We care passionately about fire safety. The selection and installation of smoke detectors is a vital aspect of this.

We often visit places of multiple occupancy (for example, student accommodation) commonly known as Houses of Multiple Occupation, or HMOs.

It is common practice in this type of property to have mains-operated fire alarm in the common areas and battery operated, domestic detectors in the residences. However, once installed, little is ever done to ensure good housekeeping whether it is in a domestic or a commercial environment.

Where a domestic smoke alarm has been installed, we often find that the batteries have gone flat or have been removed altogether - the smoke detector is much closer than the local corner shop when the batteries run out unexpectedly on a students personal stereo, for example.

Without its batteries, a smoke detector is completely useless and if it is not tested on a regular basis, the fact that it has a flat battery or no battery at all will probably go undetected until an incident occurs. And then, it is too late.

We believe that there is a place for battery-only operated smoke alarms and we do supply them. However, they are not appropriate for all locations, especially where there is limited control over their testing, maintenance and operation.

What we recommend, particularly for HMOs, is the installation of a mains operated smoke alarm which has an integral 10 year lithium battery.

The batteries in these units cannot be removed, so they cannot be used in any other appliance.

Where there is a limited budget that cannot accommodate a centrally controlled, automatic fire detection and alarm system, these mains operated smoke alarms provide a cost effective solution. They may not be as a cheap as a battery operated smoke alarms but the additional cost is a small price to pay to guarantee they will work properly when needed.

Our product range also includes a mains operated smoke detector which is incorporated into a standard ceiling rose. This operates from the main lighting circuit and includes an emergency light. In the event of a fire or power failure, not only will the alarm sound but the emergency light will also be activated, which will aid escape.