10-Year Smoke Detector Laws & Requirements

10 Years Alarm Smoke Alarms

There is a growing trend to switch from traditional battery powered smoke alarms to those that use 10-year sealed batteries. Although this is not a requirement in every province, there are numerous provinces that are beginning to require this type of smoke detector. Smoke and fire alarms have a limited lifespan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends every smoke alarm be replaced after 10 years and that regular batteries be replaced every six months. With 10-year sealed battery detectors, battery replacements and late-night battery chirps are eliminated for a decade.

Does Your Province Require 10-Year Smoke Detectors?

10-year smoke detectors are required in the following provinces:

  • Winnipeg, Manitoba: As of 2016, 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors are required in rental properties that do not have hardwired alarms. (This does not apply to the entire province of Manitoba.)
  • Regina, Saskatchewan: Adopted in 2018 and in effect since January 1, 2020, 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors are required in rental properties that do not have hardwired alarms. (This does not apply to the entire province of Saskatchewan.)
  • Montreal, Quebec: Adopted June 26, 2019, all residences built before 1985 and which are not equipped with hardwired alarms must have 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms. The requirements were delayed until January 2021.

Even if your province does not currently require the use of 10-year smoke alarms in residential areas, there are several benefits to consider:

  • There is no need to replace the batteries for the life of the detector. However, testing your smoke alarm regularly is recommended, no matter the type of alarm.
  • Provides hassle free protection for a decade
  • Helps eliminate late night, low battery chirps
  • An end-of-life warning reminds you to replace the smoke detector

Help protect your home and family against the dangers of fire with a 10-year smoke alarm today. First Alert also offers 10-year sealed battery carbon monoxide alarms, and 10-year sealed battery combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Combination CO and smoke detectors offer 2-in-1 protection against both fire and carbon monoxide. 

Placement of Smoke and Fire Detectors 

When placing alarms in your home, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • Smoke and fire detectors should be installed on every level, outside of each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom of your residential home
  • Ceiling mounted alarms should be in the center of the room if possible
  • Never mount a detector near a heat source
  • When installing an alarm high on the wall, it should not be placed more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
  • Mount smoke detectors away from fans and air ducts that could blow smoke away from the detector
  • To avoid nuisance alarms caused by oven heat, cooking smoke, or shower steam, avoid placing smoke detectors too close to a stove or oven and bathroom shower and at least 10 feet from appliances

DISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is Resideo Technologies, Inc.’s summary interpretation. It is only intended to be used as general reference material. It is neither authoritative nor intended to take the place of either the written law or applicable regulations. This should not be construed as an attempt to offer or render legal advice, a legal opinion, or otherwise engage in the practice of law. Check with your province / territory authorities for complete information.