I noticed most older homes have built in smoke detectors that are wired to the home. But none of the newer homes have this. What gives, wasn't it safer to build a house with a smoke detector.
Why don't newer homes have built in smoke detector.
- Thread starter ICRS
- Start date
SarcasticDwarf
Diamond Member
- Jun 8, 2001
- 9,574
- 2
- 76
I would think part of it is the cookie-cutter nature of even the insides of houses. No customization whatsoever goes into it...and running extra special wiring costs more.
BoomerD
No Lifer
- Feb 26, 2006
- 66,307
- 14,716
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http://www.mcar.com/gapdf/SmokeDetectorRequirements.pdf
"Introduction
California law requires smoke detectors to be installed in all "dwelling units intended for human habitation." The
specific requirements may vary depending on the type of property, the number of units and the number of
stories of the property.
In addition, local climatic conditions give municipalities the opportunity to create more stringent requirements.
For example, some municipalities accept battery-operated smoke detectors but others require hard-wired
smoke detectors. For that reason, it is imperative to check with the local department of building and safety to
determine the local requirements."
"California law requires that every single-family dwelling and factory-built housing have operable smoke
detectors that are approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the State Fire
Marshal's regulations. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.8.)
The smoke detectors must be centrally located outside each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home
with bedrooms upstairs and downstairs would need two smoke detectors, one in the hallway outside the
bedrooms(s) upstairs and one in the hallway outside the bedroom(s) downstairs.
Furthermore, for any new construction or any additions, alterations, repairs after August 14, 1992 that exceeds
$1,000 in cost and for which a permit is required, a smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom in
addition to being centrally located in the corridor or area outside the bedroom.
For new construction only, the smoke detector must be hardwired with a battery backup. For all other homes,
the smoke detector may be battery operated. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.7.)"
"Introduction
California law requires smoke detectors to be installed in all "dwelling units intended for human habitation." The
specific requirements may vary depending on the type of property, the number of units and the number of
stories of the property.
In addition, local climatic conditions give municipalities the opportunity to create more stringent requirements.
For example, some municipalities accept battery-operated smoke detectors but others require hard-wired
smoke detectors. For that reason, it is imperative to check with the local department of building and safety to
determine the local requirements."
"California law requires that every single-family dwelling and factory-built housing have operable smoke
detectors that are approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the State Fire
Marshal's regulations. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.8.)
The smoke detectors must be centrally located outside each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home
with bedrooms upstairs and downstairs would need two smoke detectors, one in the hallway outside the
bedrooms(s) upstairs and one in the hallway outside the bedroom(s) downstairs.
Furthermore, for any new construction or any additions, alterations, repairs after August 14, 1992 that exceeds
$1,000 in cost and for which a permit is required, a smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom in
addition to being centrally located in the corridor or area outside the bedroom.
For new construction only, the smoke detector must be hardwired with a battery backup. For all other homes,
the smoke detector may be battery operated. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.7.)"
None of the newer ones that I have seen in my area have it.
But nearly all of the homes build in the 80s have it here.
Guess I am mistaken. I never noticed them in new homes. Must be hidden real well. The one at my parents house from 1980 is big and ugly.
Capt Caveman
Lifer
- Jan 30, 2005
- 34,543
- 651
- 126
Red Squirrel
No Lifer
Probably to save money, the same reason stuff breaks all the time.
There was a change of code here where each room needs a smoke detector outside of it unless they're very close together, and each floor needs at least one.
So my parents bought one and hanged it downstairs (still in the package). Safety first! They make me wonder sometimes...
There was a change of code here where each room needs a smoke detector outside of it unless they're very close together, and each floor needs at least one.
So my parents bought one and hanged it downstairs (still in the package). Safety first! They make me wonder sometimes...
I thought all new construction had to have them - guess in some areas that's not the case.
My 4yo house has the battery type.
My 4yo house has the battery type.
Because smoke detectors have a limited lifespan and built in ones give a false sense of security.
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