Fire and CO alarms
Anupward trajectory M
atthew Parton, product
development manager with leading fire and security supplier, ESP, reflects on the size and shape of the UK Fire and CO alarm market, as ESP introduces the new name, ESPIRE, to the category. According to recent research in 2024, the market was valued at approximately £5.8 billion and is projected to reach £9.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2025 to 2030.
The market is dominated by products such as fire detection systems and CO alarms. The commercial sector leads in terms of application, encompassing industries like hospitality, healthcare, and education. The residential sector is also witnessing growth due to increased awareness of home safety.
Regulatory requirements
In October 2022, UK regulations mandated the installation of CO alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers) in both new builds and rental properties. Landlords are required to ensure these alarms are in working condition at the start of each tenancy. All fire and CO alarms must meet specific European/British standards, including BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms: BS 5446-2 for heat alarms and BS EN 50291-1 for CO alarms. Despite advancements, a significant portion of UK homes lack essential safety devices. A recent survey indicates that 42% of homes do not have a CO alarm installed, and
The UK’s fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm market is experiencing significant growth, driven by heightened safety awareness, technological advancements and stringent regulatory standards.
25% lack a smoke alarm. Additionally, among homes equipped with these devices, 41% do not test their batteries annually, underscoring a need for increased public awareness and education on regular maintenance.
Seizing opportunities for growth With the UK fire and CO alarm market presenting significant opportunities for growth, ESP will be looking to take a share of this growing sector with the launch of Espire - its new fire and CO alarm range for the domestic market. Espire is a comprehensive range of high performance fire and CO alarm products that has at its core quality, reliability and innovation. The new range sits as a separate brand under ESP’s growing product portfolio. Espire is distributed by ESP and supported by Scolmore Group.
The Espire range is suitable for Grade D1, Grade D2 and Grade F1 installations. Boasting an array of innovative and cutting edge features, the extensive Espire offer can be broken down into five alarm types - optical smoke alarms; heat alarms; combined smoke and heat alarms; Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms; combined CO and heat alarms. All alarms have been tested by 3rd
party test houses and
certified by LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and TUV, to meet the relevant product standards – BS EN 14604 for smoke alarms: BS
24 | electrical wholesalerMarch 2025
5446-2 for heat alarms and BS EN 50291-1 for CO alarms.
A key feature of the Espire range is its patent pending Auto-Dimming Power LED, which means that when the power LED of a mains powered alarm is required to remain on, the LED will automatically dim during low light levels to reduce distraction. A stainless steel insect mesh barrier, meanwhile (also patent pending), acts as a physical barrier, preventing insects and small particles from entering the sensitive components of the smoke alarm, helping to reduce false alarm signals. Espire models with the RF-Link function can be coded together wirelessly to create a system that sounds all alarms if one is activated. Mains powered alarms also include the function of hardwired interconnect. A lock-in base provides a secure, fixed point of installation for the alarm head to slide onto with a lever that engages to provide tamper protection once the alarm head is installed onto the locking base.
A responsive thermistor offers enhanced sensitivity, accuracy and responsiveness, ensuring the earliest possible detection of rising temperatures and potential fire hazards, and the patent pending 24-hour memory function means that for 24 hours after an alarm is triggered, the red LED will flash twice every 40 seconds to help identify the activation.
ewnews.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
