Smoke detectors mandatory since July 1, 2022

Since July 1, 2022, it is mandatory to hang smoke detectors in all homes in the Netherlands. Smoke detectors are also called fire detectors. Do you already know which smoke detectors you need and where you want to place them? Read this article to find out what the most sensible places in the house are to hang smoke detectors.

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Minimum legal requirement

Guideline: at least 1 smoke detector per floor. This is for minimum protection.

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Student house guidelines

Guidelines:

• 1 smoke detector in each shared hall, living space or landing

• 1 smoke detector in each separate student room

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Number of smoke detectors for optimal protection

Do you want to optimally protect your home? Then you can use the guidelines below.

Guidelines:

• 1 smoke detector per floor

• 1 smoke detector per room where a lot of time is spent, which means there is an increased risk of fire.

​Consider the following:

• A bedroom

• A children's room

• A hobby room

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Smoke detector requirements

What requirements must the smoke detector meet:

• The European EN 14604 quality mark

• Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years

 

NEN 2555

The NEN 2555 describes the correct way to use smoke detectors and where in a living space, this NEN 2555 standard applies to every building built or renovated after 2013. Smoke detectors must comply with these NEN 2555 guidelines:

• Has a 230V/mains connection

• Contains a backup battery (or accumulator)

• Must be approved according to NEN-EN 14604

• Has an optical sensor

• The smoke detector must be connectable (wireless or wired)

Please note: NEN 2555 is not stated on the smoke detector and is not a certificate of the detectors.

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How many smoke detectors in the house?

It depends on your home how many smoke detectors you need to be alerted as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.
Please note: a heat detector is not a replacement for the smoke detector and therefore does not count as the legally required smoke detector per floor!

The image below shows the most ideal places where you can place an optical smoke detector.

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​​Please note: if you look at the image above, you may be surprised that there is no smoke detector shown in the boiler room (bottom left in the image, but the central heating boiler is often in the attic or loft). This is because it is highly recommended to hang a combined smoke/carbon monoxide detector. It is even better to hang 2 different detectors, namely a smoke detector and a separate carbon monoxide detector. This is because you always hang the smoke detector on the ceiling, but the carbon monoxide detector wants to hang at 'breathing height' (i.e. head height). BUT, be careful... head height does not always mean 'at walking/standing height'!!!. Head height can also be at sitting height or lying height. So take this into account!

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Where to place smoke detectors?

Make sure that the smoke detectors are in the right places. If they are not placed in the right place, the detector may not be able to detect smoke properly. Where you should place the smoke detectors is described in the safety regulations and general rules.

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Where should smoke detectors be installed?

Guidelines:

• Preferably against the ceiling, at least 50 centimetres from a wall

• On escape routes

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Where should you not place smoke detectors?

Guidelines:

• Preferably not against the wall

• Near fans or a ventilation opening

• In draughty places

• Above the heating, a heat detector is suitable for this

• In the kitchen, a heat detector is suitable for this

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Smoke detector in a purchased or rented home

The mandatory use of smoke detectors in a rental or owner-occupied home differs.

The differences are explained below.

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Smoke detectors mandatory in owner-occupied homes

When you use smoke detectors in a home you own, it is your own responsibility to place them where necessary. You are also responsible for the maintenance of the smoke detector.

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Smoke detectors mandatory in rental properties

The rules regarding smoke detectors in rental properties are different than in owner-occupied properties. In rental properties, just as in owner-occupied properties, the use of smoke detectors is mandatory.
Rules for rental properties:

• The landlord is responsible for hanging sufficient smoke detectors. This falls under the duty of care. The tenant must maintain the smoke detector himself.

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Smoke detectors for new construction or existing construction

The rules for the use of smoke detectors differ between new construction and existing construction. Do you want to install smoke detectors in new construction or existing construction?

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Smoke detectors mandatory in new construction

Rules for new construction:

• Smoke detectors must be connected to 230V

• The smoke detectors must be equipped with an emergency battery

• Connecting multiple smoke detectors

• For all rules, see also the Building Decree 2012 article 6.21

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Smoke detectors mandatory in existing buildings

Rules for existing buildings:

• Smoke detectors may operate on single (9V or 12V) batteries

• It is not mandatory to connect multiple smoke detectors to each other

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Is a smoke detector mandatory for fire insurance?

The presence or absence of smoke detectors does not (yet) affect the coverage of the fire insurance policy. Only when the obligation is specifically stated in the special conditions of the insurance contract, this can certainly affect the compensation. An insurer can then decide to cancel a contract if the damage is due to negligence or carelessness of the resident. So take a good look at the conditions in your policy!

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