Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: the guide for your home
Why a detector beeps, where to put it, when to replace it and what Quebec and Montreal rules say, with the official sources.
Why your smoke detector is beeping (battery, chirp, end of life)
A short beep that comes back every few seconds is not an alarm. It’s the chirp that means: change the battery.
A smoke alarm also wears out. The Government of Quebec says to replace it 10 years after the manufacturing date printed on the case. If there is no date, replace it right away.
Does a hardwired smoke alarm need replacing? Our electricians take care of it.
Sources: Québec.ca, smoke alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), your smoke alarm · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), did you check your smoke alarm?
| What you hear or see | What to do |
|---|---|
| A short beep that keeps coming back | Change the battery. |
| It often goes off for no reason | Move it, or choose a model with a hush button. |
| Over 10 years old, or no date | Replace the smoke alarm. |
| You just moved in | Change the batteries. |
In short
- Press the test button every month.
- Test it with smoke once a year.
- Replace it after 10 years.
Hardwired or battery smoke detector: which one?
If your home already has hardwired smoke alarms (wired to 120 volts), you don’t get to choose. The Government of Quebec says they can’t be replaced by a battery model.
Hardwired alarms should also have a backup battery for power outages, and be linked together so they all sound at once. If they aren’t, the Government of Quebec says to call a qualified electrician.
In Montreal, homes built after 1985 must have hardwired smoke alarms. For older buildings, the by-law accepts an alarm with a 10-year lithium battery that can’t be removed.
Sources: Québec.ca, smoke alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), fire safety by-law RCG 12-003 · Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), Safety Code, residential occupancies
| Hardwired (120 V) | Battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Wired to the home’s circuit | Battery only |
| Power outage | A backup battery takes over | Works while the battery is good |
| Linked together | Yes, they all sound at once | Each one sounds alone |
| Lifespan | 10 years | 10 years |
In short
- Once hardwired, always hardwired.
- A qualified electrician links them together.
- Never disconnect a hardwired smoke alarm.
Carbon monoxide detector: where to put it
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible gas with no smell. It doesn’t sting your eyes or throat, so only an alarm can warn you. It comes from anything that burns fuel: gas, oil or wood heating, cars, generators.
It’s required if your home has a fuel-burning appliance (Quebec Safety Code). In Montreal, it’s also required if your home has direct access to an indoor garage.
- on every floor, including the basement;
- near the stairs;
- near the door to an attached garage;
- never in the kitchen or inside the garage;
- more than 2 metres from any cooking or fuel-burning appliance, like a fireplace.
Sources: Québec.ca, carbon monoxide alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), carbon monoxide · Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), Safety Code, residential occupancies
In short
- Pick a model with the ULC mark.
- Follow the spot the maker recommends.
- Replace it by the maker’s date.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
A combination alarm watches for smoke and carbon monoxide in one device. The Government of Quebec says to install it in the same places as a smoke alarm.
If your current alarms are hardwired, the combination model that replaces them must be hardwired too, since a wired alarm can’t be replaced by a battery model. The Government of Quebec notes that a permanent alarm is installed by an electrician.
Sources: Québec.ca, carbon monoxide alarms (in French) · Québec.ca, smoke alarms (in French)
In short
- One device, two dangers.
- Installed like a smoke alarm.
- 15% off in October.
Arc fault breakers (AFCI): where they’re required
A cracked wire sheath can cause an electrical arc, and that arc can start a fire (Government of Quebec). Arc fault protection cuts the power when it detects this kind of arc.
Quebec’s Construction Code (Electricity chapter) has required it for bedroom outlets since the 2004 edition. Since the 2018 edition, it covers most 125-volt outlet circuits in a home.
It can be a breaker in the panel, or an arc fault receptacle on the circuit, under certain conditions.
Extending a circuit or redoing a bedroom? We install arc fault breakers and receptacles.
Sources: RBQ, changes to the Electricity chapter, 2018 edition (in French) · RBQ, history of the electrical code (in French) · Québec.ca, preventing electrical fires (in French)
| Outlet circuits in the home | Arc fault protection? |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms and most other rooms | Yes (new work) |
| Kitchen counter | Not required |
| Near bathroom sinks | Not required |
| Dedicated fridge outlet | Not required |
| Sump pump (marked outlet) | Not required |
In short
- In an existing home, only the new part of an extended circuit must be protected.
- 15% off in October.
Old electrical panel (fuses or breakers): when to call an electrician
The Government of Quebec gives clear signs:
- your panel feels unusually warm: call a master electrician;
- a fuse blows for no clear reason, even without too many devices on the circuit: ask for an inspection;
- you use extension cords all the time: have outlets added instead;
- never paint the panel, and always keep its cover on.
Only a contractor with the right RBQ licence (subclass 16) can replace a panel. That’s our job.
