Home Owner
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure about what’s required? We’ve compiled the most common questions from New Zealand homeowners to help you make informed, confident decisions about smoke alarm compliance.
FAQ’s
We want to help you by giving frequently asked questions
While not strictly mandated by law for owner-occupied homes, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) recommends that all homes have:
- Photoelectric smoke alarms
- Installed in every bedroom, hallway, and level
- Interconnected alarms, where possible
- Devices that meet AS3786:2014 and are either 10-year lithium battery powered or hardwired
Installing compliant alarms may also be a condition of your home insurance policy.
Although not legally required for sales, most buyers expect a safe and compliant home. Installing interconnected photoelectric alarms and securing a compliance certificate is a great way to support the sale and avoid any delays or buyer objections.
We offer both installation packages and Photographic Compliance Certificates to support buyer confidence.
Yes. Whether you live in a standalone home, multi-storey townhouse, or apartment, FENZ recommends the same alarm placement and alarm type. PCNZ offers tailored packages for all property types.
- Photoelectric alarms detect slow-smouldering fires earlier and are the current recommended standard across New Zealand.
- Ionisation alarms are outdated, less effective, and no longer meet best practice for residential safety
PCNZ only installs photoelectric alarms compliant with AS3786:2014.
Our pricing is fixed and transparent. Example packages include:
- 3-bedroom home: $649
- 4-bedroom townhouse: $749
- 6-bedroom property: $949
- Supply of photoelectric, interconnected alarms
- Professional installation
- Certificate of Compliance
- 10-year product warranty
- Optional: $139 Photographic Compliance Certificate (recommended for property sales)
Yes — we offer special pricing for:
- Landlords managing multiple properties
- Body corporates / strata groups
- Real estate and property management firms
Most smoke alarm installations are completed within 1 to 2 hours, depending on property size and access. Our licensed team works efficiently, respects your home, and cleans up before leaving.
Yes. Someone aged 18 or older must be present during the appointment to provide access to all areas where alarms are being installed.
Please provide clear access to:
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Electrical switchboard (if alarms are hardwired)
We’ll handle everything else including placement assessment and final testing.
All smoke alarms installed by PCNZ include a 10-year manufacturer warranty. If you experience any issues, just contact our support team — we’re here to help.
No problem. We can return to install additional alarms if your layout changes or requirements shift. Returning customers may be eligible for discounted rates.
Yes. You’ll receive a digital compliance certificate via email immediately after installation. You can also request a resend from our support team at any time.
How Can We Help You?
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help whether you’re preparing to sell, upgrading your home, or unsure what you need.