Smoke detectors mandatory in homes
From 1 July 2022 every home in the Netherlands has to be equipped with sufficient smoke detectors. This means that every must have a smoke detector installed. Floors where people don’t live like basements and attics, do not need to be fitted with a smoke detector.
So if you have a house with two floors, a basement and an attic, you will need to install two smoke detectors. If you are renovating that attic and turning it into a bedroom, office or entertainment room, a smoke detector is also required.
If you have a ground floor where people do not live, but which does serve as an escape route, a smoke detector is also required there. This is the case if your front door opens into a hall, where you take the stairs to enter your living space.
The regulations for new-build homes are almost the same, with the main difference that the smoke detector must be connected to electricity, rather than run on batteries.
Which smoke detector is best
Any smoke detector that meets the NEN-14604 standard is sufficient to comply with the regulations. If you prefer a smoke detector that hooks up to electricity, it will have to meet the NEN-2555 standard
Linked smoke detectors
Some smoke detectors can easily be connected wirelessly. If one goes off, it sends a signal to the linked detectors so that they all go off. Some neighbors also choose to link their smoke detectors.
This is a smart choice if you have mobility-impaired or hard-of-hearing roommates. Connecting the smoke detectors ensures that they hear the alarm earlier and therefore have more time to get out safely. A wired linked detector is also a good idea for gamers who like to wear headphones.
Smoke detector hooked to electicity
A smoke detector needs a new battery every now and then. If you connect your smoke detector to mains power, you can be sure that it will always work. In many cases it is quite easy to connect the smoke detector to your home’s existing wiring.
Smart smoke detectors
Get notifications on your phone or keep an eye on the house from your holiday address through the built-in camera. A smart detector can have many additional applications.
Sometimes smart detectors also measure more than just smoke. For example, in many cases they sound the alarm if carbon monoxide levels get too high.
Combi detectors
A combi detector measures both smoke and carbon monoxide and triggers an alarm if their values are too high. It is therefore best to hang these detectors near a central heating boiler where carbon monoxide can increase fastest.
