Smoke Detector Alarm Integration Guide¶

Guide to integrating smoke and heat detectors with your UK alarm system covering interconnection standards, zone assignment, alarm response, and compliance with BS 5839 Part 6.

Smoke Detector Integration with Alarm Systems¶

Integrating smoke and heat detectors with your intruder alarm system provides comprehensive property protection. UK regulations BS 5839 Part 6 require Grade D1 or D2 smoke alarms in all UK homes (building regulations since 2022). Integration with your intruder alarm allows a single control panel to manage both security and fire detection. Two integration methods: hardwired - smoke detectors connect to the alarm panel via 4-core fire alarm cable with a fire zone input. Wireless - smoke detectors communicate via 868MHz radio frequency to the alarm panel. Popular UK integrated smoke detectors: Texecom Elite Smoke (£35-£50, wireless, BS 5446-2), Pyronix Smoke Detector (£30-£45, wireless, EN 14604), and Ajax FireProtect (£70-£90, wireless, multi-sensor with smoke, heat, and CO detection). Heat detectors for kitchens and garages cost £20-£35. The alarm panel must have a dedicated fire zone type that produces a different siren sound pattern (continuous sound vs pulsing for intrusion). BS 5839-6 requires interconnected smoke alarms in all circulation spaces on every floor of UK homes.

Configuration and Testing for Integrated Systems¶

Zone assignment: assign smoke detectors to fire zones (typically zones 5-8) separate from intrusion zones (1-4). The alarm panel fire zone setting produces a continuous siren tone different from the pulsed intrusion alarm. ARCs (Alarm Receiving Centres) distinguish between fire and intrusion signals if the system is monitored. For monitored UK alarms, fire activation triggers a different response path - the ARC calls the fire brigade rather than police. Configure fire zones as Immediate (no entry/exit delay). Power supply: smoke detectors require constant 12V power from the panel. Battery-backed smoke detectors maintain operation during mains failure - Grade D1 requires mains-powered with battery backup. Test: use aerosol smoke tester (£8-£12 from Screwfix) to test each smoke detector annually. Clean detector chambers every 6 months using a vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment. Replace smoke detector heads every 10 years per BS 5839-6. Linking smoke detectors across floors ensures the entire property is protected - required for Building Regulations compliance in UK new builds and renovations.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Detector Type	Standard	Best Location	UK Price
Optical Smoke Detector	EN 14604, BS 5446-2	Hallways, landings, bedrooms	£20-£40
Heat Detector	EN 54-5	Kitchen, garage, boiler room	£15-£30
Multi-Sensor (Smoke+Heat+CO)	EN 14604 + EN 50291	Living room, hallway	£40-£80
Wireless Smoke Detector	EN 14604	Retrofit installations	£30-£55
Ionisation Smoke Detector	BS 5839-6 (legacy)	Not recommended for new UK installs	£12-£20

FAQ¶

Should I integrate smoke detectors with my intruder alarm?: Yes - integration provides single-panel management and differentiated alarm response (continuous tone for fire, pulsed for intrusion). Monitored systems alert the ARC to dispatch fire brigade for fire activations.
How many smoke detectors do I need in my UK home?: BS 5839-6 requires at least one smoke alarm in every circulation space (hallway, landing) on each floor and a heat detector in the kitchen. A typical 3-bed house needs 3-4 smoke detectors and 1 heat detector.
Do integrated smoke detectors need separate certification?: Smoke detectors must carry EN 14604 (smoke) or EN 54-5 (heat) certification for UK compliance. Integration with the alarm panel does not change the detector certification requirements. For more information see our Alarm Communicator and SIM Module Guide.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the UK Government Building Regulations.