Under the Ontario Fire Code, all homes must have working smoke alarms installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
For detailed requirements specific to your home, please refer to the Ontario Fire Code or contact Augusta Fire Rescue with any questions.
Where must smoke alarms be installed?
The Ontario Fire Code requires smoke alarms be installed
- On every level of the home including basements
- Outside all sleeping areas
For extra protection we recommend installing smoke alarms inside each bedroom.
How should smoke alarms be mounted?
- If known, always mount as per the manufacturer’s recommendations
- If the manufacturers recommendations are not known
- Install on the ceiling whenever possible a minimum of 10cm from the wall
- If wall mounted place at minimum of 10cm from the ceiling
- For peaked ceilings install 10 to 90cm away from the peak
How should smoke alarms be maintained?
- Test monthly: Press the test button; the alarm should sound. If not, check the battery or replace the alarm.
- Replace batteries once a year or when the low-battery warning sounds.
- Vacuum annually: Dust and other debris can interfere with your alarms working properly. Vacuum the outside of the alarm including the outside edges.
When should smoke alarms be replaced?
- As per manufacturer recommendations or at least every 10 years, or
- Immediately if it doesn’t work when tested
Who is responsible for the alarms and maintenance?
- Homeowners and landlords in rental properties are responsible for installation, testing and maintenance
My tenant refuses to let me access the unit to check alarms. What do I do?
- Familiarize yourself with the regulations of the Residential Tenancies Act. Checking smoke alarms is your responsibility and you can do so by providing 24 hours’ notice in writing to the tenant.
My tenants keep disabling alarms. What do I do?
- Keep thorough records every time you enter the residence, and the smoke alarm is disabled. Make it part of the lease agreement that smoke alarms must be maintained. Contact Augusta Fire Rescue as tenants may be charged for disabling alarms if you have proof that you provided them and checked them regularly.
How do I choose the correct smoke alarm?
- Choose a smoke alarm based on your home, where it will be installed, and the type of fire you want to detect.
- Pick the right sensor type
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- Photoelectric alarms – Best for slow, smouldering fires (e.g., furniture, wiring). Less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking.
- Ionization alarms – Faster at detecting fast-flaming fires (e.g., paper, grease).
- Dual-sensor alarms – Combine both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) for the best overall protection.
- Choose the power source
- Hardwired with battery backup – Most reliable; often required in newer homes.
- Battery-only (10-year sealed) – Good for retrofits and easy maintenance.
- Battery-only (battery replacement yearly) – Low cost
- Consider interconnection – Interconnected alarms (wired or wireless) all sound when one detects smoke—important for larger homes.
- Look for certifications
- Ensure the alarm is approved for use in Canada (e.g., CSA certification).
- Buying from known stores based in Canada is a safer purchase. Buying items online is gambling, you could be buying counterfeit alarms that don’t meet Canadian Standards.
- Add helpful features (optional)
- Voice alerts (identify location of danger)
- Silence/hush button (for nuisance alarms)
- Strobe lights (for hearing-impaired occupants)
Bottom line: For most homes, a dual-sensor, interconnected alarm with battery backup provides the best protection.
