Smoke Alarms
It is mandatory to install smoke alarms in all new dwellings and in existing dwellings or household units when additions or alterations are carried out.
This means that even for fitting a solid fuel burner or other internal alterations requiring a building consent, a smoke alarm or alarms will be required to be installed before Council will issue a Code Compliance Certificate.
Smoke Alarms
- May be battery powered and are not required to be interconnected.
- Shall be provided with a hush facility having a minimum duration of 60 seconds.
- Shall have a test facility located on the smoke alarm.
- Shall be listed or approved by a recognised national authority as complying with at least one of: UL217; CAN/ULC 5531; AS3786; BS5446 Part 1.
- Shall be located on the escape routes on all levels within the household unit. On levels
containing the sleeping spaces, the smoke alarms shall be located either:
(a) In every sleeping space; or
(b) Within 3.0 m of every sleeping space door. In this case, the smoke alarm must be audible to sleeping occupants on the other side of the closed doors. - Shall be installed on or near the ceiling in accordance with AS1670.6 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Recommended Maintenance Procedures
- In situ annual cleaning with a vacuum cleaner (no disassembly of smoke alarm).
- Monthly testing by use of the smoke alarms test facility. If you have any queries regarding the installation of smoke alarms please contact the Councils Building Control Officer.
