Working smoke alarms in residential properties are required by law but for homeowners, they should be the most important equipment installed in their home. Smoking alarms require maintenance and they should be replaced every 10 years unless the manufacturer specifies a different service life. In addition, the backup batteries in your smoke alarm need to be replaced annually. You should test smoke alarms once per month by using the test button.
The answer to the question of how many smoke alarms I need and where they should be installed varies by each state and even each municipality. You have to follow your local building codes to ensure your smoke alarms are properly distributed in your home. The square footage of your home, the number of bedrooms, and the floors will further affect the number of required smoke alarms.
Some basic smoke alarm installation tips include:
- Select smoke alarm manufacturers that are well recognized and meet all required testing criteria.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or within 12 inches from the ceiling when installed on the wall.
- Ideally smoke alarms should be installed on each floor and inside each bedroom.
- Install a smoke alarm in your basement and follow all code requirements.
- Don’t install smoke alarms close to windows, patio and entry doors, or HVAC ducts as drafts might interfere with proper operation.
- Smoke alarms work best when they are interconnected. This can be accomplished by hardwiring all of the devices.
- Never paint smoke alarms of cover it with wallpaper.
Wisconsin code requires smoke alarms in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms must be hardwired with battery back-up placed on each level including the basement, inside each sleeping area or in the hallway within 21 feet of the sleeping area if multiple bedrooms are on the level.
Westphal staff members are licensed electricians who can help homeowners with everything from small repairs to whole-home backup generator installations and smoke detector services.
