Smoke Alarms in New Home Construction
For all new home construction, fire alarm sensors must be powered by the
home AC power electrical wiring. Although this overcomes the problem of
neglecting to replace batteries on a periodic basis, there remains the problem
of power outages that would also disable a fire warning sensor that uses the
home wiring as a power source. Sensors can be purchased with integrated
battery powered backups.
For homes built prior to 1979, battery-powered smoke alarms are permissi-
ble. In newer dwellings, alarms must be powered by the electrical wiring.
The problem with battery units is that people often neglect battery replace-
ment. On the other hand, what good are wired-in smoke alarms if you have
an electrical fire accompanied by a power outage? The safest arrangement,
therefore, is to install wired-in alarms equipped with battery backup. This
type of integrated alarm can be obtained at most hardware stores and is
required for homes built as of 1993.
As to smoke alarm placement, requirements also vary according to the age of
the dwelling. In older homes, most municipalities require alarms in the fol-
lowing locations: within close proximity to all bedroom entrances, on each
story of a multilevel home, and in basements. The latest standards, enacted
in 1993, require that there be an additional alarm in each bedroom. Another
practical location, although not required, is the garage.
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