Smoke alarms save lives! They do this by warning you in good time of smoke and fire, but note that not all smoke alarms are the same. To guarantee maximum effectiveness and safety, NEN-2555 has been renewed. What does this standard involve and why is it crucial to comply with it?
What is the NEN-2555?
NEN-2555 is a Dutch standard that sets requirements for mains-powered smoke alarms in homes and residential buildings. This standard was drawn up by the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) and contains guidelines for the positioning, installation and operation of smoke alarms. The aim of this standard is to ensure a high level of safety by making sure that smoke alarms are reliable and can warn effectively in the event of a fire.
The NEN-2555 is a safety standard for optical smoke alarms. The NEN-2555 has existed since 2003, but the standard was revised in 2023. This version is also known as NEN-2555:2023. This standard is expected to take effect from July 2024. It applies to installers, housing associations & commercial landlords.
Below you will find a number of smoke alarms that meet the new NEN-2555 standard. After that we continue with the explanation.
Which smoke alarms comply with the NEN-2555 standard?
- Retail price€ 226,05Fixed low price€ 132,50Adviesprijs€ 186,82Vaste lage prijs€ 109,50Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Retail price€ 174,00Fixed low price€ 101,95Adviesprijs€ 143,80Vaste lage prijs€ 84,26Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Price range: € 74,95 through € 89,95 Price range: € 61,94 through € 74,34Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Price range: € 109,50 through € 124,50 Price range: € 90,50 through € 102,89Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What are the main features of the NEN-2555?
1. Power supply and backup power
Smoke alarms must be connected to the mains and be fitted with an emergency power supply, such as a battery. This ensures that the smoke alarm continues to function during a power failure.
2. Positioning of smoke alarms
The standard gives specific guidelines on where smoke alarms must be installed.
3. Interconnection
Smoke alarms must be capable of being interconnected. This means that if one smoke alarm detects smoke, all connected alarms in the home sound at the same time. This spreads the warning widely and gives everyone in the home the chance to react.
4. Sound level
The sound level of the alarm must be sufficient to wake everyone in the home, even when doors are closed. This is essential for the effectiveness of the warning. For common areas this is 65 dB(A) and for sleeping areas it is 75 dB(A).
Installation and maintenance
It is important not only that smoke alarms are installed correctly, but also that they are properly maintained. Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they still work, and replace the batteries at least once a year. For smoke alarms connected to the mains (as prescribed by NEN-2555), it is also crucial to check that the backup power supply (the battery) is in good condition.
What changes have been made to the NEN-2555?
1. Fail-safe requirement
When the sensor to which the relay is connected is removed from its base, the relay automatically activates the connected system as a safety measure. This is known as a fail-safe.
2. No requirement for horizontal placement
Under the new standard it is no longer mandatory to mount a smoke alarm horizontally. A horizontally mounted smoke alarm works best, but on a sloping roof it is better to hang it at an angle than to have no smoke alarm at all. Please note: the smoke alarm must be placed at least 50 cm from the ridge.
3. Change to detection range
The detection range of a smoke alarm has been changed; for all rooms a range of 7 metres around the alarm now applies, instead of the previous 80m2.
4. Obstacles
If there are obstacles higher than 15 cm, install smoke alarms on both sides of the obstacle.
5. Testing and maintenance
In addition to the existing duty of care, testing and maintenance have been added. The manufacturer's instructions for use are leading here.
Why have these changes been made?
The changes in the NEN-2555 standard ensure that safety is guaranteed. The new standard makes the highest safety requirements and maintenance mandatory.
Are there any other standards that must be met?
Yes, for smoke alarms in particular there are several standards.
- NEN-2654: Inspection and maintenance of installations.
- NEN-2575: Standard for evacuation systems.
In summary
Smoke alarms play a vital role in home safety, and the NEN-2555 standard ensures that these devices are reliable and effective. By choosing smoke alarms that comply with this standard and making sure they are correctly installed and maintained, you protect not only your property, but above all your own life and those of your loved ones. Safety starts with prevention, and a properly working smoke alarm is indispensable.
- Retail price€ 226,05Fixed low price€ 132,50Adviesprijs€ 186,82Vaste lage prijs€ 109,50Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Retail price€ 174,00Fixed low price€ 101,95Adviesprijs€ 143,80Vaste lage prijs€ 84,26Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Price range: € 74,95 through € 89,95 Price range: € 61,94 through € 74,34Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Price range: € 109,50 through € 124,50 Price range: € 90,50 through € 102,89Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Peter Meijer
Founder of Secures & YTEE. Expert in alarm systems, surveillance cameras and burglary protection for homes and commercial premises.
