If you live in a multi-room or multi-level home, relying on just one smoke alarm isn’t enough. Fires can start in any part of the house, and a single alarm may not provide enough warning for everyone—especially at night. This is where interconnected alarms come in.
So, can smoke alarms be interconnected wirelessly? Yes, they can—and it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make to improve your home’s fire safety system.
In this guide, we explain how wireless interconnected smoke alarms work, what benefits they offer, and why they’re becoming the preferred choice for homeowners and landlords across New Zealand.
What Are Interconnected Smoke Alarms?
Interconnected smoke alarms are designed to communicate with one another. If one alarm detects smoke or heat, all connected alarms in the system will sound simultaneously. This means everyone in the home will be alerted—no matter where the fire starts.
Traditionally, interconnected alarms needed to be hardwired, which meant running cables between units—something that’s not always practical in existing homes. But thanks to new technology, alarms can now be wirelessly interconnected, offering the same protection without the complex installation.
How Do Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarms Work?
Wireless smoke alarms use radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate with each other. When one alarm is triggered by smoke or heat, it sends a signal to the other alarms in the network, which then sound their alerts simultaneously.
With the Cavius Wireless Family, each alarm is paired using a simple “learn” process during setup. Once connected, your system will:
- Respond as a group during an alarm
- Indicate which device was triggered first via flashing LEDs
- Continue functioning even after battery replacements (the learned connection is retained)
What Are the Benefits of Wireless Interconnection?
Wireless interconnected smoke alarms offer a number of advantages:
1. Improved Coverage
No matter where a fire starts—in the garage, upstairs bedroom, or kitchen—everyone in the house will be alerted.
2. Faster Response Time
The sooner you hear an alarm, the more time you have to evacuate. Wireless alarms ensure the signal reaches all areas instantly.
3. No Need for Rewiring
Wireless alarms are ideal for retrofitting into existing homes, rental properties, or renovations where rewiring is not feasible.
4. Flexible Placement
Because they don’t require cables, alarms can be placed in the most effective spots for detection, not just where wiring allows.
5. Expandable System
You can add new alarms to the system at any time—ideal for growing families, extensions, or upgraded coverage.
Where Should Wireless Smoke Alarms Be Installed?
To ensure full coverage, install alarms in:
- Every bedroom
- Hallways or passageways outside sleeping areas
- Living areas
- Every level of the home
- Garages and kitchens (using heat alarms)
Wireless systems like Cavius allow you to mix and match smoke and heat alarms, all working together as one safety network.
Are Wireless Alarms Reliable?
Yes. Modern wireless smoke alarms use secure and reliable RF technology to minimise signal interference. Each unit is independently powered, so if one fails or is removed, the others will still function.
Additionally, all Cavius wireless alarms:
- Comply with NZ safety standards
- Include a test/hush button for easy monthly checks
- Offer a sealed long-life battery (up to 10 years)
- Indicate faults or low battery via LED and sound
Do I Need a Smart Hub?
Wireless alarms operate independently without needing a hub. However, if you want remote alerts via smartphone, you can add the Cavius SmartSense Hub, which connects your alarm network to an app. This provides:
- Real-time alarm notifications
- Device status checks
- Monitoring while you’re away from home
Learn more about the SmartSense Hub and App if you’re interested in remote monitoring.
How to Set Up a Wireless Interconnected System
The pairing process is simple:
- Install each alarm in its desired location.
- Use the learn/test button to connect each alarm to the network.
- Test the system by triggering one alarm to ensure all linked alarms respond.
Final Thoughts
So, can smoke alarms be interconnected wirelessly? Absolutely. And for New Zealand homes—especially multi-level or multi-room properties—it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure everyone is alerted in an emergency.
Wireless smoke alarms from Cavius offer peace of mind, easy installation, and robust safety features that don’t require complicated wiring or professional setup.
To get started, browse our full Wireless Family range or speak with your installer about upgrading your system.
