Smoke alarms become mandatory in ALL dwellings as of January 1, 2025

You own a home? Don’t wait until January 1, 2025 and already equip your home with a smoke detector.

Because smoke detectors save lives.

You are tenants? The installation of detectors is already mandatory in all rental housing in the Brussels-Capital Region.

What will change on 1 January 2025?

• Smoke detectors become mandatory in ALL dwellings, and no longer only in rented dwellings.
• The detector battery must be integrated and have a life of 10 years
• If four or more stand-alone smoke detectors are required in the dwelling, the installation of coupled detectors or a centralized detection system becomes mandatory*.

*Owners who already have four or more stand-alone smoke detectors, as per the 2004 Smoke Detector Order, have until January 1, 2028 to put themselves in good standing.

Why are detectors so important in the event of a fire?

 When the smoke alarm sounds, you have only three (03) minutes to evacuate the dwelling. And yes, only three minutes. Fires are growing so fast today that it takes only three minutes to make them a deadly danger.

The video below from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) shows you why.

Most people who die in a house fire die at night or early in the morning. When they sleep. Our sense of smell is disabled when we sleep. Our hearing continues to function quite well.

That is why it is so important to install smoke detectors. The sound of the alarm wakes us up and directly informs us that there is smoke. And there is no smoke without fire. You can quickly get to the shelter and contact the emergency services at 112.

Where to buy a smoke detector?

In most DIY stores and many online stores.

Which model to choose?

• Choose a model with integrated battery life of 10 years.
• Opt for an optical smoke detector, they are more effective.
• Choose a device with a test button.
• Always choose a detector that is CE approved and compliant with the European standard (NBN) EN 14604. Your detector will meet all the necessary quality requirements.

Where to place a detector?

In all locations on the evacuation route. The escape route includes all the areas you must cross from your room to the fire exit. So also in the corridors and landings.

Install the detectors on the ceiling as the smoke rises. Do not hide them behind curtains or in a corner. They should preferably be in the centre of the room as much as possible. If this is not possible, install the detector at least 30 cm from the corner.

In a room with sloping ceilings or gables, install the smoke detector at 90 cm from the highest point. Measure from the ridge and attach the smoke detector to the sloping wall.

Always read the manual carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

For added security, install one as well:

where batteries and chargers are recharged
in the room adjacent to the kitchen
in the living room
in all rooms
in the laundry room
Do not install smoke alarms:

• next to a fan, vent or air duct
  above a heating
  in the bathroom, kitchen or garage. This would cause false alarms. Install the detector right next to these spaces.

What interview?

Dust the smoke detectors regularly. Excess dust on the smoke detector may trigger the alarm. Smoke detectors should therefore be regularly dusted with a cloth or vacuum cleaner (low power).

Test the smoke detector battery from time to time by pressing the test button. An umbrella or a broom handle is easily enough.

Make sure to do this after several days of absence. The smoke detector battery may have discharged during your absence

Replace the detector every 10 years.

Regardless of the model you have chosen, all detectors must be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture. The sensors of the device no longer function properly after this time. Devices that are too old often trigger false alarms.

Smoke detectors for people with reduced mobility

If you have a disability or know someone who has a disability, it is useful to know that specific smoke detectors are on the market. Some have been designed specifically for the deaf or hard of hearing. For the visually impaired, there are voice technology detectors. More information on smoke detectors for people with disabilities can be found on the website of Disabled Person Autonomy Wanted or PHARE https://phare.irisnet.be/

Smoke detectors, user guide

A convenient file to print and keep: download the file

Questions about smoke detectors? Contact our Awareness department at sensibilisation@firebru.brussels.