How often should you replace a smoke alarm?

Replace your smoke alarm with a new one every 10 years.

Dust and an ageing sensor make an alarm less sensitive over the years. That period of about 10 years comes from the standard and the lifespan manufacturers state. The manufacturing date is on the back of your alarm.

1. Check the manufacturing date on the back of the device
2. Order a new, CE-marked smoke alarm
3. Remove the old alarm from its mount or fit a new mount
4. Test the new alarm right after fitting it

10 to 20 minutes.

• new CE-marked smoke alarm (NBN EN 14604)

In Flanders, a working, CE-marked smoke alarm (NBN EN 14604) in your home is required by law. The law sets no deadline for replacing it: those 10 years are advice from the standard and from manufacturers, not a legal obligation.

Smoke alarms are also mandatory in Wallonia and Brussels, with their own rules; see the page on testing smoke alarms. If you live outside Belgium, check which rules apply there.

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Work safely and follow the manual. If in doubt, or if it involves gas, combustion or working at height, leave it to a qualified professional.

Source

• Brandveilig.be — Rookmelders verplicht: voor wie & waar? (overzicht wetgeving Vlaanderen)
• Brandweerzone Centrum (Belgische hulpverleningszone) — Rookmelders — check, test en onderhoud

Checked on: 2026-09-24

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