New Smoke Detector Law in California

California has a new law phasing in the use of new smoke detectors installed in the State of California including Monterey County.

SB1394 requiring 10 year batteries in all new smoke detectors in California by January 1, 2014 was revoked.  The new law, SB 745 takes it place and will be phased in through July 1, 2015.

Here are the details:

July 1, 2014.
Manufacturers may only sell smoke detectors in California that have non-removable batteries capable of powering the unit for 10 years.

Exception: If anyone (retailers, wholesalers, managing agents, contractors, property owners) has the older models (not a 10 year battery), they may continue to install them until July 1, 2015.

January 1, 2015.
Manufacturers may only sell smoke detectors in California that meet the requirement in number 1 above, plus they must:

a. Display the date of manufacture
b. Provide a place on the device to where the date of installation can be written
c. Incorporate a hush feature

Exception:
As in above, if anyone (retailers, wholesalers, managing agents, contractors, property owners) has the older models (not a 10 year battery, no dates, no hush), they may continue to install them until July 1, 2015.

July 1, 2015.
a. Any installations of battery operated smoke detectors (new installs or replacements) must be with detectors that

Have 10 year non-removable batteries
Provide a place on the device to where the date of installation can be written
Incorporate a hush feature
Display the date of manufacture

b. When a permit is pulled/$1,000 or more in work is performed all detectors will need to be updated to the new models.

Install New Smoke Detectors Now

Please be advised that these new models which meet all the below requirements, and significantly increase the safety of occupants, are currently available at retailers throughout the county and through several online retailers.