We install and maintain smoke alarms in our council homes to help keep you safe.
If you do not have a smoke alarm, report a housing repair.
Most council homes have battery-powered smoke alarms. If we carry out a full electrical rewire, we will install a mains-powered smoke alarm. Do not interfere with the wiring.
Smoke alarms usually last around 10 years.
Check and silence your smoke alarm
Watch 'How to check a smoke alarm' on YouTube (01:06 minutes)
Use this guidance if your alarm is sounding or showing a warning light.
What the lights mean
- Green light - the alarm is on and connected to the mains power
- Red light (flashing once every 40 seconds) - the alarm is operating normally
- Yellow light - there is a fault and the alarm needs maintenance
What the beeps mean
If your smoke alarm beeps occasionally and then stops, the batteries need replacing.
If you do not replace the batteries, the beeping will become more frequent until the batteries are flat and the alarm stops working.
Replace the batteries
You are responsible for replacing the batteries in battery-powered smoke alarms. Do not remove the old batteries without replacing them immediately.
To replace the batteries:
- check the smoke alarm cover to find out if it's a screw or hinge type
- carefully remove the cover
- remove the old battery and check for dust and cobwebs
- replace the battery immediately and close the cover
- push the button on the cover until it beeps to check it is working
If you've changed the batteries but the alarm does not work, check that:
- you have fitted a new battery correctly
- the battery is the right way round and sitting correctly in the compartment
- there is no dust or cobwebs inside
- you have tried with a different battery
If it still does not work, report a housing repair.
Test your smoke alarm regularly
You should:
- test your smoke alarm once a month by pressing the button until it beeps
- clean it regularly to remove dust or cobwebs
How to report a repair
If you have followed the steps on this page and your smoke alarm still does not work, report a housing repair.
