Smoke alarms: this is what you need to know about the batteries
Smoke detectors are now mandatory in homes throughout our country. These smoke detectors are battery operated. What types are there, how many do you install, how do you know when the battery is empty, and how do you ensure that it gets a second life? You'll find out soon.
Did you know that an important 'hiding place' for batteries has appeared? Indeed, as smoke detectors or fire detection systems are now mandatory in all homes in Belgium, there are more batteries as well. Batteries that, after the end of their first life, must find their way to recycling. Because that's how they can start their second life. The new life of batteries begins at a Bebat collection point.
Why smoke detectors?
Fire hazard has always existed. But the number of house fires in our country is not decreasing - on the contrary. There are about 12,000 per year, resulting in 120 deaths. Smoke detectors are therefore real lifesavers, just like many other battery-operated devices that save lives.
How many smoke detectors - and where?
The number of smoke detectors you are required to provide varies depending on the region.
Flanders
All homes, including student rooms for example, are under a legal obligation. There must be at least one smoke detector per floor. In co-houses - where rooms are rented out, e.g., student accommodations - there must also be a smoke detector in each room. It is advisable to install smoke detectors in every room you pass through on the way from the bedroom to the outside, the shortest escape route.
Cellars and attics that are directly accessible must have at least one smoke detector. The same applies to cellars or attics with technical installations, also in apartment buildings and co-houses. A home that does not comply is ‘non-conforming’: a problem for the landlord who requests a conformity certificate.
Wallonia
In Wallonia, one smoke detector per habitable floor is mandatory, regardless of the area. This rule also applies to smaller studios or an attic floor that is inhabited. Common areas of a building are not included in this requirement (such as stairwells in apartment buildings), unless they are part of a private dwelling.
The Walloon government considers a floor to be habitable if it:
- Is physically accessible (stairs, fixed ladder)
- Is potentially used for living (thus including attics and basements if they are or can be furnished)
Brussels
Smoke detectors are mandatory in almost all homes in the Brussels region. They are required in homes that:
- Are rented (rental or co-rental agreements)
- Are sublet
- Are inhabited under joint ownership
- Fall under collective housing (e.g., student housing, shelters)
- Or simply inhabited by someone other than the owner
In the case of a rental property, the landlord is responsible for the installation of smoke detectors.
Where should you place smoke detectors in Brussels?
In summary:
- Mandatory: along the evacuation route in every space from the bedroom door to the exit.
- Additionally: on each level of the home (ground floor, floors, habitable attic/basement)
Which smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors come in all sizes and colors. Some operate independently, while others are connected to a fire alarm system. Nowadays, most smoke detectors are equipped with a battery and work optically: they respond when smoke passes by their sensor. You do not need to connect them to the power grid and they are also called autonomous smoke detectors.
What are the differences between smoke detectors? An important factor is the type of battery - and therefore also the lifespan of that battery. The cheapest detectors have a 9V battery that you need to replace annually. More expensive devices have built-in lithium batteries that last 5 to 10 years, as long as the smoke detector itself. The price of a smoke detector ranges from 3.99 euros to ten times that amount.
What kind of batteries are in the smoke detectors?
How long the battery of a smoke detector lasts varies from device to device. It can also last longer or shorter depending on the environmental temperature, how often the device is tested, and how often the alarm goes off. However, there are a few rules of thumb:
- Smoke detector with 9-volt battery: replace annually.
- Smoke detector with AA batteries: replace every 2 to 3 years.
- Smoke detector with lithium battery, which can appear as a 9V battery or as three 3V lithium coin cells: between 5 and 10 years, see packaging.
- Wirelessly linkable fire alarms with 9V and AA batteries: 9V battery (for alarm function) replace approximately annually, AA batteries (for linking function) replace every 2 to 3 years.
- Wirelessly linkable fire alarms with lithium battery: 10 years, see packaging.
Sometimes the battery is built-in, and you need to replace the entire device as soon as the battery runs out. This can be a good choice, because then you are safe for 10 years, without having to remember to replace the batteries on time. However, be aware: as soon as the device starts beeping - about every 40 to 60 seconds - this is a warning signal that the battery is empty. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Or the entire device, if the battery is built-in.
Also, be careful if you replace the battery prematurely: pay extra attention because it probably still contains more power than a truly empty battery.
How to replace the batteries?
Every smoke detector comes with a manual, either as an insert or on the packaging. It usually also explains how to remove and replace batteries.
- Open the device and gently pop out the batteries.
- Review a few important points for safely removing batteries beforehand, especially if they appear to be leaking. (Do not touch them with your bare hands.)
- Cover the poles of 9V batteries with a piece of tape. This prevents them from short-circuiting with any button cell batteries nearby.
- Replace with the correct type of batteries, paying close attention to the polarity (+ and -).
- If you are replacing the entire device, take it to a collection point for small electrical appliances.
Video
Can't find the manual? Then you can also try to find it online. Or contact the dealer.
