ᐅ Mandatory Installation of Smoke Detectors

Created on: 23 Sep 2019 15:10
A
Altai
Hello dear forum members,

By now, at least where we live, it is mandatory to install smoke detectors. And after a house actually burned down in the neighborhood recently, this topic has become very relevant... meaning I don’t want to keep putting it off. You never know what might happen...

I received an offer for several interconnected detectors, meaning when one goes off, all the others sound as well. That obviously makes sense, because I’m not sure you would hear a smoke detector through closed doors of the kids’ bedrooms or from the attic if you are on the ground floor. And if something happens during the night, it’s definitely better if the alarm goes off right away in the bedroom.

Unfortunately, this is not cheap, and at the end of the budget there is still so much construction left to do...

For about a quarter of the price, you could first install smoke detectors without this interconnection. That would surely be better than nothing, but with reduced functionality. In the medium term, I would really prefer the interconnected solution – so it seems pointless to spend money now on the smaller option that would then be replaced in 1-2 years... better to bite the bullet and do it right from the start.

It would be great to have an upgradeable solution—in other words, get the detectors initially and add the interconnection later when the financial situation improves.

What are your thoughts on this? What would you go for? Does anyone know of such an upgradeable solution?
Z
Zaba12
24 Sep 2019 13:48
Thank you for the feedback.

Whatever you choose now, I would at least make sure that the parts are tested.
Mine are ABUS RM20 (non-wireless) for €10 (around $11) on sale, with a test rating of 2.1 from Stiftung Warentest.

For me, it was important not to have to drill 11–22 holes and that the parts can be removed if needed. So now they are self-adhesive and attached with magnets.
G
guckuck2
24 Sep 2019 13:55
More expensive detectors have different and more reliable detection methods. Pay attention to the differences. Especially if you want to network them, it’s wise to choose a solution that offers investment protection for 10 years or more. Therefore, go for wired systems. And don’t forget the design, too. There are some really unattractive options out there.
H
haydee
24 Sep 2019 13:57
I bought Abus online at a discounted price.
You can install it yourself by either screwing it in or gluing it, then press the button to connect it.