1.17 The power supply for a smoke alarm system should be derived from the dwelling’s mains electricity supply. The mains supply to the smoke alarm(s) should comprise a single independent circuit at the dwelling’s main distribution board (consumer unit). If the smoke alarm installation does not include a stand-by power supply, no other electrical equipment should be connected to this circuit (apart from a dedicated monitoring device installed to indicate failure of the mains
supply to the smoke alarms – see below).

1.18 A smoke alarm, or smoke alarm system, that includes a standby power supply or supplies, can operate during mains failure. It can therefore be connected to a regularly-used local lighting circuit. This has the advantage that the circuit is unlikely to be disconnected for any prolonged period.

1.19 Devices for monitoring the mains supply to the smoke alarm system may comprise audible or visible signals on each unit or on a dedicated mains monitor connected to the smoke alarm circuit. The circuit design of any mains failure
monitor should avoid any significant reduction in the reliability of the supply, and should be sited so that the warning of failure is readily apparent to the occupants. If a continuous audible warning is given, it should be possible to silence it.

1.20 The smoke alarm circuit should preferably not be protected by any residual current device (rcd). However if electrical safety requires the use of a rcd, either:

a. the smoke alarm circuit should be protected by a single rcd which serves no other circuit; or

b. the rcd protection of a smoke alarm circuit should operate independently of any rcd protection for circuits supplying socket-outlets or portable equipment.

1.21 Any cable suitable for domestic wiring may be used for the power supply and interconnection to smoke alarm systems. It does not need any particular fire survival properties. Any conductors used for interconnecting alarms (signalling) should be readily distinguishable from those supplying mains power, eg by colour coding.

Note: Smoke alarms may be interconnected using radio-links, provided that this does not reduce the lifetime or duration of any standby power supply.

1.22 Other effective, though possibly more expensive, options exist. For example, the mains supply may be reduced to extra low voltage in a control unit incorporating a standby trickle-charged battery, before being distributed at that
voltage to the alarms.