Smoke alarm history

[Marc D. Shunk]

Perhaps you already know these benchmarks, but here you go anyhow, just in case. The National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) (prior to 1993, the standard was named Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment- NFPA 74), requirements for smoke alarms in newly constructed residential homes have changed over time:

· Prior to 1989, single-station, battery-only-powered smoke alarms were typically required to be installed in homes, new or existing.
· In 1989, newly constructed residential homes were required to have interconnected (hardwired) smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside the sleeping areas. With interconnected smoke alarms, all the smoke alarms will sound if any individual smoke alarm detects smoke.
· In 1993, the standard required the installation of hardwired smoke alarms inside bedrooms or sleeping areas. Smoke alarms were required in bedrooms to address the concern associated with sound level losses when occupants sleep with the bedroom doors closed.
· In 1996, the requirement to have hardwired smoke alarms with battery back-up in new construction was added to address non-operability during power outages.

Granted, these codes may or may not have had the force of law where you operate on these dates, but just general information to pass along. I suspect that some of you may call out the lack of, or inadequacy of, smoke alarms in homes you inspect.

[Russel Ray]

Thanks, Marc.

[David P. Valley]

Thank you Marc,

And don't forget about the CO alarms.

Massachusetts requires installation of CO alarm upon sale or transfer.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

Perhaps you already know these benchmarks, but here you go anyhow, just in case. The National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) (prior to 1993, the standard was named Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment- NFPA 74), requirements for smoke alarms in newly constructed residential homes have changed over time:

· Prior to 1989, single-station, battery-only-powered smoke alarms were typically required to be installed in homes, new or existing.
· In 1989, newly constructed residential homes were required to have interconnected (hardwired) smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside the sleeping areas. With interconnected smoke alarms, all the smoke alarms will sound if any individual smoke alarm detects smoke.
· In 1993, the standard required the installation of hardwired smoke alarms inside bedrooms or sleeping areas. Smoke alarms were required in bedrooms to address the concern associated with sound level losses when occupants sleep with the bedroom doors closed.
· In 1996, the requirement to have hardwired smoke alarms with battery back-up in new construction was added to address non-operability during power outages.

Granted, these codes may or may not have had the force of law where you operate on these dates, but just general information to pass along. I suspect that some of you may call out the lack of, or inadequacy of, smoke alarms in homes you inspect.

Yes, I enjoyed the history. Thanks Marc.

[James F. McKee]

as always Mark
thanks for the good information....

[William Warner]

Thanks Marc!

I appreciate your input on these boards!

[Paul Sabados]

If any of you inspectors, vendors, and/or tech guys who like to post here, ever run into a situation where a client or a family member is hearing impaired and are not properly protected with some sort of signaling device, let me know. We have alarms. The Foundation is also working with several different agencies and sources for funding of these alarms. If anyone knows of a returning VET in need they're a top priority. Anyone working as a fireman, check with your commander, see if you have an alarm program, if you don't lets get one started

Paul