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10-Year Smoke Alarm Requirements | Are 10-Year Alarms Required

10-Year Alarms

There is a growing trend to switch from traditional battery-powered smoke alarms to those that use 10-year sealed batteries. Although this is not a requirement in every state, there are numerous states that are beginning to require this type of smoke detector, like California and New York. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends every smoke detector be replaced after 10 years and that regular batteries be replaced every six months. With 10-year sealed battery alarms, battery replacements and late-night battery chirps are eliminated for a decade.

Are 10-Year Alarms Required by Your State?

To find out if your state requires 10-year smoke detectors, check this chart. Even if your state does not currently require the use of a 10-year smoke alarms, there are several benefits to consider:

  • There is no need to replace the batteries for the life of the device. However, testing your detector regularly is recommended, no matter the type of alarm.
  • Provides hassle free protection for a decade.
  • Helps eliminate late night low-battery chirps.
  • An end-of-life warning reminds you to replace the smoke detector.

Help protect your home and family against the dangers of fire with a 10-year smoke alarm today. First Alert also offers 10-year sealed battery carbon monoxide alarms, and 10-year sealed battery combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Combination alarms offer 2-in-1 protection against both fire and carbon monoxide.

Placement of Smoke and Fire Alarms

When installing detectors in your home, there are several things to keep in mind:

  • Smoke and fire alarms should be installed on every level, outside of each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom of your home
  • Devices mounted on the ceiling should be in the center of the room if possible.
  • Never mount an alarm near a heat source.
  • Wall mounted smoke alarms should be placed at least three feet from a corner and between 4 – 12 inches from the ceiling.
  • Mount smoke detectors away from fans and air ducts that could blow smoke away from the detector.
  • To avoid nuisance alarms caused by oven heat, cooking smoke, or shower steam, avoid placing smoke detectors too close to a stove or oven and bathroom shower and at least 10 feet from appliances.
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