Product guidelines for smoke alarm devices updated

Product guidelines for smoke alarm devices reliability updated with a focus on additional technologies, including the use of replaceable batteries – as always with VdS, fully EN-compliant. Bonus: Eased re-approval of devices with changeable batteries.

Press Release 01/2026

Cologne, 2 February 2026. Saving lives safely: The established product standard VdS 3131 for smoke alarm devices has been revised, now specially supporting manufacturers in implementing the desired technical options and, above all, safeguarding them. Another new feature is a simplified approval procedure for devices that could previously not be certified due to the 10-year battery requirements.

“The only safe way to ever wake up in a night fire is having reliable smoke alarm devices on the ceiling,” emphasises Christoph Haupt, VdS Senior Technical Expert for these important products. “Practical experience shows that replaceable batteries are useful for many modern applications, such as smart networking or energy-intensive additional functions. That is why we have now also opened VdS 3131 for this purpose, as always in compliance with EN standards. VdS offers more flexibility, security for the future and makes sure the little lifesavers provide reliable protection throughout their entire operational life.”

The new “Additional requirements and test methods for smoke alarm devices” are available for free download at www.vds-shop.de/en.

VdS-Guidelines often form the basis for subsequent EN and global ISO standards.

VdS_Approval smoke alarm device.jpg, Caption: Comprehensive protection further optimised and expanded for numerous innovative technologies: the new VdS-Guidelines 3131 for smoke alarm devices ensure functionality at all times. (Image: VdS)