Another new law approved for California homeowners and landlords has changed the specifications for smoke alarm installations. Starting July 1, the State Fire Marshal will not approve a battery-operated smoke alarm unless it contains a non-replaceable, non-removable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years.

Any existing smoke alarms that are currently in the inventory of a property owner, manager, contractor or retailer may be used and sold until July 1, 2015, but after that all alarms must comply with the new law.

Also, beginning Jan. 1, 2015, all new alarms must display the date of manufacture, provide a place on the device where the date of installation can be written, and incorporate a hush feature. The hush feature lets you temporarily silence the alarm for a few minutes and then automatically reset if you happen to burn your toast or other household nonemergencies.

Existing alarms installed need not be replaced unless the alarm is inoperable or work is performed at the property which requires a permit and the value of the work totals $1,000 or more. Rental property owners also need to have their properties in compliance with the law.

Building code requirements: According to Section 310.9.1 of the California Building Code, all residences must have smoke alarms installed that are approved by the State Fire Marshal. In new residences, smoke alarms must be hard wired into the home’s electrical system plus incorporate a battery backup in case of power failure. Smoke alarms retrofitted into existing residences may be solely battery powered.

One alarm should be placed on each floor in non-sleeping areas, one alarm in each room where sleeping occurs, and one alarm in each hallway that leads directly to sleeping rooms. Smoke detectors in the kitchen end up being a nuisance alarm, sounding over steam and smoke from cooking and are not recommended.

Location: Never place smoke alarms near a venting duct used by the central heating or cooling system as vents can blow smoke away from the detector inhibiting its ability to detect the smoke. Install either on the ceiling facing downward at the floor or high on the wall facing the inside of the room. For wall placements, make sure to leave at least a 4- to 6-inch clearance between the detector and the ceiling, but no lower. And do not place the alarm in the corner where the wall meets the ceiling as smoke tends not to collect in these socalled dead corners.

In the past, you would want to choose a location easily accessible for maintenance and battery replacement, but now once you upgrade your devices there will be no more worries about changing batteries for 10 long years.

— Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties, Glendora 626-914-2904 adrianad@podley.com