There has been a recent change in Massachusetts' Smoke and Carbon Monoxide requirements.

Back on April 5 of this year, a new regulation took effect after an emergency amendment was approved to 527 CMR32 Approved Smoke Detectors.

Here it is in a nutshell.  In a building containing up to 5 residential units, a "photoelectric" type of smoke detector still needs to be installed within 20 feet of a kitchen or a bath containing a shower.  Beyond that, areas are required to have dual detection (photoelectric and ionization type), either by a single combination unit or by 2 separate units.

This applies to residential units constructed prior to January 1975 that have not undergone major alteration covered by the State Building Code, and is enforceable at the sale or transfer of the residence.

The goal of this change in regulation is to reduce the number of "nuisance" or false alarms given by a smoke detector, which may lead to frustration and the eventual disabling of the detector.

If you like, you can check out this booklet which has been published by the MA Department of Fire Services to help you understand this better.

As always, feel free to contact us with your questions or for further information about this recent change, and the current code for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.