Fixington

Move a smoke or heat detector

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Smoke and heat detectors play a vital role in keeping your home safe by providing early warning of fire. Sometimes, it’s necessary to move a detector to a better location – for example, if it’s been installed in the wrong place, is no longer effective, or you’re carrying out renovations that affect its position.

Moving a smoke or heat detector ensures it still performs as intended and complies with UK fire safety guidelines and, where applicable, Building Regulations. This job is usually handled by a qualified electrician, as it involves working with your home’s electrical wiring and must meet regulatory standards.

🔧 What the job involves

The process of moving a smoke or heat detector isn’t just about swapping it from one ceiling or wall to another. Here’s a plain-English overview of what’s involved:

  • Assessment: Checking the current location against fire safety recommendations (for example, detectors should be installed in hallways, landings, and living rooms, avoiding kitchens or bathrooms where false alarms are common).

  • Planning: Identifying the new optimal position that will maximise early fire detection while following guidance from bodies like the UK’s Fire Safety Order and manufacturer instructions.

  • Wiring: Extending or adjusting the electrical connections safely. This may include running new cables and ensuring they comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, which covers electrical safety in dwellings.

  • Installation: Securing the detector in the new position and testing it to ensure it works correctly. Hardwired alarms often link to your mains electricity and include battery backup.

  • Certification: Providing confirmation that the electrical work has been done to the correct standard. In some cases, this may include notifying building control or a Part P-registered electrician’s certificate.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician, explaining your situation and what you need. Ask if they are Part P-registered, demonstrating competence in domestic electrical work.

  2. Survey and quote: The electrician visits your home to assess the situation. They check the existing wiring, detector type, and potential new locations. They’ll provide a written estimate outlining labour, materials, and any additional costs.

  3. Booking: Agree on a date for the work that suits your schedule. Confirm the quotation and any specific requirements.

  4. Day of works: The electrician arrives with tools and materials. They turn off power to the relevant circuits, carefully remove the existing detector, rerun cables if needed, fit the detector in its new location, and test its operation.

  5. Completion and paperwork: After testing, the electrician cleans up and provides any relevant certification or paperwork. They’ll explain how the alarm works in its new place and advise on maintenance.

  6. Follow-up: Some electricians offer follow-up visits or ongoing servicing to keep your detectors in good working order.

💷 Main costs to expect

Costs will vary depending on your home and the complexity of the job, but a typical breakdown might include:

  • Labour: Electrician’s time for removal, wiring, and installation (£70–£120 per hour typical).
  • Materials/parts: New cable runs, detector mounting hardware, replacement detector if needed (£20–£80).
  • Extras: Possibly additional wiring trunking or minor repairs to the ceiling (£10–£50).
  • Disposal: Removal of old detector and packaging (usually minimal or included).
  • Certification: Part P certificate or building control notification if required (may add £30–£60).

📊 What affects the price

  • Access to the existing detector (is it on a high ceiling or awkward spot?).
  • Length and complexity of new cabling required.
  • Whether the detector needs replacement or can be reused.
  • If additional wiring or consumer unit work is needed.
  • Compliance with relevant regulations, including Part P.
  • Home construction (e.g., solid ceilings more challenging than plasterboard).
  • Timescale — urgent or out-of-hours work costs more.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple reposition on an accessible ceiling with existing wiring: 1 to 2 hours.
  • More complex moves requiring new wiring routes or ceiling repairs: 3 to 4 hours or longer.
  • Time also depends on whether multiple detectors are moved or replaced together.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While you may feel confident handling DIY tasks, moving smoke or heat detectors is not generally recommended as a DIY job for most homeowners. Here’s why:

  • It involves working with electrical wiring, which requires a good understanding of domestic electrical circuits and UK regulations.
  • If the detector is hardwired, improper installation could leave the alarm non-functional or create a fire risk.
  • Part P of Building Regulations requires most fixed electrical work in homes to be done by a registered electrician or notified to building control.
  • DIY moving may invalidate your home insurance if not carried out correctly.

For your family’s safety and peace of mind, it’s best to hire a Part P-registered electrician for this kind of work.

💰 Typical UK price range

As a rough estimate, moving a single smoke or heat detector in a typical UK home might cost between £100 and £250 including VAT. This usually covers labour, basic materials, and certification.

More complex installations, or moves involving multiple detectors or extensive wiring, will push costs higher.

Always get a detailed written quote upfront before authorising any work.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Double-check the existing detector’s make, model, and expiry date — detectors generally last 10 years and should be replaced after this.
  • Clear the area around the new installation spot for easy access and a tidy finish.
  • Ask the electrician to explain on completion how to test the alarm and change batteries (if needed).
  • Keep all certificates, invoices, and paperwork safe for warranty, insurance, or future home sale evidence.
  • If working as part of renovations, coordinate with your builder and other trades to avoid damage or delays.
  • Regularly test your smoke and heat detectors (at least once a month) and replace batteries annually or as recommended.

By taking these steps, you can be confident your smoke or heat detector is well positioned and working effectively to protect your home and loved ones.