New Massachusetts Smoke Detector Requirements
Starting December 1st, 2016 one and two-family homes built before January 1st, 1975 that have not been substantially altered cannot be sold with expired or out-of-date smoke alarms; a statement issued recently by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has revised the State Fire Code to require that homes must have working smoke alarms that have not expired. If you have bought or sold a home in Massachusetts, you may have already known about this law. If not, then here is what you should know as a Massachusetts homeowner.
When Should You Replace Fire Alarms?
Smoke alarms notify occupants of a home when there is a potential threat of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide (CO). What is surprising is that many home fires take place in properties with existing smoke detectors. The reason behind the smoke detectors failure to function is usually due to a few things. Either the batteries were not replaced, they exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended life, or being removed altogether. For these older homes, installed smoke detectors must have a 10-year life span. Detectors with a 10-year sealed lithium ion battery meet this criteria. To find out how old the current smoke and CO alarms are check the manufacturer date stamped on the back. If it doesn’t have one, then it is already more than ten years old and must be replaced. The cost may be a little higher than smoke detectors purchased in the past, but this requirement is aimed to prevent house fire tragedies and other potential hazards.
Massachusetts Requirements when Replacing Alarms
New smoke alarms must be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and follow these minimum requirements:
- Must be photoelectric with a hush button feature to silence nuisance alarms.
- Alarms can be photoelectric alone or in combination with ionization technology and carbon monoxide alarms. Keep in mind CO parts of an alarm may fail before 10 years and then must be replaced.
- Must be on every habitable level of the residence.
- In basements of homes.
- Ceilings outside of each separate sleeping area.
- Battery-powered alarms that are more than 10 years old or expired must be replaced.
- Replacements must have a 10-year, sealed, non-replaceable, non-rechargeable battery. These batteries will not have to be changed for the entirety of 10 years.
- In two-family homes, smoke alarms are required in common areas shared by residents.
Why Homeowners and Realtors Must Update Fire Alarms
In 2009-2013, three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day. It is extremely important to update smoke and CO alarms to protect your family members or occupants of the homes. If you are a real estate agent selling a home it is extremely important to make sure that they are up to date. You must contact the local fire department to schedule an inspection once the closing date for the purchase of the home is defined. Do not wait until the last minute! Any issues with the smoke detectors will result in rescheduling for another inspection and that may take time. You will not be able to sell a home or your home without a smoke certificate confirming that the house is in compliance with MA smoke detector requirements.
To learn more about smoke alarms or more information on Massachusetts; new smoke detector requirements, contact your local fire department, visit the Department of Fire Services website at www.gov/dfs, or call the Code Compliance Help Desk at 978-567-3375. Along with smoke detectors providing safety, another important way to protect your home is through homeowner insurance. Contact H&K Insurance today for homeowner coverage you can trust along with affordable rates and outstanding service. By insuring the structure and personal liability of your home, you are protecting yourself and your family from financial setback should a disaster occur.
