Homes built prior to 1975
Are required upon sale or transfer to comply with the requirements of MGL c. 148, section 26E (A); This shall be an approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or a primary source smoke detector on each level of habitation and on the basement level. An approved detector shall be installed on the
ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, near the base, but not
within each stairway and a smoke detector shall be installed outside each
sleeping area.
Homes built between 1975 and 1998
Are required to have hard wired interconnected smoke detectors outside the bedrooms and one detector on each floor at the top of the stairs. (The detector at the top of the stairs can be the same detector required outside the bedroom if located properly).
Homes built after 1998 – Current Code
Are required to have smoke detectors hard wired and interconnected with a battery backup. Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom and at the top of each flight of stairs. A single detector can satisfy multiple location requirements, if sited properly. There must also be one smoke detector for each 1,200 square feet of living space.
NOTES:
Adding or creating one or more sleeping rooms in existing dwellings require that the entire building be provided with smoke detectors designed and located as for new dwellings. In addition, fire protection systems are required for the following cases;
1. additions where required.
2. existing buildings or portions thereof which are substantially altered or substantially renovated.
Carlisle Fire Department
Fire Prevention Office
978-287-0072
January 1, 2005
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