Smoke detector obligation: which rooms? Attach where?

Beep, beep, beep – the smoke alarm shrills: a sound that hurts your ears but saves lives. In Germany alone, around 400 people die every year from house fires. The number one cause of death is toxic fire smoke. Since the sense of smell is inhibited when sleeping, the danger is not noticed in time. The victims slumber into death. Smoke detectors protect because they give an acoustic warning of the toxic smoke in good time. What you should pay attention to according to the German Fire Brigade Association and the Fire Smoke Prevention Forum.

How does a smoke detector work?

In the event of a fire, a smoke detector warns you with a loud acoustic signal of 85 decibels if the toxic smoke gas enters the device's measuring chamber. This leaves 120 seconds after the alarm to get yourself and others to safety.

In which rooms is a smoke detector mandatory?

In Germany, it is mandatory in all federal states to hang up smoke detectors after new buildings and conversions, but this is also mandatory in existing houses. In Bavaria, the devices must be installed in all bedrooms and children's rooms as well as in corridors that are used as escape routes to the stairwell or outdoors.

And what about smoke detectors in the kitchen?

Kitchen fires account for about a third of all house fires in Germany. But with the smoke detectors in the kitchen it is difficult because they react sensitively to cooking, roasting and baking and are triggered quickly.

But what other options are there for smoke detectors in the kitchen?

An alternative are heat detectors, which sound an alarm from a room temperature of 60 degrees or if the temperature rises quickly. Another option are stove alarms, which have a built-in temperature sensor that gives a timely warning if the stovetop is getting too hot or the food in the pan is catching on fire.

Who must install the smoke detectors?

Owners must install smoke detectors in their own and rented living quarters. The tenant is responsible for the maintenance himself. But the landlords are always obliged to regularly maintain the detectors installed independently or by external service providers.

How should a smoke detector be attached?

The devices should be mounted horizontally on the ceiling of the room, as the smoke rises and is detected the fastest this way. At best, the smoke alarm hangs in the middle of the ceiling. If this is not possible, it should be at least 50 centimeters away from walls and other obstacles.

How often does a smoke detector need to be checked?

Every twelve months smoke detectors should be tested by pressing the test button on the detector. If there is no sound, the batteries must be replaced or, in the case of welded batteries, the entire device must be replaced. When the battery is low, the device also emits a warning tone several times.

Do smoke detectors need to be cleaned more often?

Yes, because there is often dust on the optical sensors of the detector, so that it can no longer perceive the smoke. Therefore, the small devices should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth or a feather duster.

What must be considered when buying a smoke detector?

The "Q" quality mark identifies smoke detectors that have been tested for standards, have a permanently installed 10-year battery and therefore offer a high level of safety. There are now also networkable smoke detectors that connect via radio or WiFi. If one of these smoke detectors sounds an alarm, the other devices are also triggered. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special warning systems with light and vibration that are linked to the detector.

The neighbor's smoke alarm is beeping, should the fire brigade be called?

If the smoke alarm can be heard from an apartment or house in the vicinity, this should always be reported to the fire brigade on the emergency number 112. But don't worry: Even in the event of a false alarm, the fire service remains free of charge.

You can also listen to our podcast with a fireman from the "Augsburg, meine Stadt" series:

You can find more helpful tips and information here in our household guide.