As of November 2024, the New Zealand Building Code Acceptable Solutions for Protection from Fire (C/AS1 and C/AS2) has been updated to require interconnected smoke alarms as the minimum fire safety system for newly built homes and consented renovations. These updates reference NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected Smoke Alarms for Houses. The standard allows for both wireless and hard-wired interconnections, using either 10-year long-life battery-powered, DC low voltage or 240v mains-powered alarms.

Below are the key points of the changes to the acceptable solutions but it is important that you read the details in the Standards New Zealand – NZS 4514:2021 interconnected smoke alarms for houses document, click here to download.

KEY POINTS:

• Equipment Requirements: Smoke alarms must be either 10-year long-life battery-operated (non-removable/sealed), DC low voltage or 240v mains-powered and interconnected.
• Compliance Standards: All smoke alarms must comply with recognised standards, including BS EN 14604, AS 3786, UL 217, CAN/ULC S531, or ISO 12239.
• Interconnection: Where multiple smoke alarms are required, they must be interconnected, either wired or wirelessly, so that activation of one triggers all alarms within the household.
• Placement: Smoke alarms must be installed in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings within the home.
• Multi-Level Homes: At least one smoke alarm is required on each level of a multi-storey home.
• Features: All smoke alarms must have the ability to be hushed and tested.
• Installation: Smoke alarms should be mounted on or near the ceiling.
• Kitchen Areas: In kitchens or sculleries separated by doors, an alarm suitable for kitchen use, such as a heat alarm, should be installed to reduce nuisance activations. 

For full details, refer to NZS 4514:2021 – Interconnected Smoke Alarms for Houses.