Below are some of the requirements for residential smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Please read and review the requirements to see that your detectors are on par with the codes before scheduling an inspection.
- Residential homes must have a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector on every level of the home, including habitable areas of basements or attics.
- All detectors must be less than 10 years old and in working order.
- A carbon monoxide detector must be placed in the basement even if it is not habitable. It must be placed directly at the bottom of the stairs.
- On all levels with sleeping areas, a carbon monoxide detector must be within 10 feet of the doorway of every bedroom.
- Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are acceptable to use.
- All smoke alarms replace after 12/1/2016, must use photoelectric sensing technology. Ionizations sensing technology is not allowed.
- All combination detectors must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between a smoke and carbon monoxide emergency.
- If any level of the house is more than 1000 square feet, there must be more than 1 smoke and 1 carbon monoxide detector on that level.
- The house number for the street address must be on the house and visible from the street.
These are just some of the requirements that are common reasons for failing inspections. Adhering to all of these codes does not necessarily guarantee that your home will pass inspection. Additional information can be found here or by calling the Bridgewater Fire Department’s Fire Prevention office.