Maryland’s Updated Smoke Alarm Law
On January 1, 2018 Maryland rolled out a new smoke alarm law for residences. For homeowners, the new law will require the replacement of all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old (from the date of manufacture). In addition, homeowners must replace battery-only operated smoke alarms with units powered by sealed-in, ten-year/long-life batteries with a “silence/hush” feature.
Residents are also required to update their existing smoke alarms placements to comply with the new minimum specified standards. It is important to note that these standards will vary based on when the building was constructed.
The goal of the new law is for Maryland residences to transition from using smoke alarms with 9v batteries to ten-year/long-life batteries. Furthermore, by updating older residences there will be more reliable smoke alarm coverage.
Newer residences should already have AC powered, battery back-up smoke alarms that are interconnected. These smoke alarms will need to be replaced every ten years as well. Former law verbiage has changed from the manufacturers recommendation to specify every ten years.
For more information regarding the new law or standards based on the construction year check out the links below:
- http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/MCFRS/Resources/Files/misc/Smoke_Alarm_Law_101.pdf
- https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Maryland-Smoke-Detector-Law-Mandates-Change-for-Home-Alarms-463479233.html