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 SFS Finnish Standard. 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

As of the beginning of 2026, the responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of the smoke alarm was transferred from the resident to the owner of the building. More about the topic

Smoke alarms are compulsory in all homes. Smoke alarms are also required in small accommodation facilities, care facilities, daycare centres, and schools. Smoke alarms must be kept in working order. In practice, this means replacing the battery and replacing the smoke alarm when it reaches the end of its service life or if it becomes faulty.

The installation and placement of smoke alarms must comply with the requirements of the Ministry of the Interior’s Decree on Smoke Alarms (300/2025). Smoke alarms must be installed on the ceiling, even if the manufacturer’s instructions also allow wall installation. There must be at least one smoke alarm for every started 60 m² of floor area on each storey.

When deciding where to place smoke alarms, attention must be paid not only to floor area but also to the layout of the home and premises, ventilation, and whether the alarm sound can be clearly heard. Smoke alarms must be installed at least 0.5 metres away from walls and wall-like structures.

The installation instructions supplied with the smoke alarm must be followed, as long as they do not conflict with the Ministry of the Interior’s decree.

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.
Always check that the smoke alarm is working by pressing the test button after installation and after changing the battery.

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.