How Often Should Home Smoke Detectors Be Hardwired?

How Often Should Home Smoke Detectors Be Hardwired?

In Ontario, smoke alarms are required on every storey of a home and outside every sleeping area. Whether those alarms must be hardwired depends on the age of the home and the type of work being done.

Ontario Smoke Alarm Requirements

• On every storey of the dwelling unit
• Outside every sleeping area
• Inside every sleeping room in newer construction

Battery-only alarms satisfy the basic requirement for existing homes. When a building permit is issued for renovations or new construction, the Ontario Building Code requires interconnected, hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup.

Why Hardwired Alarms Are Preferred

• No dead battery risk — draws power from the electrical system; battery is backup only
• Interconnection — all units sound when one detects smoke
• Reliability — not dependent on homeowner replacing batteries

How Often Should Smoke Alarms Be Replaced?

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years from the date of manufacture (printed on the back). Test monthly by pressing the test button.

Contact EZSMART

EZSMART installs and upgrades hardwired, interconnected smoke alarm systems across Ontario. Contact us to ensure your smoke alarms meet current code requirements.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp