Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are required in all homes under the Ontario Fire Code and the Ontario Building Code. Smoke alarm requirements differ based on the year of home construction. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the following requirements are met and to ensure they are in working order by changing the batteries twice per year and testing them monthly.

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Smoke Alarm Requirements
Ontario Building Code Edition
Ontario Building Code Edition1975198319861990199720062012
Smoke alarms must be audible in bedrooms when the door is closed Required Required Required Required Required Required Required
Battery operated or hardwired smoke alarms permitted Required            
Smoke alarms installed on or near the ceiling and in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions Required Required Required Required Required Required Required
Smoke alarms between bedrooms and the remainder of the home Required Required Required Required Required Required Required
Smoke alarms on every storey of the home (including the basement) Required Required Required Required Required Required Required
Smoke alarms shall be hardwired and interconnected if more than one alarm is required   Required Required Required Required Required Required
Smoke alarms hardwired to the home’s power supply (must remain hardwired when replacing)   Required Required Required Required Required Required plus seven day battery backup
Smoke alarms must be within 5 metres (15 feet) of any bedroom door         Required Required Required
Smoke alarms in every sleeping room             Required
Smoke alarms must have a visual component (such as a strobe) with a temporal or voice/temporal sound pattern             Required
  • On March 1, 2006 the Ontario Fire Code required smoke alarms on every storey of every home resulting in the retrofit of all homes constructed prior to 2006, the additional smoke alarms are permitted to be battery operated
  • Under the Ontario Fire Code it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure the required level of fire protection is being met & maintained at all times.

If you are a tenant, please contact your landlord for smoke alarms. Replace smoke alarms as directed by the manufacturer and change the batteries in battery-operated alarms twice per year. Test alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly.
Purchasing a Smoke Alarm

You can purchase a smoke alarm from most big-box stores like Walmart, Canadian Tire or Home Depot, as well as online. When purchasing a smoke alarm it is crucial to purchase an alarm that bears a recognized certification marking. Canadian certification marks indicate that these products have been assessed by laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada and that the products meet national standards.

When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for a recognized Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cUL, ULC or cETL, which should appear directly on the product, not just the packaging. A list of Canadian certification marks can be found here.
Smoke Alarm Installation

When installing a smoke alarm always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Because smoke rises smoke alarms need to be affixed on, or near, the ceiling.

  • Familiarize yourself with the alarm’s instruction manual and the features of your alarm to ensure you can hear and recognize the sights and sounds of the alarm.
  • To avoid a false alarm due to cooking do not install smoke alarms directly inside the kitchen.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance

If properly installed and cared for most smoke alarms should last approximately 10 years. After a smoke alarm is installed monthly, semi-annual and yearly maintenance is required to ensure your smoke alarms are functioning at peak performance:

  • Monthly: test smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button on the face of the alarm to confirm that the alarm is functioning. Use the handle of a mop or broom so your feet never have to leave the ground.
  • Semi-annually: there are two kinds of smoke alarms – battery operated and hardwired. Change the batteries in battery-operated alarms two times per year. Most hardwired alarms now contain a concealed battery back-up that cannot be changed.
  • Annually: once a year it is time to clean your alarm. Dust and debris from day-to-day life can accumulate in the sensing chamber of your alarms. Vacuum the sensing chamber and other openings of the alarm or blow them out using compressed air. Re-install the alarm and test that it is working by pressing the test button on the face of the alarm.

While you have your alarm down check the side or back of the alarm for a replacement date. If the alarm is ten years or older it is time to replace it with a brand new alarm – even if it is hardwired.
Smoke Alarm Disposal

Once your smoke alarm has reached its end of life it is time to dispose of it. Before discarding your alarm make sure to remove the batteries or for alarms with a concealed battery backup disable the alarm using the switch on the back of the alarm. Smoke alarms can be disposed of in your regular municipal household garbage.