Choosing the Right Domestic Alarm

Choosing the Right Domestic Alarm for Your Home

Choosing an alarm for your home shouldn't feel like guesswork. With so many types of domestic alarms on the market – from smoke alarms to carbon monoxide detectors – it’s easy to get lost in the details. But when it comes to protecting your home and family, making the right choice matters.

This guide covers the most common types of domestic alarms available in Ireland. Whether you're upgrading your system or installing for the first time, we’ll help you choose the right device based on your home, lifestyle, and risks.

Smoke Alarms: First Line of Defence

Smoke alarms are a must in every home. Most modern ones use optical (photoelectric) sensors that quickly detect slow-burning fires, like those caused by wiring faults or smouldering upholstery.

Take the Espire Optical Smoke Alarm – Sealed 10 Year Lithium Battery – it’s powered by a sealed battery, so you won’t be caught out by low battery chirps. And if you're after a hardwired option, the EI3016 Mains Smoke Detector comes with a 10-year lithium backup and allows for interconnection with other alarms.

For homes with multiple floors, opt for models that can wirelessly link together. That way, if smoke is detected in the attic, you'll still hear the alarm downstairs.

Heat Alarms: For the Kitchen and Garage

Heat alarms don’t detect smoke — they detect rapid rises in temperature. That makes them ideal for areas where cooking or dust might trigger false smoke alarms.

For example, the EI630i-3XEN Heat Alarm is a battery-powered unit that responds quickly to sharp heat changes. If you're after a mains-powered version, the EI3014 Heat Detector offers the same fast detection with a long-life backup battery.

Place heat alarms in kitchens, boiler rooms, and garages — anywhere a standard smoke alarm might cause a nuisance.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Silent, But Critical

Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible and odourless — but deadly. Every home with a gas boiler, solid fuel stove, or open fire should have a CO alarm.

The EI208WRF CO Alarm is a great wireless model that links to other alarms for full-home protection. If you prefer something mains-powered with a display, consider the EI3018 CO Alarm, which shows current CO levels and alerts you to past incidents.

A single alarm near your heating source is good. A second near bedrooms is better.

Multi-Sensor and Combo Alarms

Want fewer devices on the ceiling but still full coverage? Multi-sensor alarms combine detection technologies in one unit.

The EI3030 Fire & CO Alarm uses smoke, heat, and CO sensors to detect multiple threats with a single installation. It’s mains powered with a 10-year backup and ideal for hallways or landings.

You can also consider the ES1MULV Fire & Heat Alarm if you don’t need CO detection but want faster fire response.

Combo alarms reduce clutter and ensure fewer missed alerts.

What’s Best for You?

Every home is different. If your house has solid fuel or gas heating, start with carbon monoxide detection. If you're doing up the kitchen, add a heat alarm. Have a larger house? Go for interlinked smoke alarms on each level.

Here’s a quick summary of what you might need:

• Bedrooms and hallways: Optical smoke alarms
• Kitchen and garage: Heat alarms
• Boiler room or near stove: Carbon monoxide alarm
• Central areas: Multi-sensor units

And if you're installing from scratch or upgrading, start with our full Domestic Alarms range.

Looking for something wireless? Check if the model supports RF modules or is interconnectable.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to overthink it. A simple setup using the right combination of alarms can protect every part of your home. Installation is usually easy, and many of the newer models include long-life batteries or backup systems.

Got a mix of gas appliances, multiple floors, and kids at home? Then it’s worth investing in a few linked alarms from the same series, like the Ei Electronics or Espire ranges.

Have a look at our full Domestic Alarms collection and feel free to get in touch if you need advice.