Smoke Alarms

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Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work. It's as simple as that.

Make sure you test all smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button on each device.

Smoke alarms should be replaced if they are more than 10 years old from the date of manufacture or if they fail an operability test. The sticker located on the back of the smoke alarm will include the date it was manufactured. As a rule of thumb, if your alarm has turned yellow from age, replace it.

What kind of smoke alarm should I buy?

Where should I install smoke alarms?

Minnesota state fire code provides information about the required placement, power supply and interconnection of smoke alarms. Although the code does not require the placement of alarms in bedrooms based on the age of the home, the Minnetonka Fire Department strongly recommends having an alarm in each bedroom.

LOCATION	POWER SUPPLY	INTERCONNECTION REQUIRED*
Existing buildings that do not have any smoke alarms (same as new)
In hallways outside sleeping rooms In sleeping rooms On each level of the building and in basements On ceiling wall less than 12 inches below ceiling On center of ceiling above stairways	If constructed on or after Aug. 1, 1989, smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt). If constructed before Aug. 1, 1989, smoke alarms can be battery operated.	No, not for battery-powered alarms.
Existing buildings constructed on or after Aug. 1, 1989
In hallways outside sleeping rooms In sleeping rooms On each level of the building and in basements. On ceiling wall less than 12 inches below ceiling	Smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt).	No
Existing buildings constructed on or before Aug. 1, 1989
In hallways outside sleeping rooms On each level and in basements On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling)	Smoke alarms can be battery powered.	No
Replacement of smoke alarms in existing buildings
Smoke alarms must be installed in the same location as originally installed.	Power supply must be the same as the smoke alarm being replaced.	Yes, if the smoke alarms being replaced are interconnected.

*Interconnected alarm systems are connected alarms that will sound simultaneously when one alarm in the structure is triggered.

Why is my smoke alarm is beeping?

My smoke alarm goes off a lot.

Smoke alarms can go off even if a fire or smoke is not present. They are designed to detect particles in the air, like smoke or dust. Common causes of unwanted alarms are:

Normal household dust accumulation
Dust from construction, drywall sanding and wood fiber sanding
Steam from bathrooms
Light smoke from cooking
Aerosols, typically from spray painting.

Periodically clean the smoke alarm with a vacuum brush or pressurized air.

If the smoke alarm is too close to a kitchen, bathroom or HVAC register, it may need to be relocated, or you may want to install an alarm with a different type of technology.

Watch the video to learn more about how the smoke alarm installation program works.

Request installation assistance

Smoke alarm installation program

As a service to residents 60 years old and older, or for residents with mobility issues, Minnetonka firefighters can come to your house and install new working smoke alarms.

Alarms are provided at no cost to the resident, thanks to a gracious donation from the American Red Cross. Our installers only install battery-operated alarms. Installing these smoke alarms may involve locating studs or drilling into your walls. Residents will need to be present during installation.

Please note: We cannot install new hardwired smoke alarms, which require disconnecting live wires.