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FIRE ALARMS Typical setup. April 2025.

Note: This is not advice, it is only what I have done.

A Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm on top of the boiler cupboard, a FireAngel 10-year standalone, installed 2023. £19.99.
The FireAngle is not interconnected with the others. This replaces a Kidde 4MCO (still available at £60+), fitted 17/3/2015 expired 16/3/2022, removed 2023.

A Heat alarm at the other end of the kitchen. Kidde KF30 (replaces FX3). Fitted 3rd Sept 2022 expires 2032. PP9 battery.
A Smoke alarm in the hallway. Firehawk standalone was fitted by the Fire Service in 2022 expires 2032.
A Smoke alarm in the hallway. Kidde 123/9Hi. Wired. Fitted 2007. Expired but still works. PP9 battery.

The two Kidde alarms are mains-powered from a breaker in the consumer unit. They have battery backup, either a user-replaceable alkaline PP9 or non-replaceable lithium rechargeable (the latter battery can, allegedly, be replaced by a local guy - but they should not be). The remaining two Kidde alarms are interconnected, so if one is set off they both sound.
There is no legal requirement for alarms to be interconnected or mains-powered.

Testing: Press and hold the test button. Reset with the reset button!

• Do not leave the mains supply to the wired alarms switched off for long periods, as the battery will quickly drain.

• Fire alarm sensors have a finite lifetime, after which they should be replaced. Kidde units made after 2013 have a 10 year lifetime, earlier ones 7 years. Out of date alarms should be replaced even if the battery is OK.
  Some models chirp once every 30 secs or so near the end of their lifetime.

• After a real alarm has sounded and been reset it will chirp for a while before timing-out.

A battery or lifetime alert will chirp annoyingly about every 30 secs. The only way to stop it is to unplug it and take battery out or switch it off (rechargeable model). The switch is on the back.
When replacing an interconnected (wired) alarm make sure it is compatible with the other two.
If a Kidde alarm is obsolete contact Kidde for advice at: www.smoke-alarms.co.uk or 01753 685148.

To remove a Kidde alarm, first switch off at the Consumer Unit, turn the body a small amount in the direction of the arrow. You may have to press a small latch in (on the side of the body) with a screwdriver whilst turning. Quite fiddly.

New Kidde alarms have a different connector. It involves screwing three wires into a terminal block (may be supplied).
You should not fit one yourself unless you know what you are doing, as 240V is present
SWITCH OFF at the consumer unit before fitting! A new pattress (mounting plate) may be required. Ask the supplier.

CHIRP CODES (according to Kidde)

1 chirp every 30-40 seconds

1. After reset it chirps every 40 secs for ≈10 mins.
2. Power cut, or power breaker switched off.
3. Battery low: Turn off power and replace the PP9 alkaline battery. If sealed-in replace the alarm.

2 or 3 chirps every 40 seconds

Replace the alarm. Lifetime has expired.
If this happens after a long power outage the battery may need recharging which could take up to 24 hrs.

Alarm does not sound when tested.

1. Check the breaker is on at the consumer unit.

2. Turn off breaker, and...

a) Remove alarm from the
mounting plate and check
the connector plug is firmly
plugged in.

b) Open battery door and check
battery is firmly seated / plugged in.

3. Clean the alarm inside and out
with a soft brush to remove any dust.

Other alarms do not sound when one is tested.

1. Press and hold the test button for at least
3 seconds after the first alarm sounds.

2. Turn off mains and check interconnections.

The Fire Service will do a Home Fire Safety Check free of charge, and will supply and install a free standalone Smoke Alarm if the existing one is out of date. They will not supply CO or Heat Alarms.
All the above is not advice – just a record of what I have done.