New Smoke Alarm Regulations Start December 1

New regulations going into effect December 1st will affect what you have to do to pass a pre-transfer inspection. When replacing a battery when the battery is either expired or non-working of a single or multi-family home built prior to 1975 that battery must be a 10-year sealed battery. Fire departments will be checking for compliance when they conduct their pre-transfer inspections.

Because specific requirements on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors vary among homes based on when the home was built or permitted, it is important to check with your local building or fire department for detailed guidance.

The changes apply only to one- and two-family residences built before January 1, 1975 that have not been substantially altered. If built or altered after that date, the smoke alarm requirements are established by the State Building Code. Working smoke alarms installed prior to December 1, 2016 (that met requirements) can continue to be used until they are 10 years old or have exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended life.

Many of the CCIMLS tours are having representatives from the town’s fire departments in during December for an update on how each town is handling the new regulations. Please check CCIMLS and/or with the tour chair to see when the fire department will be coming to the town near you.