Where there’s smoke, there’s fire and, if you’re compliant with the law, a smoke detector, too! Read on to ensure you and your clients comply with new and existing rules control...ling smoke alarms in residential properties. Smoke alarms approved by the State Fire Marshal are required to be placed in all residential properties in California. The State Fire Marshal lists all approved smoke alarms. [Health & Safety Code §13113.7] Beginning July 1, 2014, the State Fire Marshal will require all battery-operated smoke alarms to contain a non- replaceable battery that lasts at least ten years. [Calif. Health & Safety Code §13114(b)] Beginning January 1, 2015, the State Fire Marshal will require all smoke alarms to:
display the date of manufacture; provide a place where the date of installation can be written; and incorporate a hush feature.
Does this mean all the existing smoke alarms need to be replaced to meet these new alarm requirements? No. Operable battery-operated smoke alarms which were approved and listed when they were installed don’t need to be re- placed immediately. [Health & S C §13113.7(a)(4)] NOTE: Local ordinance may require replacement sooner. [Health & S C §13113.7(a)(4)] When an existing smoke alarm no longer works, the replacement smoke alarm is to meet all new requirements. For example, a battery-powered smoke alarm installed on July 2, 2014 is required to have the non-replaceable ten-year battery, but is not re- quired to display the date of manufacture. NOTE: Smoke alarms do not need to adhere to new battery requirements if they are ordered or inventoried on or before July 1, 2014. However, this exception only applies until July 1, 2015. [Health & S C §13114(b)(2(B)] Smoke alarms are not required if a State Fire Marshal-approved fire alarm system with smoke detectors is installed on the property. An existing fire sprinkler system no longer exempts a residential property owner from smoke alarm installation re- quirements. [Health & S C §13113.7(a)(5)] Violations of smoke alarm rules incur a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. [Health & S C §13113.7(e)]
For all the latest laws and code enforcement requirements you can always call Rick Funk Century 21 Alpha C21Funk@aol.com
(408)629-6099 WWW.RickFunk.com
