A look at the latest display solutions to help increase your in-store purchases.

SHOWCASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Launched last year, the comprehensive Espire range of fire and CO alarms from ESP is making a big impact within the fire and security sector.

Suitable for Grade D1, Grade D2 and Grade F1 installations, the range comprises five alarm types – optical smoke alarms, heat alarms, smoke and heat alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and CO and heat alarms.

To help wholesalers maximise the impact of the Espire range, ESP has produced a new POS display stand, making it easy to showcase and sell the full Espire range and to support contractors in accessing quality and compliant fire and CO alarm products efficiently.

Measuring 112cm high (153cm with header) by 60cm wide and 41cm deep, the compact, eye-catching display stand is designed to maximise product visibility while occupying minimal floor space, enabling wholesalers to highlight the full range of Espire domestic fire and CO alarms in a single, accessible unit. The stand comes with four integral shelves, and each shelf is designed to hold 16 devices. This offers wholesalers the capacity to display a total of 64 products within a space efficient footprint.

Proactive stance

In line with the sustainability targets of its parent company Scolmore Group, ESP has taken a proactive stance on sustainability by integrating, where possible, eco-friendly materials and energy efficient designs across its product line-up. The Espire POS display stand is 100% recyclable and the company has used recyclable packaging material across the entire product range, opting for eco-friendly, brown card packaging that is fully recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

In addition to the new Espire display stand, ESP offers modular POS wall boards to showcase the company’s diverse range of products and finishes. The boards are designed to be versatile and customisable, allowing retailers to effectively display ESP’s products in an organised and visually appealing manner. The modular aspect of these POS boards means that they can be easily configured and adapted to fit various retail spaces and requirements. Wholesalers have the flexibility to choose from a selection of boards tailored to specific brands within ESP’s product portfolio which currently includes Domestic Detection, Smart Security, CCTV, Access Control, EVAC, Fire Protection, Emergency Lighting, Heating Controls and Time Switches.

Marketing support

Details of ESP’s product displays can be found within the marketing hub section of the ESP website, where the full range of marketing support available to wholesalers is covered, including online ordering, product literature, images and videos.

Electrical wholesalers interested in benefitting from ESP’s POS display stands and wall boards can find out more by contacting their local ESP sales representative.

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Matt Parton, Product Development Manager with ESP, provides wholesalers with detailed information on the use of CO detectors and where they may be best utilised in fire alarm systems.

One type of detector used in fire detection and fire alarm systems is the carbon monoxide (CO) detector. As all smoke contains elements of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide will always be present in a fire. This article considers the use of CO detectors and where they may be best utilised.

Fire detection and fire alarm systems utilise a range of detectors to accommodate a variety of fires. However, it is important that the means of detection is suitable for the nature of the fire and that any detector conforms to the appropriate Standard.

Means of operation

There are multiple ways in which carbon monoxide can be detected. The most common method is for electrodes to be immersed in a chemical solution that senses change in current flow when CO is present in dangerous quantities.

A second method involves metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors whose resistance changes depending on the quantity of CO within the chamber. With such detection a signal is generated and either a sounder operates or the control and indicating equipment (CIE) is triggered to sound an alarm.

A third method of CO detection uses a biomimetic sensor. The sensor contains a gel which changes colour when it absorbs CO. As the colour changes, so an alarm is triggered.

Permitted use

The commentary detailed in Clause 10.1.4 of BS5839-6 shows that carbon monoxide fire detectors are point-type detectors which respond to the carbon monoxide present during incomplete combustion. Such detectors are not equivalent to smoke detectors in their response to fire.

One caveat to the use of CO detectors within fire detection and fire alarm systems is that those conforming to BS EN50291 should not be used in such systems. CO detectors conforming to BS EN50291 are only to be used for detecting the presence of CO potentially found in gas boilers, fires or solid fuel systems. However, this does not preclude them being interconnected with the fire detection and fire alarm system in a dwelling.

CO detectors conforming to BS EN54-26 are permitted for use in Grade A systems conforming to BS5839-6 and to fire detection and fire alarm systems conforming to BS5839-1.

It is often the case that CO detectors are incorporated within multi-sensor heat detectors conforming to BS ISO 7240-8 or BS EN54-30 or multisensory smoke and heat detectors conforming to BS EN54-31.

The benefits associated with CO detectors are that they react more rapidly to fire than heat detectors and are immune to certain environmental factors which may affect smoke detectors, such as dust, steam and cigarette smoke.

Maintenance is a key factor where CO detectors are used. As the most common types utilise a chemical means of detection, it is important that the sensor or detector is changed every seven years.

Installation of CO detectors

In domestic premises, CO detectors/alarms should not be the sole means of fire detection in Grade D1/D2 fire detection and fire alarm systems. Clause 10.2e) of BS5839-6 recommends that CO detectors, and multisensory detectors containing CO detection, are only used for Grade A systems where an annual maintenance regime exists, or where a fault warning is given to indicate the need to replace the electrochemical cell.

Where CO detectors are used within a circulation space, there should be an equal or higher number of smoke detectors within the circulation space (Clause 10.2f)). Furthermore, CO detectors should not be installed in kitchens.

