Smoke Alarms & Detectors

Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that provide benefits for occupants. They detect smoke well before any sleeping occupant would and provide critical seconds to implement actions to save life and property. Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke and emit a loud and distinctive sound to alert occupants of potential danger.

Maintenance

It is essential to maintain your smoke alarm. Check the alarms every month and replace batteries twice per year.

Replacement

Most manufacturers' literature states that smoke alarms are to be replaced every 10 years.


Note the manufacture date of 2003. This alarm is due to be replaced in 2013 based upon the manufacturer's information. 

                      < Free Smoke Alarm Program >  Read more

  

Chapter 3.02 - Fire Protection Code 2014 Smoke Detectors [3] Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12

3.02.010 - Smoke Detector Defined

A smoke detector shall be defined for the purposes of this section as a device, which detects visible or invisible products of combustion.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.020 - Compliance With Standards

Each smoke detector shall detect abnormal quantities of smoke that can occur in a dwelling, shall properly operate in the normal environmental conditions of a household, and shall be in compliance with ANSI/UL 268-standard for safety smoke detectors for fire protective signaling systems, or ANSI/UL 217-standard for safety single and multiple station smoke detectors.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.030 - Smoke Detectors Installed

All dwelling units within the city shall be equipped with a minimum of 1 functional, properly located, labeled and listed smoke detector as described in N.F.P.A. Standard No. 72 and in accordance with State and Local Building Code.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.040 - Installation in Accordance With Manufacture Specifications

All equipment shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation requirements and recommendations. If the method of installation is not specified by the manufacturer, the smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling at least 4 inches from the wall or on a wall with the top of the detector not less than 4 inches nor more than 12 inches below the ceiling. Smoke detectors in roams with ceiling slopes greater than 1 foot in 8 feet horizontally shall be located at the high side of the room.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.050 - Power Supply

Smoke detectors required by 675 IAC 13 or 675 IAC 14 shall have power supply as specified by the respective code. All other residential smoke detectors may be powered by an AC power source or a battery. If the detector is solely AC powered and the manufacturer does not supply installation specifications, it shall be directly attached to a junction box with power supplied either from a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting, such installation shall be in accordance with 675 IAC 17.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.060 - Tampering With Unit Prohibited

It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with or remove any smoke detector, except when it is necessary for maintenance or inspection purposes. Any smoke detector removed for repair, replacement or local remodeling shall be reinstalled or replaced so that it is in place and operable.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.070 - Installation & Maintenance 2014 Rental Dwelling Units

Each owner or manager or rental agent of the owner is responsible for the installation of required smoke detectors and the repair or replacement of a required smoke detector within 2 business days after the owner, manager or rental agent is given written notification of the need to repair or replace the smoke detector. Residents shall inspect and test the smoke detectors in accordance with manufacturer's instructions at least monthly.
(Ordinance Number 2012-02, § 1, 2-6-12)

3.02.990 - Penalty

Whoever violates any provision of this chapter for which no penalty is provided, shall be fined not more than 1 thousand dollars ($1,000). A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day that a violation occurs or continues.