Choosing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Ireland
A combined alarm can detect two hazards at one location, but it cannot replace a plan for the whole home. Smoke, carbon monoxide (CO) and fuel-gas leaks are different hazards. Check your home's rooms, fuel-burning appliances and the manufacturer's fitting instructions before choosing alarms.
What does each alarm detect?
- Smoke: warns of a fire. Ireland's fire-safety guidance recommends smoke alarms on each level at a minimum; for greater protection it recommends alarms in more rooms. It advises a heat alarm in the kitchen rather than a smoke alarm there.
- Carbon monoxide (CO): warns of a colourless, odourless poisonous gas that can arise when fuel burns. Ireland's Carbon Monoxide awareness site advises an alarm in each room with a fuel-burning appliance and one within 5 m of every bedroom. Always follow the alarm manufacturer's placement instructions.
- Natural gas or LPG leak: a smoke-and-CO alarm does not detect these fuel-gas leaks. Do not confuse a CO sensor with a gas-leak sensor.
Is one combined unit enough?
Not necessarily. One device covers only its installed location and its stated hazards. Check where smoke and CO alarms are needed, whether alarms can be heard behind closed doors, and whether your home needs interconnected or accessible alerts. If you are unsure about placement or requirements for your property, seek qualified local advice; this guide is not a certification of compliance.
A specific example: FireAngel SCB10-R
The manufacturer lists smoke and CO sensing and a 10-year sealed lithium battery for the SCB10-R. Its sealed battery is not a reason to skip testing, respond to warnings or ignore the unit's replacement date. This standalone model does not interlink with other alarms or send phone alerts. It does not detect fuel-gas leaks. Follow the supplied manual for installation, testing, maintenance and end-of-life replacement.
SCB10-R specifications, limitations and direct Screwfix.ie link → Check the retailer for current price, availability and delivery. We have not hands-on tested the alarm or compared live prices across stores.
