Is your smoke alarm up to code?

The Phoenix Fire Code provides that a residential homeowner may utilize a battery operated smoke alarm in their home.  However, a recent amendment (ordinance G-5898-2014; effective April 18, 2014), provides that battery operated smoke alarms must be replaced with a UL listed smoke alarm with a sealed 10-year lithium battery.  Additionally, smoke alarms are not allowed to be used longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.  Accordingly, if a smoke alarm is older than 10 years and/or needs to be replaced, the smoke alarm must be replaced with a UL listed smoke alarm with a sealed 10-year lithium battery.

Note:  Other cities may have different fire code requirements.  Accordingly, REALTORS® outside of Phoenix should check their city’s fire code requirements.  See http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/LawLibrary/LegalResearch/ArizonaResearch/azCityCodes.asp