Ontario Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements: Where & What to Install
Proper smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm placement is crucial for safety and legal compliance in Ontario. The Ontario Building Code (OBC) has strict regulations on where smoke and CO detectors must be installed. This guide explains which alarms you need in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, kitchens, attics, basements, garages, and more.
Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements for New Builds
If your home was built after January 1, 2015, or is undergoing major renovations, all required smoke and CO alarms must include a built-in strobe light. This ensures accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, in compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) Section 3.2.4.22.
Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements for Existing Homes
If your home was built before 2015, you are not required to upgrade to alarms with strobe lights unless:
- You are completing major renovations that require a permit.
- The home is converted into a rental unit or multi-unit dwelling.
- Someone in the home has hearing impairments, in which case a strobe-equipped alarm is highly recommended.
For older homes, standard smoke and CO alarms without strobes remain compliant.
Smoke & CO Alarm Placement by Room
The placement of smoke and CO alarms varies depending on the room in your home. Here are the requirements for different locations:
| Location | Required Alarm (New Builds) | Required Alarm (Existing Homes) | Suggested Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Bedrooms | Smoke + Strobe | Smoke (Strobe Recommended) | Kidde 2-in-1 LED Strobe and Smoke (P4010ACLEDSCA) |
| Hallways/Common Areas | Smoke + CO + Strobe | Smoke + CO (Strobe Recommended) | Kidde 3-in-1 LED Strobe & CO (P4010ACLEDSCOCA) |
| Living Rooms | Smoke + CO + Strobe | Smoke + CO (Strobe Optional) | Kidde 3-in-1 LED Strobe, Smoke & CO (P4010ACLEDSCOCA) |
| Kitchens | Smoke (Outside Kitchen, Strobe Recommended) | Smoke (Outside Kitchen, Strobe Optional) | Kidde 2-in-1 LED Strobe and Smoke (P4010ACLEDSCA) |
| Basements | Smoke + Strobe | Smoke (Strobe Optional) | Kidde 2-in-1 LED Strobe and Smoke (P4010ACLEDSCA) |
| Garages (Attached) | CO + Strobe | CO (Strobe Optional) | Kidde 3-in-1 LED Strobe, Smoke & CO Alarm (P4010ACLEDSCOCA) |
Conclusion
Installing the right smoke and CO alarms ensures compliance with Ontario safety regulations and provides maximum protection for your home. If your home was built before 2015, you may not need strobes, but upgrading is highly recommended for enhanced safety.
Tips for Keeping Your Home Safer
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 1-in-5 homes that have smoke alarms, none of the units work, mainly due to dead, missing, or disconnected batteries. With this in mind, keeping your home safer is as simple as following a few tips:
- Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in hallways, inside bedrooms, and outside of sleeping areas.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Alarms monitor the home every minute of every day, and their lifespan is not infinite. If you don’t know how old your alarm is, you should replace it.
- Test your smoke alarm weekly and replace the batteries as needed.
- Gently vacuum your smoke alarm monthly to prevent dirt from blocking the sensor.
- Do not disable a smoke alarm in nuisance or false alarm situations. Never "borrow" smoke alarm batteries for other uses such as toys or radios.
- Develop and practice a fire escape plan with the family, so that everyone knows what to do and where to go when the alarm sounds.
Find the Right Fire Safety Products for Your Home
Kidde 2-in-1 LED Strobe and 10-Year Talking Smoke Alarm
Model: P4010ACLEDSCA
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Kidde 3-in-1 LED Strobe and 10-Year Talking Smoke & CO Alarm
Model: P4010ACLEDSCOCA
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Kidde 10-Year Talking Smoke & CO Alarm
Model: P4010ACSCOCA
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