Residential Smoke Detectors – One and Two family – Existing Structures
Pursuant to Sale or Transfer – M.G.L. 148 sec. 26F
If you are selling your home and are in need of a smoke detector inspection, please call our office 781-659-8156 to schedule an appointment. There is a fee of $ 10.00
Following inspection for compliance, a “Certificate of Compliance” (valid for 60 days) will be issued to applicant or designee.
Every building shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such building. ~Such number shall be of a nature and size and shall be situated on the building so that, to the extent practical, it is visible from the nearest street or road providing vehicular access to the building. ~(MGL Ch. 148 sec. 59)
INSTALLATION: ~ONE (1) AND TWO (2) FAMILY
1. ~One (1) approved smoke detector shall be installed on each living level.
2. ~One (1) approved smoke detector shall be installed on the basement level.
3. ~To meet the specifications of 1 and 2 above, an approved detector shall be installed on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leaving to the floor above, and, on the ceiling outside each separate sleeping area.
4. ~Beginning in 1998, new home construction shall meet the requirements of the 6th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 3603.16.10.
Approved Smoke Detector Requirements
1. ~Construction prior to 1975: ~Battery operated
2. ~Construction 1975-1998: Permanently connected to an AC primary source of power. ~System additions or replacements must be permanently wired. ~“Battery operated” detectors are not approved as replacement for properly placed smoke detector. Battery operated detector may be allowed as additional smoke detector depending on the specific situation but will never be allowed as replacement for AC powered detectors.
3. ~Construction 1998-present: ~Permanently connected to an AC primary source of power with secondary power supplied from monitored batteries.
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Residential Smoke Detectors - New Construction
PERMITS:
Prior to the issuance of a building permit, two sets of plans may be submitted to the Fire Department for approval of smoke detector placement.
Inspection of installation will be required by the Fire department prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Inspector.
INSTALLATION: ~ONE (1) AND TWO (2) FAMILY
Power for single and multiple station smoke detectors shall be supplied from a permanently wired connection directly to an AC primary source of power.
In addition to required primary power, all household fire warning systems shall have secondary (standby) power supplied from monitored batteries.
Smoke detectors shall be installed in the following locations:
~a. ~In the immediate vicinity of bedrooms
~b. ~In all bedrooms
~c. ~In each story of a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics
~d. ~In residential units of 1200 square feet or more, smoke detectors shall be provided for each 1200 ~~square feet of area or port thereof.
Any smoke detector located within 20 feet of a kitchen or within 20 feet of a bathroom containing a tub or shower shall be a photoelectric type smoke detector but shall satisfy all compatibility requirements.
***When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors designed and located as required for new dwellings.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
Massachusetts General Laws
~Ch. 22, sec. 14
~Ch. 148, sec. 26E
527 CMR Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
1.00~~~~Administration and Enforcement
780 CMR MA State Building Code (6th edition)
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