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Most people only think about smoke alarms after a scare… or when a landlord gets a compliance reminder.
But here’s the truth:
A cheap alarm stuck on the ceiling in the wrong place can be almost as useless as no alarm at all.
At GU Solutions, we install and upgrade domestic smoke and heat alarms properly — with the right detector types, the right locations, and the right interlinking — so your home (or rental property) is protected the way it should be.
We cover Basingstoke, Chineham, Old Basing, Hook, Tadley, Oakley, Kempshott, Sherfield-on-Loddon and surrounding areas.
When we talk about “doing smoke alarms properly”, we’re talking about working to BS 5839-6 — the UK code of practice for domestic fire detection and alarm systems.
In plain English, BS 5839-6 is the document that answers questions like:
What type of alarms should be used in a home?
Where should they be positioned?
When should you use a heat alarm instead of a smoke alarm?
Should the alarms be interlinked (so all sound together)?
What level of protection does the property actually need?
If you’re a homeowner, it’s peace of mind.
If you’re a landlord, it’s a big part of staying compliant — and protecting your tenants.
Smoke alarm technology and guidance has moved on massively in the last few years — especially around interlinking, sealed backup batteries, and landlord requirements.
That’s why we invest in training for every member of our team.
Our engineers are Aico Expert Installer trained, and we keep our team up to date with current standards and best practice — so the advice you get is current, and the installation is done right first time.
Because when it comes to life safety, “good enough” isn’t good enough.
BS 5839-6 talks about Grades. That’s basically the type of system you have — how it’s powered, how robust it is, and how it’s put together.
Here are the common ones you’ll hear about:
The “full system” approach — a control panel with separate detectors and sounders.
Typically used in larger or higher-risk properties (often certain HMOs).
Mains-powered detectors/alarms with a central power supply and backup.
More of a “system” than individual alarms.
These are the most common for good-quality domestic installations.
Grade D1: Mains-powered alarms with a sealed, tamper-resistant long-life backup battery
Grade D2: Mains-powered alarms with a replaceable backup battery
If you’ve ever seen missing batteries in rental alarms… you’ll understand why D1 is now required.
Battery-only alarms.
F1: Sealed long-life battery
F2: Replaceable battery
Battery-only alarms can be better than nothing, but in many homes (and especially rentals), mains-powered interlinked alarms are the safer, more reliable solution.
Grades tell you the system type.
LD categories tell you how much of the home is covered.
If you’re not sure what you’ve got, we can assess the property and explain your options in plain English.
No jargon. No scare tactics.
Minimum coverage — alarms in escape routes (hallways/landings) so you’re warned as you leave.
A stronger level of protection — escape routes plus key high-risk rooms (often kitchens and living rooms, depending on layout and risk).
Maximum coverage — alarms in escape routes and all rooms (highest protection).
Interlinking means: If one alarm detects smoke, heat or carbon monoxide, they all sound.
That matters because fires don’t politely start next to the hallway detector.
Interlinked systems can be:
Hard-wired interlink (cabled)
Wireless interlink (radio-linked) — ideal for upgrades with less disruption
We’ll recommend what’s right based on the property, access, and what you’re trying to achieve.
Rules vary across the UK, but here’s the most common question we get:
Landlords must (as a minimum):
Fit at least one smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation
Fit a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
Ensure alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy (that usually means testing them on move-in day)
If you manage multiple properties, we can help standardise what you fit — so it’s consistent, compliant, and easy to maintain.
When GU Solutions installs Aico domestic smoke, heat and CO alarms, you can expect:
✅ Correct alarm selection (smoke vs heat vs CO)
✅ Correct positioning (not “wherever it fits”)
✅ Neat, tidy installation with minimal disruption
✅ Interlinking where appropriate (wired or wireless)
✅ Clear guidance on testing and basic maintenance
✅ Work done properly — by qualified, trained engineers.
Whether you need a simple alarm replacement, a full upgrade to interlinked mains alarms, or you’re a landlord tightening up compliance — we’ll make it straightforward.
Call us on 01256 473326
Or send an enquiry and one of our team will get back to you.
In rentals and HMOs, the wrong detector in the wrong location causes constant nuisance alarms — burnt toast, shower steam, everyday cooking. That leads to complaints, call-outs, and the real risk: tenants start ignoring alarms or disabling them.
We help you choose the right equipment for the property — smoke alarms where they should be, heat alarms in kitchens, and carbon monoxide alarms where there are fuel-burning appliances. Then we install quality Aico products and interlink them, so when there’s a real fire, everyone hears the warning—fast.
It’s a practical safety upgrade that reduces disruption, improves tenant confidence, and lowers the chance of a preventable incident becoming a serious emergency.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 to arrange an smoke alarm check or upgrade for your rental or HMO.
Practical, everyday answers to help you understand what to expect and how it all works.
A smoke alarm detects smoke particles—great for hallways, landings, bedrooms and living spaces.
A heat alarm responds to a rise in temperature—ideal for kitchens where cooking fumes can cause nuisance alarms. BS 5839-6 helps guide suitable device choice and siting.
Interlinked alarms dramatically improve warning time because the alarm nearest the fire triggers all sounders—helpful if the fire starts behind a closed door or on another floor. It’s one of the simplest upgrades that can materially improve safety.
It's a requirement for all new builds, extensions and for new HMOs.
Many standard domestic installations use Grade D systems (now split into D1/D2)—mains-powered alarms with battery backup.
D1 uses sealed long-life backup batteries; D2 uses replaceable backup batteries.
D1 is the preferred option for compliance for HMOs, Rentals and premises where tampering cause cause devices to fail to operate.
At minimum: a smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation, and a CO alarm in any living room/bedroom etc. that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). The regulations also set expectations around ensuring alarms are in working order at the start of a tenancy and addressing faults. Give us a call we can give you more detail tailored to your property.
The England regulations don’t specify exact positioning, but they do specify where they’re required (rooms with fixed combustion appliances, excluding gas cookers). Choose alarms that meet BS EN 50291 for domestic premises.
We can guide you on the best solution for your premises and install CO alarm to the manufacturers specifications ensure they operate ontime, everytime.
You should test alarms regularly using the test button (a sensible routine is weekly).
Replacement depends on the manufacturer’s guidance and device life—many alarms have an end-of-life warning.
If you’re a landlord, build testing into your move-in process and routine checks, and replace any faulty units promptly.
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Providing expert electrical installation and maintenance to Basingstoke, Andover, Newbury, Winchester and surrounding towns for over 20 years.