Smoke alarm requirements, placement and

Smoke alarms must meet the requirements of standard SFS-EN 14604 Smoke alarm devices. The standard includes requirements for smoke sensitivity, volume and labelling of the smoke alarm. The standard is sold by the Finnish Standards Association SFS. Smoke alarms’ compliance with requirements is attested with a CE marking.

Smoke alarms

detect incipient fires;
react to smoke (not to heat);
alert the persons present;
are either battery-operated or connected to the mains electricity, in which case batteries are used as a back-up power source to ensure proper function.

The smoke alarm battery may be replaceable, and the smoke alarm indicates the need to change the battery with a short beeping sound. The smoke alarm may also have a power supply that lasts for the smoke alarm’s entire life cycle. This type of power supply cannot be replaced.

As an additional feature, the smoke alarm may be equipped with a “mute” function that silences the smoke alarm for 5–15 minutes at the push of a button. The mute function is useful if, for example, the smoke alarm is activated because of cooking fumes. In this case, it is not necessary to remove the smoke alarm from the ceiling or remove the batteries.

Tukes monitors that smoke alarms sold in Finland meet the requirements of standard SFS-EN 14604. Tukes does not supervise matters related to the acquisition, placement or maintenance of smoke alarms. Acquisition, placement and maintenance are supervised by the local building supervision and the rescue authority.

Acquisition, placement and maintenance of smoke alarms

The responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of the smoke alarm will be transferred from the resident to the owner of the building from the beginning of 2026. The change in the law especially affects apartment buildings and townhouses. More about the topic

Smoke alarms are compulsory in all homes, buildings in which people sleep and care institutions The smoke alarm must be installed in such a way that it reacts to the smoke caused by a fire as early as possible. There must be at least one smoke alarm for each 60 m2 of each floor of a residence. Legislation: Decree of the Ministry of the Interior on the Placement and Maintenance of Fire Detectors 239/2009, Section 3

Remember these when placing a smoke alarm:

The smoke alarm should be placed in a place where smoke may freely spread.
Air flows shall also be taken into consideration in placement, as air flows may prevent fire gases from entering the alarm and thus prolong the alert.
Alarms should also not be placed in the vicinity of ventilation windows or forced ventilation.
Other places not recommended for smoke alarms include the kitchen, wet areas and other places where activity may cause unnecessary alarms.
The installation instructions provided with the smoke alarm shall be observed in installation.

Smoke alarms easily gather dust, which renders them more sensitive and prone to false alarms.

How to maintain a smoke alarm:

Test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button once a month.
Clean the smoke alarm a few times a year by gently vacuuming or wiping dust off with a slightly damp cloth. Care should be taken not to allow moisture inside the device, as its operation may be impeded.
Test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button after maintenance.

To prevent false alarming and ensure operating reliability, a smoke alarm shall be replaced at an interval of 5–10 years. The alarm shall carry an indication of the time of replacement recommended by the manufacturer. It is usually found at the bottom of the device. Pushing the test button only tests the smoke alarm’s battery and sound alarm, not its ability to detect smoke.