How often should you test your smoke alarms?

Test your smoke alarms once a month: press the test button and listen for a loud alarm. That’s the fire service’s advice.

A smoke alarm that stays silent won’t warn you of a fire, and you only find out when you test it. Pick a fixed moment, for example the first Thursday of the month, and dust it at the same time. The law requires working smoke alarms, but doesn’t prescribe how often to test. Replace an alarm after the lifespan printed on it, usually 10 years.

Press the test button on each smoke alarm and check the alarm sound
Carefully dust the device during the test
Check that the device hasn’t been painted over or taped up
Note any faults so the alarm can be checked or replaced

5 to 10 minutes.

stepladder if needed

In Belgium, smoke alarms are mandatory in all three regions, but the law is about having working alarms, not about how often you test them. Flanders: since 1 January 2020 in all homes, at least one per floor. Wallonia: at least one working detector in every home (existing homes since 1 July 2006). Brussels: since 1 January 2025 in all homes.

Renting in Wallonia or Brussels? Then the owner or landlord buys and installs the alarms; you maintain them and report a defect straight away. How many alarms you need and where they must be fitted differs per region.

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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.

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Checked on: 2026-09-24

How often should you test your smoke alarms?

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