From November 2024, Interconnected smoke alarms are now the minimum fire safety standard for household units. These alarms communicate so that if one detects smoke, all will sound. This aligns New Zealand with NZS 4514:2021, which outlines installation, maintenance, and suitable detector types to reduce false alarms.

Alarms must be installed in bedrooms, living areas, hallways, and on every level of multi-story homes. Options include wired alarms or wireless ones with long-life batteries. New systems can be hard-wired during construction, while battery-operated models offer a simple, cost-effective solution for existing homes without rewiring.

The updated solution is available now, with a one-year transition period ending in November 2024. Renovations and changes in building use must also comply with the new standards.

Interconnected smoke alarms are smoke detection devices that are linked together so that when one alarm detects smoke or a fire, all alarms in the network sound simultaneously. This feature enhances safety by ensuring that everyone in the household is alerted, regardless of where the fire starts.

Key Features of Interconnected Smoke Alarms

Enhanced Safety: If one alarm goes off, all alarms will sound, providing a greater warning time and increasing the chances of escape.

Types of Interconnectivity:

• Wired: Alarms are hardwired into the home’s electrical system and interconnected via wiring.
• Wireless: Alarms communicate wirelessly, making installation easier, especially in existing homes.

In accordance with the new standards, where more than one smoke alarm is installed within a household unit, all smoke alarms and heat alarms shall be interconnected to provide a common alarm from all the units in case of activation of any one alarm. 

Compliance Standards

The interconnected smoke alarms must be complied with the following standards. You must ensure that the smoke alarms you are installing are compiled in New Zealand, check this with the electrician or ask for a SDOC if you are buying the alarms directly. 

• AS 3786
• UL217
• CAN/ULC S531 
• BS EN 14604
• ISO 12239

Checks and Tests: 

Each smoke alarm should be tested at least once a month by activating the “test” function. Each smoke/heat alarm should be inspected and cleaned every six months using a soft brush to remove any dust, cobwebs or insects. You must also follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturers. We recommend not to use any liquid cleaners as they could pose damage to the electrical system of the smoke/heat alarm. You must not disassemble the unit as this would interfere with its functionality. 

It is important to constantly check all the smoke/heat alarms to ensure that they are in good working order.

Interconnected smoke alarms come with life-long, non-removable sealed batteries. These alarms should be replaced upon getting a low battery indication or before their expiry date. 

All other smoke alarms must be replaced after ten years from the date of manufacture, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify otherwise. 

If you are doing a DIY, then you must follow the mounting instructions issued by the manufacturer and use brackets/mounts supplied. Otherwise you could hire a qualified electrician.

Locations to avoid

It is best to get advice from a qualified technician about the location of smoke and heat alarms as per your household design. Some guidelines must be followed, and smoke alarms should not be located in:

• In any kind of dead air space 
• Within 300 mm of a light fitting 
• With 400 mm of any air supply opening 
• Next to or directly above heater or air-conditioning vents 
• Next to directly above opening window, walls, vents that could change the direction of airflow 
• In any kind of dusty or dirty environments
• With 1 metre from a cooktop 

This list highlights key points to consider before installing smoke alarms. Every home is unique, so we recommend seeking advice from an experienced technician to ensure proper installation and compliance.

At Sparky Shop, we offer top brands in smoke alarms, including ORCA, GT Performance, and Brilliant.

1. ORCA Smoke Alarms

ORCA offers a range of smoke alarms known for their reliability and advanced features. They often include models with photoelectric sensors to minimize false alarms and maximize detection efficiency.

2. GT Performance Smoke Alarms

GT Performance provides high-quality smoke alarms designed for performance and durability. Their products typically feature reliable sensing technology and can be interconnected with other alarms.

3. Brilliant Smoke Alarms

Brilliant is known for its smart home products, including interconnected smoke alarms. Their models often feature modern designs, smart connectivity, and user-friendly interfaces, allowing for effective monitoring and alerts.

Here are two top-rated interconnected smoke alarms that are highly regarded for their features and reliability:

1. Wireless 10Y Lithium Battery Interconnect Smoke Alarm

• Key Features:
  • This smoke alarm can be silenced with any existing remote control in your home
  • Collection Type: Smoke
  • Battery life: 10 Years
  • Sensor Type: Photoelectric
  • Silence Duration: 9 minutes
  • Infrared Silence: Yes
  • Indicator Light: Alarm, fault, and operation indicator
  • Interconnected Units: Supports up to 24 units
  • Compliance Standard: AS 3786:2014
  • Warranty: 10 years

2. Wireless 10 Year Interconnect Smoke Alarm

• Key Features:
  • Photoelectric sensor – best at sensing smoke from slow smouldering fires
  • Ideal for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms
  • Test button
  • Hush feature
  • Long-life built-in lithium battery
  • Extra loud warning tone, Low battery warning
  • Black colour option is available on request
  • Fully compliant with NZ Building Code (Certified to EN14604:2005)
  • Meets NZ Government 2016 Rental Housing Legislation, and complies with NZS 4514:202
  • Warranty – 10 Years