A new California law aims to eventually phase out smoke detectors that take replaceable batteries. Dan Stork describes who it affects, and when…
A California law on smoke alarms has a timer that started ticking July 1. It says battery-powered smoke alarms sold in the Golden State must have non-replaceable, non-removable batteries that last for at least 10 years. But property owners, managing agents, contractors, wholesalers or retailers with replaceable-battery smoke alarms in stock or on order can keep installing or selling them through July 1, 2015. At that point, selling smoke detectors with replaceable batteries will be illegal.
Also in a year, the law will require that all smoke alarms or combination smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors sold do the following:
• Display the date of manufacture
• Provide a place on the device where the date of installation can be written
• Incorporate a hush feature
• Incorporate an end-of-life feature that provides notice that the device needs to be replaced.
By Jan. 1, 2016, owners of rental units must install smoke alarms in each bedroom or other sleeping area. These alarms must meet all new requirements.
If a smoke alarm is already in place and working, however, state law won’t require the landlord to change it out until the smoke detector finally stops working.
