Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors save lives. Moreover, they have been mandatory for all homes in Brussels since January 2025. Protect yourself against fire and install the required smoke detectors today!
Smoke detectors: mandatory for all homes in Brussels
Are you a homeowner? Then you are required to install smoke detectors. That’s not only mandatory since January 2025, it also saves lives! Smoke detectors save lives in the event of a fire by alerting you in time.
Are you a landlord? Since January 2025, it is mandatory to install smoke detectors with a built-in battery with a 10-year shelf life on the escape route and on each floor of the rental property.
Protect yourself and your home from fire and install the required smoke detectors today!
Why are smoke detectors so important?
When the smoke alarm sounds, you only have three minutes to evacuate your home. That’s right, just three minutes! Nowadays, fires spread so quickly that it only takes 3 minutes to become a deadly hazard. Most house fire fatalities occur at night or early in the morning — when we are asleep. When we’re asleep, our sense of smell is virtually deactivated. Our hearing, on the other hand, continues to function fairly well. That’s why it’s so important to install smoke detectors. The sound of the alarm wakes us up, allowing us to get to safety quickly and call the emergency services by dialling 112.
Installing a smoke detector: as easy as ABC!
Installing a smoke detector couldn’t be easier. It can be installed on the ceiling in a jiffy using a magnetic mounting kit. Always use a stepladder or a ladder if you can’t reach the ceiling, or ask someone to help you. Always follow the instructions in the user manual.
With a magnetic mounting kit, you can easily stick a smoke detector to the ceiling without drilling.
Where in the home to hang smoke detectors?
- Place them in the first room in the house after the main entrance.
- Place them in the escape route or ‘internal circulation pathway’, i.e. all the areas you need to go through from the bedroom(s) to the main entrance in the event of a fire, such as corridors and landings.
- Install a smoke detector on each floor, even if it’s not directly on the escape route. Install it on the landing or in the first room giving access to that floor.
- If you are required by law to have four or more smoke detectors, they must be interconnected.
Do not install a smoke detector:
- in the bathroom, kitchen or garage as this could trigger the alarm. Install the detectors right next to these rooms. If that’s not possible, install a heat detector in the kitchen or bathroom.
- next to a fan, air vent, or air duct.
- above a heater.
Need 4 or more smoke detectors?
If you are required by law to have four or more smoke detectors, they will have to be interconnected.* You can also opt for a centralised detection system. However, smoke detectors are much more affordable, and you can easily connect 10 or more detectors together.
*Landlords who already have four or more autonomous smoke detectors installed as per the 2004 Smoke Detector Decree, have until 1 January 2028 to comply.
Where should you install your detectors?
- Install them on the ceiling, as the smoke will rise.
- Install them as close to the centre of the room as possible. If that’s not possible, ensure they are at least 30 cm from any corner.
- Is the ceiling sloped? Install the detector 90 cm from the highest point of the sloped ceiling.
How to maintain a smoke detector?
- Dust your detectors regularly using a cloth, a Swiffer duster or a hoover (at low power), as excess dust could set off the alarm.
- Regularly test the battery of your smoke detector by pressing the test button. You can use an umbrella or a broomstick to do this. Check them especially if you were away for several days, as the batteries could have discharged while you were away.
- Replace your detectors every 10 years. They should be replaced no later than 10 years after the date of manufacture, as the device’s sensors no longer work properly after that time. Older devices are also more likely to trigger false alarms.
Where can I buy a smoke detector?
In most DIY shops and many online shops.
What should you be looking out for?
- Choose a model with a built-in battery with a 10-year shelf life.
- Choose an optical smoke detector, they are more effective.
- Choose a model with a test button, it’s more practical.
- Always choose an approved smoke detector. Look for the CE mark and the European standard (NBN) EN 14604. This standard also applies to interconnectable smoke detectors. This means your detector meets all the necessary quality requirements and comply with the Smoke detector decree.
Tenant or landlord, who is responsible?
As a landlord, you must:
- Pay for the purchase and installation of smoke detectors.
- Choose detectors that comply with the standard.
- Install the detectors correctly.
- Replace the detectors in good time: either when they are faulty, or before their expiry date, or at the latest, 10 years after the date of manufacture.
As a tenant, you must:
- Dust and test your detectors regularly.
- Notify your landlord in writing if a detector has a problem or if it breaks down.
Smoke detectors for people with disabilities
Are you disabled or know someone who is? There are smoke detectors specifically designed for the deaf, hearing impaired, or visually impaired. These detectors use voice technology, light signals or vibrations that activate in the event of a fire. You can find out more about smoke detectors for people with disabilities on the Opens in new windowPHARE website.
Are you a tenant or a landlord? All tenants are entitled to suitable smoke detectors. However, landlords are not required to pay for this type of device. The Opens in new windowPHARE organisation offers a subsidy towards the purchase of these smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors: instructions for use
Browse our practical brochure and print it out for your home :
