Beginning January 1st 2015 the Florida Building Code will require homeowners to use ten year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors when installing new or replacing old smoke detectors. Florida Home Inspection And Property Services recommends home owners to stay ahead of the law and replace any old smoke detectors with the newer compliant devices. There were 114 fatalities due to residential fires in Florida in 2014, let’s make 2015 and beyond safer.
Happy New Year!
Some homes don’t even have one old smoke detector so who is the new smoke alarm cop ?
Have you seen some of these new models Dave?
I wonder how I can tell if they are the old .vs new ones.
A label on them or somethin’?
I guess just figure so if it’s a 10 year
Here’s one that is OK, but it just says
10 year smoke alarm with sealed battery
(replace alarm after 10 years)
http://www.lowes.com/pd_304220-347-SA340CN_0__?productId=3031854
Happy New Year!
Aside from checking the battery I don’t know, I just plan to update my narrative to reflect new standard to help homeowners be aware. Seems it would be especially prudent for customers who are buying with the intent if renting the property after purchase.
You;)
I agree, those new smoke alarms are great, pull the tab, install on wall or ceiling, and alarm will chirp in 10 years when its time change, but who’s going to enforce? I couldn’t see them stop selling 9 Volt batteries. Will have to wait to see what the stores do. On all my home inspections, I recommend those alarms to my clients.
Yea that’s me always recommending things:mrgreen:
As I read the requirement, that only applies if replacing a battery powered detector with a new battery powered detector. It doesn’t affect one powered by the electrical system. Am I reading it right?
Yes
Heres the narrative I put into my reports, if there older than 10 years, Which most Home Inspections I do, they are.
Based on the age of this structure and the appearance of existing smoke alarms, the alarms may be older than 10 years old. According to National Fire Protection Association, aging smoke alarms don’t operate as efficiently and often are the source for nuisance alarms. Older smoke alarms are estimated to have a 30% probability of failure within the first 10 years. Newer smoke alarms do better, but should be replaced after 10 years. Unless you know that the smoke alarms are new, replacing them when moving into a new residence is also recommended by NFPA. Under the new Florida Building Code it is recommend replacing these smoke alarms with the new lithium ion 10-year smoke alarm.