Changing the clocks in the spring and fall has created a tradition to prompt us to test our smoke detectors and change the batteries. Since the onset of this tradition, a lot has changed with smoke detectors, their technology, their placement requirements, and the addition of carbon monoxide detectors. These updates are designed to keep us safe and to minimize loss of life and damage to our homes.
The most recent change to the fire code in Massachusetts was regarding homes that sold after December 1, 2016, requiring homes built before January 1, 1975, be equipped with smoke detectors containing a 10-year battery in a sealed detector with photoelectric technology. This was a much-needed update for older homes. Previously the use of ionization detectors with removable batteries proved problematic.
Ionization detectors increase the risk of false alarms because they do not differentiate between smoke and steam. As a result, the detectors often create a nuisance, especially near kitchens and bathrooms. When they go off, some people remove the battery to make it stop and, unfortunately, in many cases, do not put the battery back in.
Photoelectric technology uses a light beam to detect the smoke. It is particularly effective with detecting smoldering fires. Requiring the detector to be sealed with a battery that lasts 10-years also takes care of the ability to remove the battery.
If you still have ionization detectors, it is advisable to replace them with 10-year sealed photoelectric detectors.
For more info, go to our website: FITZGERALD-RealEstate.com, Community Info, Smoke & Carbon monoxide detector requirements.
Comments(3)