New Zealanders’ homes will become safer with the implementation of a Building Code update by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
After a transition period starting November 2024, all existing homes with new wood burner installations and new built homes are required to have interconnected smoke alarms rather than stand-alone ones in every new bedroom and living space, on every level.
How Do Interconnected Smoke Alarms Work?
Interconnected smoke alarms work by sending signals between the smoke alarms in a house. This means that if one smoke alarm in a particular room detects a fire, all the smoke alarms in that house will activate and sound an alarm – adding an extra layer of safety by letting everyone in the house know about a fire at the same time, even if they are further away or sleeping.
According to MBIE, interconnected smoke alarms provide a two to three times’ increase in the ability to alert occupants in residential fires and for occupants to respond and escape from a fire.
Transition Period Changes
Following the 12-month transition period, previous versions of acceptable solutions and verification methods will no longer be deemed to comply with the Building Code. For new buildings, a hard-wired interconnected smoke alarm system can be installed during construction while the house is being wired. For those who wish to upgrade to the new Building Code requirements in the course of renovating an existing building, there is a battery-operated, wireless interconnected smoke alarm system which enables safety improvement without rewiring the home.
Which type of smoke alarm should you buy?
We recommend long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. They are far more effective than ionisation alarms at detecting slow smouldering fires, which burn for hours before bursting into flames.
Better yet, choose a set of photoelectric smoke alarms that can be connected to each other wirelessly, via a dedicated radio frequency, or wiring together. If a fire is detected in one room of the house, interconnected alarms will trigger all the alarms in your home, so everyone will be alerted to a fire sooner. This is especially important in multi-storey homes and homes with long hallways
Where should I put smoke alarms?
It is recommended installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom, hallway and living area. You may also choose to install a heat alarm in the kitchen, laundry, bathroom or garage.
- Don't put a smoke alarm in your kitchen, where smoke from cooking could set it off – use a heat alarm here instead.
- Smoke alarms cannot detect smoke through a closed door, so think carefully about the layout of your home.
Smoke alarm maintenance guide
How to maintain and check your smoke alarms regularly.
Once a month
Press the test button to sound the alarm. (Use a broom handle if you can't reach the button).
Every six months
Vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to help avoid false alarms.
Every year
Check the expiry date, usually located on the bottom or side of the alarm. If there's no expiry date, it's best to replace the alarm.
If you have a 9V battery alarm, replace the battery every year. Your alarms will start to beep regularly if the battery is low.
Every 10 years
Replace all smoke alarms with new long-life photoelectric smoke alarms.
For hard-wired smoke alarms
Follow the testing and maintenance schedule provided by the installer.