--- title: "Fire and smoke alarms in Colchester — Lighting Electrical" description: "Mains-powered smoke and heat alarms for homes and rentals, plus commercial fire alarm systems. See published prices and what is included." canonical: "https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/services/fire-and-smoke-alarms" last_updated: "2026-08-05T08:29:55.282Z" --- # Fire and smoke alarms in Colchester — Lighting Electrical > Mains-powered smoke and heat alarms for homes and rentals, plus commercial fire alarm systems. See published prices and what is included. Mains-powered smoke and heat alarms for homes and rented property, and commercial fire alarm systems. ## What alarms cost Domestic smoke and heat alarms are priced per unit installed. A commercial fire alarm system is surveyed first, because the panel, zone count and cable routes decide the work. - Smoke & heat alarm installation: £110 - Fire alarm system installation: £1,400 - Quotes are free and there is no call-out charge. - Several alarms fitted in one visit cost less per alarm than separate visits. - Interlinked alarms need either a cable between them or a compatible radio link, which is confirmed at survey. - The commercial figure shown is a starting point for a small premises and is settled by survey. ## Domestic alarms and commercial systems are different jobs They get spoken about together and they are not the same work, nor the same standard. - **Domestic smoke and heat alarms:** Mains-powered, battery-backed units, usually interlinked, on the escape route and in the kitchen. - **Rented property:** Rented homes have their own requirements by floor and by room, and letting agents ask for evidence. - **Commercial fire alarm systems:** A panel, zones, detectors and call points designed to BS 5839 for the building and its use. - **Replacing old units:** Alarms have an expiry date printed on them, typically ten years, after which they are replaced rather than tested. ## What installation covers The quote records how many alarms, of which type, and how they are interlinked. ### Included in the installation - Confirming the right alarm type and position for each room - Mains connection with battery backup - Interlinking so one alarm sounding raises them all - Testing every unit on completion and showing you how to test them - Certification for the work carried out ### Not included automatically - Ongoing servicing or monitoring contracts - Fire doors, signage, extinguishers or fire risk assessments - Plastering and decoration after cable routing - Replacing alarms that are still within their working life and functioning ## How the work goes Positioning matters more than the unit itself. Alarms in the wrong place either fail to warn or go off every time you cook. 1. **Survey the layout:** Escape route, room use and ceiling construction decide type and position. 2. **Route and connect:** Cable is run and each unit connected to a permanent supply with backup. 3. **Interlink and test:** Every alarm is triggered to prove the whole set responds. 4. **Hand over:** You are shown how to test them and how often, and given the certificate. ## What you are left with The evidence matters as much as the alarms for landlords and employers. - **Alarms that all sound together:** Proven by test, not assumed from the wiring. - **Certification:** Paperwork you can give to a letting agent, insurer or fire officer. - **A replacement date:** You know when the units expire and need swapping rather than servicing. ## Fire and smoke alarm questions Clear answers before you request a quote. ### Do rented homes need mains-powered alarms? Requirements differ by property type and where you are. The right arrangement for your property is confirmed at survey, along with the evidence your agent will want. ### What is the difference between a smoke alarm and a heat alarm? Heat alarms respond to temperature rather than smoke, which is why kitchens get a heat alarm instead of a smoke alarm that would trigger on cooking. ### Why must they be interlinked? So an alarm at the far end of the house wakes you. A single sounder in one room is often not heard. ### Can they interlink without cables? Compatible radio-interlinked units exist and are used where cable routes would mean serious disruption. ### How long do alarms last? Typically ten years from manufacture, printed on the unit. After that they are replaced, not repaired. ### Do I need a commercial system or domestic alarms? It depends on the building and its use rather than on whether you own or rent it. That is settled at survey. ## Business facts - Based: 12 Rangoon Close, Colchester, CO2 9RH - Service area: Colchester, Witham, Maldon, Wivenhoe, Tiptree, Kelvedon, West Mersea, Stanway, Brightlingsea, Coggeshall, Marks Tey - Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 09:00–17:00 - Phone: +447414545781 - Email: team@lightingelectrical.co.uk ## Request a quote - [Start a request](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/#chat): Send the job details and postcode to Lighting Electrical. ## Related pages - [Electrical testing and certificates](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/services/testing-and-certificates): Electrical testing and certificates in Colchester. - [EICR](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/services/eicr): EICR testing in Colchester. - [Emergency electrician](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/services/emergency-electrician): Emergency electrician in Colchester. - [Fuse board replacement](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/services/fuse-board-replacement): Fuse board replacement in Colchester. - [Full sitemap](https://lightingelectrical.co.uk/sitemap.md): Complete machine-readable page directory.