Sources: Québec.ca, preventing electrical fires (in French) · RBQ, licence rules for electrical work
In short
- One FREE safety device with any panel replacement in October.
Lithium-ion batteries: preventing fires at home
In Montreal, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries (e-bikes, scooters, tools) went from 24 in 2022 to 43 in 2023, then 71 in 2024, according to the Montreal Fire Department.
Its advice for your home:
- use only certified cables and chargers, ideally the ones that came with the device;
- never leave a device charging without someone there;
- use a timer that cuts the power when charging is done;
- never charge on a bed, sheets or cushions;
- charge and store these devices in a room with a working smoke alarm.
Sources: Montreal Fire Department (SIM), lithium-ion batteries · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), rise in lithium-ion battery fires
| Year | Lithium-ion battery fires in Montreal |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 71 |
In short
- A smoke alarm where you charge.
- Never charge without someone there.
Fires in Greater Montreal: what the numbers say
building fires in Montreal in 2024, about 4 a day
of homes in the Montreal agglomeration have no working smoke detector
homes damaged by fire every year in Quebec, about 13 a day
of damaged homes in Quebec: the fire started from an electrical appliance or electrical distribution equipment
What started building fires in Montreal in 2024
Out of 1,534 building fires. Wiring, panels and outlets (electrical distribution equipment) started 125 fires. See the arc fault breaker and receptacle offer
See the numbers as a table
| Heat source | Fires |
|---|---|
| Cooking equipment | 465 |
| Smoking articles and open flames | 414 |
| Other | 211 |
| Appliances and equipment | 173 |
| Electrical distribution equipment | 125 |
| Heating appliances | 66 |
| Vehicles | 47 |
| Undetermined | 33 |
Official numbers for the Montreal agglomeration and for all of Quebec. Laval and the South Shore don’t publish these numbers the same way.
Sources:Montreal Fire Department (SIM), 2024 activity report · Quebec Ministry of Public Security, reported fire statistics 2021 and 2022 · Government of Quebec, Fire Prevention Week
Free battery replacement, 15% off and a FREE safety device with a panel replacement.
How our visit works
At Electrika, every visit works the same way, from the doorbell to the goodbye.
1A photo before we arriveYou get a photo of our service professional before the visit.
2We ask firstWe wait for your OK before we come in.
3Shoe coversWe put them on at the door, before we walk through your home.
4A red carpet at the doorIt protects your floors where we walk.
5White drop sheetsDrop sheets wherever we work.
6We leave it cleanWe pick everything up before we leave.
What customers say about safety and clean work
Andrew Lindsay · Google review
Thanks again, Team Electrika (Gab & Josh). Needed a few quick upgrades to electrical panel and new wiring for alarm. Appt given within 2 days of call, done in few hours. Professional, fast and clean. MerciSara Vitale · Google review
Excellent service from the initial appointment scheduling, notice that the technician was on his way, and installation of my new smoke detectors. Mahyar was very professional and explained how they worked after completing the installation. The service is a little pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for.Donald Gallacher · Google review
Zafar our electrician from Electrika was here 🏡 to evaluate our needs and determine the best solution and options for a new gas generator connection to our breaker box panel. Safety is imperative for any electrical installation hence Electrika is here to make it all good. Although only the first visit, I was impressed with everything. Zafar is most definitely a top electrician and quickly determined how best to proceed. It will not be inexpensive but thinking about the power outages and rain storms recently it’s a smart investment. Get your back up power sorted and hire quality technicians…call Electrika for services in the Montreal region. 👍🏼👍🏼✅Terrell John · Google review
The workers in and out of the office are extremely helpful, friendly and explain everything to you before hand. Ahmad was my technician and he was very professional and friendly when installing smoke detectors in my rents units. I feel more safe now knowing I put my trust into this company!Jocelyne Verreault · Google review
Exceptional service & professionalism! My wall unit A/C was not working and after trying everything possible to fix it, it needed to be replaced. I am so impressed with everyone at Electrika. From Rosa to Jaber Fellah, Alex Arback, Kaio DeSouza and Mauriizio. Everyone was so kind, polite and very knowledgeable. They even rolled out a red carpet throughout to ensure the house stayed clean. A real classy touch! Congratulations to Electrika for having such a great team. I am extremely grateful for your help. You now have a customer for life & I will highly recommend you. You all deserve more than 5 stars. Thank you!Michael Cooper · Google review
Brendan was great! He was very nice and polite and explained what he saw in our electrical panel and what would need to be fixed to ensure everything was done correctly. He even looked around to ensure there were no other "surprises" with our electrical in the house. Look forward to having Electrika perform the work to ensure we are fully up to code. Thanks so much.Roman Bobrowsky · Google review
Great company, fast and very professional service, second time using them. It's a bit on the expensive side, but you always get what you pay for. Josh was very knowledgeable, and helpful, even took extra time to check my house wiring and electrical breaker panel, suggested options and gave estimate. Definitely will call you guys again. Thank you for your great service!!Lachlan Mckinlay · Google review
