Smoke Detector Code Requirements

Home Sales

• Massachusetts requires all property sales to have a property inspection by the fire department. The law requires all homes to have working smoke and fire detectors before the final sale. The fire marshal must issue a certificate indicating the home meets the requirements. California codes also mandate the existence of working smoke detectors before the sale, transfer or exchange of single-family dwellings.

Power Source

• Like Mercer, WA, many municipalities require newly constructed units to have hard-wired smoke detectors. These units connect to the building's primary power supply and have a battery backup. They usually discharge a signal to warn of low battery power. Existing buildings may install battery-operated smoke detectors. Battery-operated smoke detectors are usually permitted in buildings that do not have a commercial electrical power source or in buildings undergoing remodeling.

Location

• Illinois codes state that every living unit must have a minimum of one operating smoke detector within 15 feet of all "rooms used for sleeping." Smoke detectors placed on the ceiling must sit a minimum of six inches from any wall. If positioned on the wall, the smoke detector has to lie four to six inches off the ceiling. Single-family dwellings must have, at a minimum, one smoke detector located on each level, which includes basements. The law exempts unoccupied attic spaces. In a building with more than one dwelling, or a dwelling unit and mixed-use units, the smoke detector must be placed on the top ceiling of the interior stairwell. California codes allow owners to install smoke detectors in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Responsibility

• In Illinois, the property owner has the responsibility to furnish and install smoke detectors. The owner also has the legal obligation to test and maintain all smoke detectors located in the common stairwells of multi-unit or mixed-use buildings. Tenants must maintain and test smoke detectors located within their units. If the smoke detector does not work properly, tenants must notify the property owners or building management of the problem.