Smoke detectors

Are you a property owner? Then you are required to install smoke detectors. This is not only a legal obligation, but also essential for safety.

Smoke detectors alert you in time in case of fire. They emit a loud alarm when smoke concentration exceeds a certain threshold, allowing you to react quickly.

You can find smoke detectors in most DIY stores and at numerous online shops.

Smoke detectors must:

• have a built-in battery with a 10-year lifespan
• be certified (CE marking and EN 14604 standard)
• be of the optical type (ionisation detectors are prohibited)
• preferably include a test button

Warning:
If detectors are connected to the mains (220V), a backup battery is mandatory in case of power failure.

Installing a smoke detector is simple. It is mounted on the ceiling, for example using a magnetic mounting kit.

• Along the escape route (hallways, landings, passage areas)
• On each floor, even outside the escape route
• In the first room after the main entrance (recommended)
• If you need 4 or more detectors, they must be interconnected. A transition period may apply until 1 January 2028.

Correct positioning:

• On the ceiling
• As central as possible
• At least 30 cm from a corner
• On sloped ceilings: 90 cm from the highest point

Do not install detectors:

• in bathrooms, kitchens or garages (unless part of the escape route)
• next to ventilation systems
• above heat sources

Install them just outside these rooms if possible. Use a heat detector where appropriate.

• Remove dust regularly
• Test using the test button
• Check after long absences
• Replace at least every 10 years

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.} 

The Brussels Fire Brigade offers free home visits.

You receive:

• personalised advice
• a free smoke and CO detector

Request a visit here: External linkrequest a home visit.

Most casualties occur at night. Your sense of smell does not work while sleeping, but your hearing does. The alarm sound can save your life.

In the event of a fire, you have less than 3 minutes to evacuate.

In the past, you used to have an average of around 17 minutes to escape safely from a house fire. This change is mainly due to the use of synthetic materials in homes.

As a landlord, you must: 

• pay for purchase and installation
• install correctly
• select compliant devices
• replace them on time

As a tenant, you must: 

• dust and test detectors regularly
• report any malfunction 

Specific detectors exist for:

• deaf or hard-of-hearing people
• visually impaired people

They operate using:

• light signals
• vibrations
• voice alerts

All tenants are entitled to suitable smoke detectors. Landlords cannot refuse installation, but are not required to pay for them. Financial support may be available via health insurance funds or the Opens in new windowPHARE organisation.

You can find out more about smoke detectors for people with disabilities on the Opens in new windowPHARE website. 

Consult our brochure or print it for home use.

Decree of the Brussels-Capital Region Government of 28 September 2023 on fire detection in housing:

External linkhttps://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/article.pl?language=fr&lg_txt=f&type=&sort=&numac_search=&cn_search=2023092817&caller=eli&&view_numac=2023092817nx2023092817fr