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New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Regulations


System - Friday, July 24, 2015
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New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Regulations in CA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For many homeowners, fire danger is a legitimate concern, especially with the current drought. According to California Fire News, “38 percent of deaths involving fires occurred in a dwelling without a working smoke detector.” Back in January 2014, the State Fire Marshal made new regulations regarding the requirements for all smoke alarms in California.


By July 1, 2015, all newly installed smoke alarms must:

  1. Display date on which it was manufactured
  2. Contain a place to write in the date it was installed
  3. Have a built-in hush feature
  4. Have a non-removable battery (or battery back up to wired detectors) that can power the alarm for at least 10 years

Existing installed alarms that are in working condition are NOT required to be replaced until they become defective or reach their expiration date.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are also now required in all homes and combo fire/CO detectors are now becoming more and more common. CO is known as the "Silent Killer" because it is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can catch its victims completely unaware. CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States and accounts for up to 700 emergency room visits in California each year.  The standalone carbon monoxide (CO) detectors aren't required to have a 10 year battery, but any combo smoke and CO detectors require everything the smoke alarms do. (click here for more CO info) By January 1st, 2016, all homeowners and property management companies must have the correct number of both smoke and CO alarms installed in each dwelling:

  1. Minimum of one smoke and carbon alarm centrally located outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity and on every level of the home..
  2. One smoke alarm within each bedroom.
  3. The existing alarms only need to be replaced with the new alarms if they are defective. 

 All homeowners should make sure to check their devices and track the type and status of smoke and carbon detectors. Devices determined to be inoperable or out of date should be replaced and upgraded to the current standards. All manufacturers and stores can only sell the proper alarms as of July 1st, 2015. So any smoke detector purchased after July 1st, 2015 in California will follow these parameters. Please feel free to contact North County Property Group for any questions regarding the smoke and carbon monoxide detector regulations. 

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