Clause 21 of BS5839-1 details the types of detectors recognised for use within non-domestic premises. Clause 21.2g) details where CO detectors may be reasonably used:

• Any area in which the use of a heat detector would be acceptable, other than those areas where the principal fire hazard comprises flammable liquid resulting in rapid flaming fire.
• Rooms opening onto escape routes in Category L3 systems.
• All escape routes within Category L3 and L4 systems, provided the CO detectors are used in conjunction with smoke detectors.
• Any other area where the fire hazard exists where test evidence shows that CO detectors offer adequate fire protection.

Selection

Care should be taken in the selection and use of CO detectors when used within fire detection and fire alarm systems. CO detectors may be combined with heat and smoke detection in multisensory devices. However, even in non-domestic premises, their use should be limited to those fires which are not rapidly flaming as they best operate where smouldering fires exist.

Whilst the CO detectors used for sensing carbon monoxide created by open fires, gas boilers and the like may be interconnected with a fire detection and fire alarm system in a dwelling (Grade D1 or D2 system), they are not to be used as a means of fire detection.

Safer homes

Launched earlier this year, the Espire range of fire and CO alarms from ESP is a comprehensive range of high performance fire and CO alarm products that has at its core quality, reliability and innovation. Suitable for Grade D1, Grade D2 and Grade F1 installations, the range comprises five alarm types – optical smoke alarms, heat alarms, smoke and heat alarms, CO alarms and CO and heat alarms.

Espire’s CO alarms are engineered to provide early, reliable warnings. They utilise electrochemical sensors that detect even small increases in carbon monoxide levels and provide a pre-alarm visual alert before the full alarm is triggered. The sensors are tested and certified to BS EN50291-1, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards. The Espire CO alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS EN50292.

Installers can choose from two power options to suit varying project requirements:

• Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.
• Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.

Each alarm features auto-testing, a 24-hour alarm memory, and RF-link support for system-wide warning capabilities. Whether installed in living areas, bedrooms, or near combustion appliances, Espire CO alarms offer peace of mind with the backing of ESP’s 25+ years of fire and security expertise.

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When it comes to life safety solutions, electrical wholesalers play a crucial role in supporting the selection process with the right knowledge. Simon Jones, UK Marketing Manager at Kidde Safety Europe, outlines key considerations for recommending smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to customers.

Smoke alarms are essential for protecting building occupants, particularly in domestic properties. According to the Home Office, the fire service in England responded to nearly 140,000 fires in the year leading up to March 2024, resulting in 251 deaths and more than 6,000 non-fatal injuries. Unfortunately, in many of these incidents, smoke alarms were either not installed or not functioning. In fact, 24% of dwelling fires attended by the fire service had no smoke alarm, contributing to 34% of all dwelling fatalities.

Similarly, CO alarms are vital for detecting the invisible, odourless, and deadly gas that can emanate from fuel-burning sources such as boilers, cookers and wood-burning fires. Each year in the UK, around 40 people die and more than 4,000 are seriously ill due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Choosing the right products

The reliability of alarms is crucial, and one of the most important factors is the power source to ensure proper performance. Statistics show that in 29% of domestic fires an alarm was present but failed to operate due to issues like missing or defective batteries.

For new properties, mains-powered alarms with battery back-up are required to minimise the risk of failure, as per Part B of the Building Regulations and Section 2 of the Scottish Building Standards. Since 2022, even existing properties in Scotland must have mains-powered alarms. BS5839-6, the code of practice for fire detection and alarm systems in domestic premises, recommends interconnected alarms, ensuring that when one activates, all alarms sound. Radio-frequency (RF) connectivity is a simple and effective way to interlink alarms. Additionally, alarms with a sealed-in battery that lasts the 10-year life of the alarm are recommended for added convenience and reliability.

Wholesalers should also be able to guide customers on the correct number and placement of alarms. While the exact requirements depend on the property size and layout, in England and Wales, smoke alarms are mandatory in all escape route circulation areas. BS5839 Part 6 recommends category LD2, which includes smoke alarms in all escape routes and high-risk areas like living rooms. A heat alarm must also be installed in kitchens. This is compulsory in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

While battery-powered smoke alarms are available for replacing existing units, wholesalers should highlight the benefits of upgrading to mains-powered, interlinked alarms, which offer greater safety and peace of mind.

Special considerations for vulnerable occupants

In higher-risk environments, such as sheltered accommodation for the elderly or disabled, wireless heat and smoke alarms can be linked to output devices like telecare systems, strobes and sounders, providing an enhanced level of safety. These alarms can be connected through relay solutions for added protection.

Carbon monoxide alarms: Legal requirements

CO alarms are mandatory in all new homes in the UK with a fixed combustion appliance or flue, and required in existing homes where such an appliance is installed. In Scotland, CO alarms are compulsory in all homes, including existing properties, and in all rented homes in England and Wales.

Testing and product warranties

Wholesalers should recommend only the highest quality products that comply with relevant standards. Smoke alarms must meet EN14604, heat alarms should comply with BS5446-2, and CO alarms must meet EN50291-1. Ensure that products are tested and certified by an independent, accredited third party, and check that the manufacturer provides proper documentation. Long term manufacturer warranties also demonstrate product quality and offer reassurance to customers.

Technical support

Recommending products from manufacturers that provide strong technical support is essential, particularly for more complex solutions. This ensures that product-related queries are answered quickly and that customers receive guidance on compliant installations. Kidde, with over 100 years of heritage in fire safety, offers dedicated technical product support from a team of specialists.

By equipping themselves with the right information, wholesalers can offer valuable advice and service, helping to drive repeat business and ensure customers’ safety.

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