Guidelines for Placement of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Malden, Massachusetts - Residential 1-2 Family Dwelling

YEAR BUILT Also see below** Before 1975 1975-8/27/1997 8/27/1997-2007 1/1/2008-2011 2011-Present
TYPE OF SMOKE DETECTOR Photoelectric or dual Photoelectric or dual Photoelectric or dual Photoelectric or dual Photoelectric

A dual detector consists of one detector with both PHOTOELECTRIC and IONIZATION.

All homes built or substantially updated from 2011 to present MUST be PHOTOELECTRIC ONLY! 

Combination Photoelectric Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Alarm MUST be VOICE ALERT ONLY

SMOKE ALARM POWER SUPPLY Battery or hardwired Hardwired, interconnected Hardwired, Interconnected with battery back up Hardwired, Interconnected with battery back up Hardwired, Interconnected with battery back up

Location Placement and Type of Detector

BASEMENT Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector*
BASE OF STAIRS Smoke  Smoke Smoke  Smoke  Smoke 
OUTSIDE SLEEPING AREA Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector*
INSIDE BEDROOM Not required Not required Smoke  Smoke  Smoke 
FINISHED ATTIC Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector* Smoke & CO Detector*
GARAGE ATTACHED Not required Not required Not required Heat Detector Heat Detector

All smoke detectors must be under 10 years old for the sale of a home and UL/ANSI listed.

One smoke alarm is needed for up to 1,200 sq. ft. of living area, per floor. Additional smoke alarms needed beyond 1,200 sq. ft. (1,200-2,200 = 2) (2,200-3,200 = 3)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Power Supply

CO DETECTOR POWER SUPPLY Battery or plug-in w/ battery back up Battery or plug-in w/ battery back up Battery or plug-in w/ battery back up Hardwired, Interconnected with battery back up Hardwired, Interconnected with battery back up

*CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS WITHIN 10 FEET OF BEDROOMS AND EVERY HABITABLE LEVEL INCLUDING BASEMENTS AND FINISHED ATTICS*

** Addition or Modification of a bedroom, or renovation > 1/3 assessed value of the home.

ie. Home built in 1975, added a bedroom in 2006, would have to be brought to 8/27/97-07 Code.

As of December 1, 2016, all homes built prior to 1975 must have 10 years sealed non-rechargeable, non-replaceable battery Smoke Detectors.

This document is a guideline.  Please call Fire Prevention with any questions, 781-397-7383

This guideline does not supersede any state fire or building codes.