• Press the test button to sound the alarm.
• Six monthly, vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to help avoid false alarms.
• Every year, check the expiry date. This is usually on the bottom or side of the alarm. No expiry, best to get them replaced.
• Requirement: Smoke alarms must be interconnected so that if one alarm activates, all alarms in the house will sound.
• Power source: Alarms can be either 240v mains-powered, hard-wired, or battery-operated and wirelessly interconnected.
• Backup: If using mains-powered alarms, they must have a battery backup.
• Location: Alarms must be installed on or near the ceiling in every bedroom, living area, and hallway, and on every level of the home.
• Hush button: Alarms should have a “hush button” to silence them temporarily.
• Placement: Avoid placing alarms in kitchens (where normal cooking can cause false alarms) or garages, and keep them at least 3 feet away from doors, vents, and fans.
• These rules became mandatory for substantial renovations as of November 2024, following the transition period from November 2023.
• Building consent is required for renovations and triggers the new smoke alarm rules.
• For properties not undergoing renovation that requires building consent, the old rules apply.

So these days we need to replace or install new spoke alarms with almost all renovations, builds and extensions done.