I don’t usually write reviews but the service here was truly spectacular I had to. I just moved into a 120 year old home in the plateau Montreal district and still had knob and tube electrical which needed to be gutted. Jim brown went above and beyond, and did a thorough inspection, answered all my questions and was extremely helpful. During the actual work, Jim and Auguste were exceptional, they managed to do a complete home rewiring 1400 square feet home in only 3 days. This included grounding every outlets, removing and rewiring hallways, dining room, added dimmers for all the lights, etc. They were even kind enough to add light fixtures I bought and covered all my furniture to prevent it from getting dusty during the process. They also cleaned upped and mopped after, this attention to detail is incredible. Their communication was very polite and professional and always asked for my input for the details. I felt completely at ease during this massive project because of them. I’m very impressed if you ever need any electrical help in MTL look no further than here.Dean Dean · Google review
Had a subpanel with two 15A circuits run from the main panel to a tool shed 30ft away. Very professional, handled a couple of hiccups marvelously. Was on time and cleaned up thoroughly once complete. Highly recommended.Marco Weber · Google review
Excellent service, de la part de Zafar qui est l'électricien qui s'est présenté chez nous. À l'heure, très courtois, travail de façon très professionnelle, propre et efficace. Faire ficher du filage dans une maison finie est un travail difficile et pas des plus agréables que beaucoup d'électriciens refusent de faire. C'est la troisième fois que je fais affaire avec ELECTRIKA et les deux fois, tout était super, de la prise de rendez-vous, jusqu'a à la fin du travail.Michele Amicarelli · Google review
A few months after having done a complete kitchen reno with a contractor and his workers, the lighting in our kitchen stopped working! Our contractor's electricians were puzzled and we lost faith, so we called Electrika. Matteo Palladini (Technician at Electrika) came to our rescue. It was not an easy problem, but he was resourceful and professional and was able to find a solution and do the work without having to destroy the kitchen. The competency, the knowledge about electricity and the final results are what stand out most. The bonus was his lovely personality and the cleanliness of his work. From now on, we will only call upon Elektrika for all of our future needs. They are experts in what they do and it shows! Thank you Matteo we are so pleased!Suzanne Perrault · Google review
Two gentlemen installed a new air conditioning unit in my condo. The work was clean, meticulously done and left zero mess behind. Very impressed and highly recommend!Frequently asked questions
Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?
A hardwired smoke alarm can’t be replaced by a battery model, so the new one must be wired in too. The Government of Quebec says to call a qualified electrician to link wired alarms together.
Why is my smoke detector chirping every 30 seconds?
A short chirp that keeps coming back means: change the battery. If it often goes off for no reason, the Montreal Fire Department says to move it or pick a model with a hush button.
Sources: Québec.ca, smoke alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), your smoke alarm
Do hardwired smoke detectors need to be replaced, and when?
Yes. Every smoke alarm, hardwired or battery, is replaced 10 years after the manufacturing date on the case. If there is no date, replace it right away.
Sources: Québec.ca, smoke alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), did you check your smoke alarm?
Is every house in Quebec required to have a carbon monoxide detector?
Every home with a fuel-burning appliance (gas, oil, wood) must have one under the Quebec Safety Code. In Montreal, it’s also required when the home has direct access to an indoor garage.
Sources: Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), Safety Code, residential occupancies · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), carbon monoxide
Do smoke detectors detect carbon monoxide too?
A regular smoke alarm doesn’t. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas with no smell, so you need a carbon monoxide alarm or a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
Sources: Québec.ca, carbon monoxide alarms (in French) · Montreal Fire Department (SIM), carbon monoxide
Where are arc fault (AFCI) breakers required?
For new work in Quebec, bedroom outlets since the 2004 code edition, and most 125-volt outlet circuits in a home since the 2018 edition. Kitchen counter outlets, outlets near bathroom sinks, a dedicated fridge outlet and a marked sump pump outlet are not included. In an existing home, only the new part of an extended circuit must be protected.
Sources: RBQ, changes to the Electricity chapter, 2018 edition (in French) · RBQ, history of the electrical code (in French)
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?
The Government of Quebec says to call a master electrician if your panel feels unusually warm, or if a fuse blows for no clear reason. Replacing a panel must be done by a contractor with the right RBQ licence.
Sources: Québec.ca, preventing electrical fires (in French) · RBQ, licence rules for electrical work
How do I prevent a lithium battery fire at home?
Use only certified chargers, never leave a device charging without someone there, don’t charge on a bed or cushions, and charge in a room with a working smoke alarm.
Source: Montreal Fire Department (SIM), lithium-ion batteries
Our electricians install your 120-volt hardwired smoke alarms and link them together, so they all sound at once.
See our smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation service
Are your detectors more than 10 years old? Call us.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6 PM.