Smoke / CO Detector Information All dwellings require a smoke detector/ carbon monoxide inspection prior to sale or transfer SMOKE DETECTOR INFORMATION Rule of thumb installation provisions: 2 story home At the base of the basement stairs
At the base of the 1st floor stairs
At the top of the 2nd floor stairs in the hall protecting the bedrooms
In the case of a 1st floor bedroom or bedrooms, in the hall outside the bedroom
Ranch home At the base of the basement stairs
In the hall protecting the bed rooms
o Homes built prior to 1976, battery operated smoke detectors are allowable.
o Homes built after 1976 require hard wired electric smoke detectors.
o Homes built after 1998 require hard wired electric smoke detectors with battery back-up in all areas mentioned and the additional installation of smoke detectors in all bedrooms.
It is recommended that all smoke detectors be installed on the ceiling according to manufacturer’s recommendations. TYPE OF DETECTORS
ALLOWED All must be UL approved
Battery operated (construction prior to 1976)
Hard wired (construction after 1976)
Hard wired with battery back-up (construction after 1998)
It is recommended that all detectors be tested by the home owner prior to inspection to reduce the possibility of a re-inspection. If you have any question of locations or type of detectors allowed, you can call the Fire Department at 267-3132. All dwellings require a smoke detector/ carbon monoxide inspection prior to sale or transfer CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INFORMATION As of March 31st, 2006, all dwellings in the Commonwealth fall under the new carbon monoxide regulations. 527CMR31: Provides for the type, installation, location, maintenance and inspection of carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling that contains fossil fuel burning equipment. All electric homes
with an attached garage fall under this provision. INSTALLATION PROVISIONS 1 single station carbon monoxide detector installed on each habitable level.
Includes habitable portions of basements
Sleeping areas; the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in the immediate vicinity of sleeping areas, not more than 10ft. from any bedroom door.
All detectors must be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations Rule of thumb installations provisions Basically the same locations as smoke detectors · Basement if required; located at the base of stairs or in
habitable portion of basement. · 1st floor; located at the base of the stairs or within 10ft. of a 1st floor bedroom. · 2nd floor; located in the hall no further than 10ft. from any bedroom door. · Ranch; located in the hall no further than 10ft. from any bedroom door. TYPE OF DETECTORS ALLOWED Must be UL approved
Hard wired (single station) with battery back up
Plug in models with battery back up
Battery operated
Low voltage or wireless systems
Combination detectors must be both simulated voice and tone, clearly distinguishing between carbon monoxide and smoke notifications. It is recommended that all detectors be tested by the home owner prior to inspection to reduce the possibility of a re-inspection. If you have any question of
locations or type of detectors allowed, you can call the Fire Department at 267-3132 |
