Smoke, carbon monoxide and water sensors

Smoke detector

• Where: on the ceiling of corridors and landings, near bedrooms, and on every floor. Also in living rooms with a fireplace and plant rooms.
• Where not: inside the kitchen or bathroom, where steam causes false alarms. In the kitchen, a heat detector is used instead.

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. There should be a detector in rooms with a boiler, fireplace, wood or pellet stove and in garages connected to the home. They're fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually at breathing height.

Gas detector

In kitchens and rooms with gas appliances. Height depends on the gas: high for natural gas, low for butane or propane.

Water leak sensor

• Under the sink, dishwasher and washing machine.
• By the boiler, hot water cylinder and manifolds.
• In bathrooms, especially on upper floors.
• In basements, garages and pump rooms.

With a solenoid valve on the main supply, water shuts off automatically when a leak is detected.

Why connect them

A stand-alone detector sounds, but that only helps if someone is home. Connected to the alarm or automation system:

• It alerts your phone, wherever you are.
• It can act: shut off the water, turn on lights, raise blinds, stop ventilation.
• It reports low batteries and sensor faults.

This matters most in second homes and premises that are closed at night.

Maintenance

• Test detectors regularly with the test button.
• Replace batteries when the system says so.
• Respect the expiry date: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a limited service life, stated by the manufacturer.
• Clean dust from the vents.

In businesses and buildings

Public premises and buildings have specific fire protection requirements, which must be designed and installed by an authorised company. Sensors connected to the automation system are a complement for earlier warning, not a substitute for those systems.