From January 1, 2025, a new law will be implemented in the Brussels region, requiring all residential and commercial buildings to install smoke detectors. This measure is intended to improve overall social safety, reduce fire risks, and protect the lives and property of every resident. In this article, we will explore the background of this new regulation, the implementation steps, and how to choose the right smoke detector. Finally, we will recommend WISUALARM products to protect your safety.
Why Are Smoke Detectors So Important?
Smoke detectors are the first line of defense for home and commercial safety. According to the International Fire Association, the risk of death from fire accidents is reduced by about 50% in homes with smoke detectors installed. Smoke detectors sense smoke particles in the air and quickly sound the alarm, buying you and your family precious time to escape. Whether it is in the dead of night or in the warm moments of family reunion, smoke detectors can promptly alert you to the potential danger of fire.
What The New Rules Say?
- Smoke detectors must be installed in all accommodation, not just rental accommodation.
- Detector batteries must have a 10-year lifespan and comply with EN 14604
- If four or more individual smoke detectors are required in a dwelling, interconnected detectors or a centralised detection system must be installed. (* Homeowners who already have four or more non-interconnected smoke detectors have until 1 January 2028 to comply.)
Who is Responsible For Purchasing and Installing Smoke Detectors?
The lessor is responsible for the cost of purchasing and installing smoke detectors. Residential lessors may inspect the residence once a year to ensure that the smoke detectors are working properly.
Lessor's obligations:
- Proper placement of smoke detectors that meet the requirements;
- Pay the cost of purchasing and installing the detectors;
- If the smoke detector is defective, replace it before the expiration date or no later than 10 years after the date of manufacture specified by the manufacturer.
Tenant is responsible for:
- Dust the smoke detector and activate the test button regularly;
- Notify the lessor if the smoke detector does not work properly.
How to Choose A Suitable Smoke Detector?
There are many types of smoke detectors on the market, mainly photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric smoke detectors are more suitable for detecting slow-burning flames (such as smoke produced when grilling food), while ionization smoke detectors are more sensitive to fast-burning flames.
Here, we especially recommend WISUALARM's smoke detector products. Our smoke detectors use advanced detection technology and can effectively detect smoke. The 10-year life of the lithium battery ensures long-term use, and the 5-year product shelf life allows you to use without after-sales concerns. And WISUALARM smoke detector products have EN 14604 compliance.
In addition to stand-alone products, WISUALARM's interconnected smoke detectors are equally excellent, and can connect 24 detectors at the same time. When one device detects smoke, all other devices will sound an alarm. The certification of the products meets the requirements, and you can view and download the files on the product page.
Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed?
If the accommodation is an apartment:
At least one smoke detector is required. It should be placed in the room where the bed is located, and not too close to sources of water or cooking vapors, such as showers or stoves.
If the accommodation area exceeds one floor:
Place at least one smoke detector in each room.
If the accommodation spans several floors:
Place at least one smoke detector on each floor. It must be placed on the landing or in the first room you enter on the upper floor.
Where should smoke detectors be mounted on the ceiling?
Installed on the ceiling:
If the device is installed on the ceiling, install at a distance of 20 inches (500mm) away from the corners of the room.
Installed on the slopping roof:
When the slope is less than 45°, the appropriate distance is 20 inches (500mm).
When the slope is more than 45°, a wood should be installed.
Invest In A Safe Future
In general, with the upcoming mandatory installation of smoke detectors in Brussels, residents and tenants should act as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Choosing the right smoke detector is not only a legal responsibility, but also a responsibility for the safety of your family and your own life and property. We encourage you to improve your security level through WISUALARM's high-quality products and make our living space more secure. Let us work together for a safer environment, choose WISUALARM, and let safety and intelligence go hand in hand!
Reference:
[1] Pompiers de Bruxelles, 2025. https://pompiers.brussels/fr/securite/ma-securite/detecteurs
[2] Paradigm.brussels, 2025. https://be.brussels/fr/logement/detecteurs-de-fumee-obligatoires-bruxelles-partir-de-2025
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