Guide
Smoke alarms at home: placement, bedrooms and interconnection
Where should smoke alarms be placed?
Mount the smoke alarm on the ceiling, ideally near the middle of the room and away from walls, corners and vents. Avoid kitchens and bathrooms, where cooking fumes and steam easily cause false alarms. Always follow the distances in your alarm’s manual.
Why have a smoke alarm in the bedroom?
With the door closed, smoke from a bedroom can take time to reach a hallway alarm. An alarm inside the bedroom can detect smoke earlier, where it starts. Phones, tablets and other devices are often charged in bedrooms.
What are interconnected smoke alarms?
Interconnected smoke alarms are linked to each other, wirelessly or by wire. When one alarm detects smoke, every connected alarm sounds. That way you can hear the alarm even if a fire starts far from where you sleep.
How many smoke alarms does a home need?
Norwegian rules require at least one smoke alarm on every floor, covering the bedrooms. A good rule of thumb is one in each bedroom, one in the hallway outside the bedrooms and one in the living room or other living areas. Large or divided rooms may need more.
How do 10-year battery smoke alarms work?
The battery is built in and is meant to last the alarm’s whole life, so you don’t need to change batteries along the way. You still need to test the alarm regularly with the test button, and replace it when it reaches the end of its life or signals a low battery.
Read more from DSB – home fire safety. This guide does not replace an assessment of your home.