Smoke Alarms - California 2015 Law

[Teken]

I wanted to know what people in the great State of CA think about this pending law: http://www.caanet.org/news_events/reminder-long-lasting-smoke-alarm-law-takes-effect-july-1/

 

I see some requirements which are in place by most manufactures. Others I don't see much value to be honest.

 

Insight

 

 

 

A California law taking effect July 1 aims to eventually phase out smoke detectors that take replaceable batteries.

For now, however, landlords just need to make sure they’re existing smoke alarms are working.  So don’t go ripping your nine-volt powered smoke alarm from the ceiling.

The law first focuses on the folks selling smoke detectors. It says battery-powered smoke alarms sold in the Golden State must have non-replaceable, non-removable batteries that last for at least 10 years. This regulation, however, has a yearlong exception that will keep old-fashioned-but-in-stock smoke detectors from going to waste.

 

Property owners, managing agents, contractors, wholesalers or retailers with replaceable-battery smoke alarms in stock or on order can keep installing or selling them through July 1, 2015.

 

For many, the biggest changes in the law will hit then and mainly affect retailers. At that point, selling smoke detectors with replaceable batteries will be illegal.

 

Also in a year, the law will require that all smoke alarms or combination smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors sold do the following:

• Display the date of manufacture
• Provide a place on the device where the date of installation can be written
• Incorporate a hush feature
• Incorporate an end-of-life feature that provides notice that the device needs to be replaced.

Another part of the law will roll out six months later. This is when property owners will see the biggest change.

By Jan. 1, 2016, owners of rental units must install smoke alarms in each bedroom or other sleeping area. These alarms must meet all of the fire marshal’s requirements.

 

If a smoke alarm is already in place and working, however, state law won’t require the landlord to change it out – even if the old alarm takes a replaceable battery. If it’s 2016 or later when the smoke detector finally stops working, only battery-powered replacements with the 10-year lifespans will be available, at least in California.

 

While the law taking effect next week might not affect you directly for another year and a half, make sure you’re in compliance with the law by reviewing the California Apartment Association’s White Paper on fire protection systems.

[stusviews]

I started replacing 9 volt battery smoke alarms with 10 year smoke alarms about 2 years ago. Great idea, IMO. A lot of people simply take out the battery to avoid that terrible beeping when the battery gets weak, usually around 3AM

 

BTW, the current law does not affect home owners, only rental units, but replaceable battery detectors won't even be available in CA.

 

Tip: install a 9 volt lithium battery now.

[builderb]

Seems like a logical next step in residential fire protection. Way too many people pull their batteries out, or just fail/forget to replace them when needed.

 

A lot of the fire code is there because people died in a way that could have been prevented.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Techman]

The new law, effective July 1, 2014, requires that ALL battery operated smoke dectectors in California have a non-replaceable battery.  Existing inventory of replaceable battery smoke detectors can be sold until July 1, 2015.  Several Cities require that Condominiums and attached dwelling units have hard wired smoke detectors

[johnnyt]

As I understand it, most smoke and co2 detectors should be replaced (whole unit) after 10 years. I don't know if it applies to all types, like the one that's part of my 20 yr old home alarm system... but I recently decided to buy a couple 10 yr "disposable" co2 detectors from Home Depot to replace some 120v insteon signal suckers I had (and I live in .ca rather than CA). I'm particularly happy with the decision because it eliminated some intermittent comms issues in areas of my house (note to anyone who uses plug-in detectors) and now I don't have keep track of when I need to replace the units as the units will let me know.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk