If you own a home that was built before 1975, there are specific laws in MA when it comes to the installation of smoke detectors. As of December 1, 2016, there is an important change to this law. Here’s what you need to know.

An Overview of the Law in MA

Smoke detectors are required in all residential properties  in Massachusetts. For homes built before 1975, smoke detectors are required on every living level, at the bottom of each staircase, and outside each sleeping area. Smoke detectors must be ionization and photoelectric detectors, except within 20 feet of kitchens and baths. In that case, they must be photoelectric-only. Photoelectric detectors are less prone to false alarms from bathroom steam and kitchen fumes.

Changes to MA Smoke Detector Law in 2016

As of December 1, 2016, smoke detectors in homes built before 1975 must have a 10-year battery. At your local hardware store, you can find this noted right on the packaging. They contain sealed lithium ion batteries with a 10 year life span.

Enforcement of Smoke Detector Law

Smoke detectors are required in all homes, but hey are typically inspected by the local fire department when you go to sell your home. In order to sell your home, you must bring aa smoke inspection certificate from the local fire department to closing. This ensures that your property is in compliance before being transferred to a new owner. So, if you are looking to sell your home this winter, be sure to replace your smoke detectors with the property type before your scheduled inspection. Call your local fire department for additional information and guidance on the new MA Smoke Detector law for homes built before 1975.

Single family and 2-family residential properties sold in the state of MA must be inspected by the fire department. They check for working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They then issue a smoke certificate required for the closing. It is prudent for home owners to know the MA smoke detector rules and different kinds of smoke detectors in order to be in compliance (even if they are not planning to sell their home).

Different Kinds Of Smoke Detectors

Ionization and photoelectric at the two different types of smoke detectors. Each has different strengths and weaknesses relating to handling smoke versus flames.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

Ionization detectors contain two electrodes and current that runs between them. The presence of smoke interferes with this constant current and activates the alarm. This technology is better at detecting flaming fires but cannot differentiate between smoke and steam. Thus, they are likely to issue false alarms when placed near kitchens and bathrooms.

Photoelectric Detectors

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a beam of light. The presence of smoke or fire will scatter this beam and trigger the alarm. It is more effective at recognizing smoldering fire and is not as sensitive to false alarms from cooking or shower steam.

MA Smoke Detector Rules

MA laws dictate the kinds and placement of smoke detectors in single family and two-family buildings. The rules differ depending on when a property was constructed or significantly altered. The following is an overview of the installation of smoke detectors within a property.

Placement	before 1975	1975 to Aug. 27, 1997	after Aug. 27, 1997	on or after Jan. 1, 2008	on or after Feb. 4, 2011
Power Supply	Hardwired or Battery	Hardwired Interconnected	Hardwired Interconnected Battery Backup	Hardwired Interconnected Battery Backup	Hardwired Interconnected Battery Backup
Every Living Level	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Bottom of Each Stairwell	Required	Required	Required	Required
Outside Each Sleeping Area	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
Minimum 1 for Every 1,200 sf Finished Space per Level		Required	Required	Required	Required
Inside Each Bedroom			Required	Required	Required
In Basement					Required
Bottom of Each Stairway to an Occupied Floor					Required
Within 20ft. of Kitchens/Baths	Photoelectric		Photoelectric	Photoelectric	Photoelectric
Outside of 20ft. of Kitchens/Baths	Both Ionization & Photoelectric			Photoelectric OR Dual	Photoelectric

Additional Information

More details on MA smoke detector rules can be viewed at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/fire-prev/smoke-alarm-regulations.html. Note that this information is just an overview, must not be interpreted as legal advice and may change without notice. Additionally, cities can impose additional rules beyond state mandated ones. Contact your local fire department for full and up-to-date information for your home.