. Harry

Hi, Usually the alarm will reset by itself. Harry

Hi Bob There are specific 60 minute intumescent plastic packers for fire door gaps available. Harry

Hi William, yes, all you need are radio-interlinked smoke alarms. If one detects fire, all go off. These are usually used in large domestic buildings, however, your situation is well served with these. Harry

Hi here is a helpguide for anybody experiencing problems with Aico/Ei alarms Can you please send a photo of the red light on the side? Is it a setup using an RF base? KHarry

Hi Adrian, not sure if have understood the full picture. However, if you are looking for a concealed fire door closer that offers protection from the user being trapped by the fire door, I could recommend the Powermatic from Perko. This fire door closer is concealed but more importantly is a free-swing door closer which allows the fire door to operate like an ordinary, closer-free door. When the fire alarm system trigger the fire door is of course shut automatically. Harry