When any major change to the building code occurs, there can be either misinformation or misunderstanding based on the language used or the way it has been interpreted. Below are some of the most common questions we have received so far, however if an answer to your question is not below – you can email us here or call on 07 5738670, we are more than happy to help provide you with some clarity and then add your question to this FAQ list below.
When do the building code changes for smoke alarms take affect?
The changes to the NZ building code start in November 2023 with a transition period of 12 months. In the transition period you may still follow the previous requirements to be compliant – however most builders and electricians, large group build companies and homeowners have already started to adopt the new standards.
Do I need a mains powered smoke alarm to meet the new building code?
No. There is some confusion in NZ regarding the changes to the new building code, however it is simply down to the language used. The changes require that all smoke alarms must be interconnected, which is where the misunderstanding occurs (in the word ‘interconnected’). By some this means the alarms MUST be hardwired or mains powered, but this is not the case.
The new code states;
‘Equipment required must be either 10 year long-life battery-operated (non-removable/sealed) or 240v hardwired mains powered, interconnected smoke alarms.’ So either the 2107 CAV10WF battery operated smoke alarm or the 2203 CAVMP Mains (hardwired) smoke alarm will comply.
A copy of the NZ standards NZS 4514:2021 is available here or on our website here.
Where do I need to install smoke alarms to be compliant?
Smoke alarms must be located in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways and landings within the building. In a multi-level household, there shall be at least one smoke alarm on each level. Where a kitchen or scullery is separated from the living spaces and hallways by doors that can be closed, an alarm specified by its manufacturer as suitable for a kitchen shall be located in the kitchen. This may be a heat alarm to avoid nuisance activations.
The RTA
The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) has tightened up its rules and regulations to ensure the safety of tenants throughout New Zealand – an imperative move considering 89% of fatal domestic fires occur in rental properties in NZ. As part of the RTA, from the 1st of July 2016 all residential rental properties are required to have long-life, photoelectric smoke alarms installed. These alarms must last for a minimum of 8 years or be a hard-wired system. Existing smoke alarms do not need to be replaced immediately as long as they are working. When they stop working or pass the manufacturer’s expiry or recommended replacement date, they must be replaced with long-life photoelectric alarms or a hard-wired smoke alarm system as above. Not complying with standards can have significant penalties for landlords.
CAVIUS provides a small 10 year, long-life photoelectric smoke alarm which meets all NZ building compliance standards.
For a more comprehensive outline of smoke alarms and the RTA visit tenancy.govt.nz
Landlord and tenant responsibilities
Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities to keep smoke alarms working.
Landlords must make sure smoke alarms are always in good working order and are working at the start of each new tenancy, including having working batteries. Failure to comply with these standards could result in a $4000 fine for the landlord.
Tenants must replace expired batteries during the tenancy, if there are older-style smoke alarms with replaceable batteries. If a tenant tampers with a smoke alarm or fails to replace batteries (in older models) they can be fined $3000.
Why photoelectric?
As well as being part of the RTA, photoelectric alarms are also recommended by the NZ Fire service. This is due to the advanced level of technology within a photoelectric alarm which detects both stages of fires faster. Photoelectric alarms use a light sensor, which when obstructed by smoke, will sound the alarm. Ionisation is another type of smoke alarm technology which has been banned altogether in many Australian states
Protecting your home
For the comprehensive protection of your home or rental property, CAVIUS recommends the use of both smoke alarms and thermal heat alarms. Place smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and lounge. For the garage, laundry, kitchen, and workshop (where fast, flaming fires are more likely to start), thermal heat alarms are recommended.
landlords, NZ building compliance, NZ smoke alarms, NZ tenant, photoelectric, rental properties, Residential Tenancies Act, RTA
There are two main types of smoke alarms, commonly found in New Zealand homes; Photoelectric and Ionisation. However, for a number of years now photoelectric smoke alarms are the type that has been recommended by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. But what is the difference between Photoelectric and Ionisation, and why are photoelectric alarms so highly recommended?
A recent test of both Photoelectric and Ionisation smoke alarms by Consumer NZ, found that Ionisation smoke alarms performed so poorly that it requested retailers to stop selling this type of smoke alarm. Ionisation smoke alarms are now no longer stocked in any of the major DIY stores in NZ.
Photoelectric Smoke Alarms
This type of smoke alarm works by aiming an optical light into a sensing chamber, and when smoke or other by-products of combustion fill this chamber, the light beam is broken and sets off the alarm.
Photoelectric smoke alarms have been proven to be more effective at detecting slow burning, smouldering fires – the most common type of fire in a home environment. They are also less likely to trigger a false alarm from cooking.
Photoelectric smoke alarms are now the internationally recommended solution for household use.
Cavius | 10-Year Photoelectric Smoke Alarm
Ionisation Smoke Alarms
This type of alarm works by using a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates. This material ionises the air, creating a current between the two plates, so when smoke, or other by-products of combustion enter the chamber, the current is disrupted causing the alarm to sound.
Ionisation smoke alarms are prone to false alarms, which results in people removing the batteries and thereby losing all protection. This type of alarm is also dramatically slower to respond to smouldering fires (the most common type of fire in a home environment) which can fill a home with deadly smoke long before it bursts into flames, and by responding slower it gives much less warning to occupants of the home and decreases the chances of survival. Ionisation alarms are also typically a-lot larger than photoelectric alarms.
Ionisation Smoke Alarm
So, what alarm is in my home?
If you aren’t sure what type of smoke alarm you currently have in your home, usually Ionisation alarms will have a yellow radioactive sticker (as per the image below) somewhere on the alarm body, it is commonly found underneath the alarm, so you might need to remove it to check.
This is the Ionisation symbol often found on an Ionisation smoke alarm
Photoelectric smoke alarms are highly recommended by the New Zealand Fire Service, due to their effectiveness at detecting the range of fires that occur in a home.
All CAVIUS smoke alarms are photoelectric and come in an array of options, whether you are after an alarm with a 10 year long-life battery, an alarm that connects to the others in your home, or a hardwired mains powered smoke alarm, we have one to suit your needs! The CAVIUS smoke alarms are also aesthetically pleasing and not to mention small and stylish.
Your best protection in a house fire is to have a working smoke alarm, and the faster you can be alerted, the more time you have to get yourself and your family to safety. Make sure you are giving your family the best protection and have photoelectric smoke alarms installed in your home
