Life Safety

Our life safety range covers essential products designed to help protect people and property across domestic, commercial and industrial environments.

From smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detection to emergency lighting, CO₂ monitoring and fire alarm systems, you'll find products from established manufacturers for a wide range of applications.

Whether you're replacing an existing product, developing a new installation or looking for a complete system, use the categories below to find the right life safety solution for your project.

Explore our power & distribution solutions

Emergency Lighting

Emergency Lighting

Domestic Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Domestic Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Monitors

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Monitors

Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems

Use cases

Protecting homes

Choose from domestic smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms for houses, flats and other residential properties. Options include standalone and interlinked alarms from established manufacturers, depending on the requirements of the installation.

Commercial and workplace fire safety

For offices, shops, workshops and other commercial premises, our range includes emergency lighting and fire detection products to support new installations, replacements and system upgrades.

Fire alarm systems

From individual fire alarm components to complete systems, we are developing our range for electricians, contractors and other professional installers working on commercial and industrial fire detection projects.

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting is an essential part of many commercial and public buildings. Browse fittings and related products for escape routes, open areas and other applications where emergency illumination is required.

Indoor air quality

Carbon dioxide monitors can help identify changes in indoor air quality and occupancy levels in spaces such as classrooms, offices and meeting rooms. They can also provide useful information when assessing ventilation requirements.

Accessible communication and assistance

We are developing our range of specialist systems for applications including disabled refuge, nurse call and accessible toilet alarms, helping provide emergency communication and assistance where required.

Choosing the right product

Not sure which life safety product you need?

Start by identifying what you are trying to protect and the type of installation you are working on.

For a domestic property

Smoke alarms are generally used for detecting fires, while heat alarms are useful in areas where smoke or steam could cause nuisance alarms, such as kitchens. Carbon monoxide alarms provide protection against the presence of carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances.

For commercial or public buildings

Consider whether you need emergency lighting, fire detection and alarm equipment, or both. The size and type of premises, occupancy, layout and existing system will all influence the products required.

Replacing an existing alarm or detector

Check the existing manufacturer's model, system type and connection method before choosing a replacement. Compatibility is particularly important when replacing components within an existing fire alarm system.

Looking for a CO₂ monitor?

Carbon dioxide monitors are used to monitor indoor air quality and provide an indication of changing CO₂ levels in occupied spaces. They can be useful in homes, particularly well-insulated or airtight properties, as well as offices, classrooms, bedrooms and meeting rooms where ventilation is important.

Need a complete fire alarm system?

Fire alarm systems should be designed around the building, its use and the applicable requirements. If you are unsure which equipment is required, speak to a suitably qualified fire alarm professional before purchasing individual components.

Still not sure?

If you can provide details of the building, existing system or product you are looking to replace, we can help you identify the most appropriate products from our range.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a smoke alarm, heat alarm and carbon monoxide alarm?

Smoke alarms detect particles from a fire and are commonly used in living areas, bedrooms and escape routes. Heat alarms respond to changes in temperature and are useful in areas such as kitchens where smoke or steam could cause nuisance alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms detect carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion from fuel-burning appliances. Each type is designed for a different hazard, so the appropriate alarm depends on the location and application.

What is the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are completely different gases. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion and is detected using carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon dioxide is produced naturally by people and other processes and is commonly monitored as an indicator of indoor air quality and ventilation. Make sure you select the correct type of product for the application.

What type of emergency lighting do I need?

The appropriate emergency lighting depends on the building, its use, escape routes and the existing lighting system. Options include emergency bulkheads, exit signs, maintained and non-maintained fittings, self-test products and central battery systems. If you're replacing an existing fitting, checking the existing product and installation details can help identify a suitable replacement.

What is the difference between conventional and addressable fire alarm systems?

Conventional fire alarm systems organise detection devices into zones, while addressable systems identify individual devices on the system and can provide more detailed information about where an alarm or fault has occurred. The appropriate system depends on the building, its layout, occupancy and the requirements of the installation. Both types require suitable system design and compatible components.

Can I buy fire alarm equipment without using CMD Online for installation or commissioning?

Yes. CMD Online can supply fire alarm equipment nationally, including panels, detectors and other system components. Installation, system design and commissioning requirements depend on the application and the applicable standards. If you need professional assistance, CMD Online also provides fire alarm services within selected geographic areas.

How do I choose the right life safety products for my building?

The right products depend on the type of building, how it is used, the hazards being addressed and whether you're installing a new system or replacing existing equipment. Compatibility is particularly important when replacing components within an existing fire alarm or emergency lighting system. If you're unsure what you need, contact us with details of the building, existing system or products you are looking to replace and we'll help point you in the right direction.

Brands we trust

BLE Lighting & Power

BLE Lighting & Power is a Sheffield-based British manufacturer specialising in emergency lighting and power systems. With more than 50 years of experience, its range includes emergency lighting, central battery systems and static inverters for commercial and critical applications.

Red Arrow

Red Arrow supplies a wide range of LED lighting for commercial, industrial and site applications, including a strong range of 110V site lighting. The range also includes emergency lighting, outdoor fittings and selected domestic products, supported by UK-based technical and lighting design expertise.

Aico

Aico specialises in domestic fire and carbon monoxide protection, offering smoke, heat and CO alarms alongside interconnected systems and accessories for residential applications. Its range includes mains-powered and battery-powered alarms, with options for RadioLINK+ and SmartLINK connectivity.

Advanced

Advanced specialises in commercial fire alarm systems, with its MxPro 5 range providing scalable fire alarm control panels and loop cards for analogue addressable systems. The range is designed for a wide variety of commercial and industrial fire detection applications.

Apollo

Apollo Fire Detectors is a long-established manufacturer of fire detection equipment, with ranges including XP95, Discovery and Soteria addressable detectors alongside conventional and specialist detection products. Its systems are used across commercial, industrial, healthcare and other applications.

C-TEC

C-TEC develops fire detection, call and emergency communication systems for commercial, healthcare and public buildings. Its range includes conventional and addressable fire alarms, disabled refuge systems, accessible toilet alarms and other specialist life safety products.

S&S Northern

S&S Northern is a UK manufacturer and supplier of gas, water and air safety systems, with products covering CO₂ monitoring, indoor air quality, gas detection, water leak detection and associated control systems for commercial, residential and industrial applications.