Image via WikipediaHello! If you're here, you're probably planning on getting a certificate from the Fire Department saying your home is in compliance with the updated Smoke Detector Law. Means of enforcement for the law typically is done when homes are sold.
You can read most of the law on-line, a link to some pertinent parts is here: But it's pretty complicated for a regular person. So here are some tips to help you get in compliance.
- When in doubt, ask!
The local Fire Department will be coming out to do the inspection. They can tell you what you need to know. Generally, the code has gotten much easier than it was when I originally wrote this article. Most fire departments will accept photoelectric smokes with a 10 year lithium battery. Note if your home is hardwired (see below) you need to keep the same kind, and in rare cases you may need to upgrade (re-wire). This is more likely in multi-families.
*Important Note* We are starting to see the emergence of hi-tech smoke and CO detectors - the kind that are internet enabled. ALWAYS check with your local fire department before assuming that because these are the latest and greatest, they will be OK. Some of these units don't work when the power goes out - and in a fire, the power goes out!!
- If you're smokes are 10 years old, be prepared to replace them. The manufacturers warranties on most the devices end at 10 years, for various reasons, and as such, they typically need to be replaced, and such replacement is usually required by the inspector. Even if they aren't 10 years old, you may need to replace them. See why next!
- Avoid Ionization Detectors. Generally, these are not going to be accepted by the fire department. If you go to the hardware store, you'll notice this are suspiciously cheaper!
- Look to see if your home is hardwired - before going to the hardware store. Different towns have different regulations as to which dwellings must have hard-wired detectors. The easiest way to figure out is to look at one of your smoke detectors by removing it from the ceiling and looking. If it's got wires that go into the ceiling, make sure you look closely at the adapter, or better yet, take the smoke to the hardware store and make sure you get a compatible replacement. Old Smoke Detectors may not have compatible plugs with new models, meaning you'll have to change the wiring harness too. I have found 95% of the time you need to rewire the harness.
- Where possible, see if you can get new detectors that will "fit" on the existing mounting template. Well it can't hurt to try can it? This one isn't likely, but you may get lucky - and save yourself the addition difficulties of mounting your smoke in the ceiling.
Fire Safety is Important!
- Don't forget, Carbon Monoxide will be checked too. There's tips for that in the next post, but both systems will be checked. Both the CO (carbon monoxide) and the smoke laws have changed since the last time most people bought or sold a home, so read up, and be ready for that inspection.
