The Scottish Government guidance describes alarms in the main living room, circulation areas on each storey and a heat alarm in the kitchen. CO detection is considered separately. Check siting, suitable power and accessibility for the occupants.
Plan coverage using the Scottish guidance
Scottish requirements differ from a basic one-smoke-alarm-per-storey rule. Check the home room by room.
- Identify the room used most for daytime living, circulation spaces on each storey and the kitchen. Check the required smoke and heat alarm arrangement.
- Confirm that the alarms which must interlink do so. Choose compliant power arrangements and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
- Check CO protection for relevant fuel-burning appliances and any flues requiring attention under the guidance. Do not assume that a heat alarm detects carbon monoxide.
Verify operation and accessibility
Keep the location plan and testing evidence available at handover and inspection.
- Test the system and record whether an alarm in one location triggers the linked units. Ask an installer to resolve faults or uncertain compatibility.
- Consider whether occupants need suitable additional warning arrangements, such as an accessible alarm system. Discuss the practical requirement without assuming an ordinary audible alarm works for everyone.
- Give occupants clear instructions for testing, fault reporting and emergency action. Explain who to contact for a damaged or expired unit.
Maintain the system after changes
Review coverage whenever the layout, appliances or use of rooms changes.
- Record replacement dates and model details so compatible units can be selected. Avoid replacing one interlinked alarm with an incompatible standalone unit.
- Investigate repeated nuisance alarms rather than accepting removal or disabling as a solution.
- Keep HMO licence conditions and any building fire risk assessment alongside the domestic alarm record. They may require further measures.
Example: a replacement no longer interlinks
A fictional failed alarm is replaced with a different model that sounds locally but does not trigger the other alarms. Treat that as an incomplete repair. Confirm compatibility and test the linked system before closing the job.
What to do
- Assess the whole layout rather than count floors alone.
- Use suitable interlinked smoke and heat alarms.
- Keep installation, testing and replacement records.
Evidence to keep
- Alarm layout and product details
- Installation and test evidence
Sources and guidance
- Fire and smoke alarms: the lawScottish Government · checked 20 October 2026