Calling all MA homeowners – there’s a new rule about to take effect regarding the installation of smoke detectors in your home. As of December 1st, all homes that were built prior to 1975 will require a 10-year battery in these devices. Here is what you need to know about the new smoke detector rules in MA, effective Dec. 1, 2016.
Current Law Requirements for Smoke Detectors
All residential properties in the state of MA require smoke detectors to be installed on every habitable level of the property – including specific requisite locations throughout the residence: one located at the base of each stairway and one outside every bedroom. The smoke detectors can be either ionized or photoelectric – however, those within 20 ft. of a bathroom or kitchen must be photoelectric ONLY (as this type of detector poses less of a risk of false alarm caused by steam from the bathroom or smoke/fumes from cooking in the kitchen.)
Change to Law – Effective December 1, 2016
In an effort to improve safety, the new law requires all homes that were built before 1975 to install smoke detectors with 10-year batteries. You can find these at your local hardware store clearly marked as containing 10-year sealed lithium batteries.
Enforcement of New Smoke Detector Rules in MA
This new regulation is especially important if you are planning on selling your home any time soon. This is the time when enforcement comes into play. In order to sell your home, you must provide a certificate of compliance following an inspection of your property by the local fire department. Keeping your smoke detectors up to date with the new smoke detector rules in MA not only ensures your safety, but also aids to a smoother closing on the sale of your home – now or in the future.
If you have any questions regarding the current law and/or the new smoke detector rules in MA effective Dec. 1. 2016, please contact your local fire department via the non-emergency number. And remember, it’s always best to heed the Fire Prevention Association’s advice…“Don’t Wait – Check the Date.”
