New Smoke Alarm Requirements!

[SilverGate]

"More cities and states are now requiring that “new smoke alarms that are solely battery powered must have a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years.” Kidde lists the following states and cities with 10-year smoke alarm laws: Oregon, California, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Phoenix, New York City, Madison WI, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Louisville. Although many of these laws, such as California’s smoke alarm requirements, apply to dwelling units intended for human occupancy and not to mobile homes or coaches, the laws impact RVers by limiting the selection of types of smoke alarms locally available when it is time to replace a 10-year old alarm (its life expectancy)."*

Our 2007 Airstream Safari is now 10 years old and its OEM smoke alarm (Universal Security Instruments SS-775) quit working like clockwork!

Replacing it was not as simple as I originally thought. New laws (seen above) limited my selection of locally available alarm types. And then I had to study which sensor would be best for my use (ionization, photoelectric, or a combination of both). My OEM model had an ionization sensor.

I eventually chose the popular and economical Kidde i9010 model (aka Code One 10-Year Lithium Battery Smoke Alarm at Home Depot for $17.97). One of its features is that it has a Hush Button that allows nuisance alarms to be quickly silenced, as required by California’s Updated Smoke Alarm Requirements.

*See more information and installation details in my article "10-year sealed battery requirement for smoke alarms!" - History Safari Express.

[SilverGate]

Two years ago California required battery operated smoke alarms to have a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the smoke alarm for a minimum of 10 years.

California Smoke Alarm Law

[SilverGate]

Now more states are proposing new legislature that will mandate photoelectric technology for smoke alarms.

Calls for new smoke detector laws in Ohio

[Rocinante]

Wow, Duracell & Energizer (replace your 9v batteries every 6 months) must be pretty disappointed about this.

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by SilverGate

Now more states are proposing new legislature that will mandate photoelectric technology for smoke alarms.

And, since photoelectric detectors require more power than ionization detectors, your 10-year photoelectric detector may be the size of a toaster.

Of course, they can always use lithium batteries. Samsung has a lot of them for sale cheap right now. . .

[CDONA]

Is there a smoke detector that doesn't react to a temperature climb from using a toaster?

About a inline 7' gap between the two, bread has a light tan spot in the middle, and the alarm announces the toast is ready.
These household models aren't calibrated for rv's.

[SilverGate]

Another recent recommendation for campers (caravans):

A photoelectric smoke alarm with a hush, powered by a 10 year, non-removable, non-replaceable battery, is recommended.

Smoke Alarms in Caravans

[Vitaver]

Nest Protect is a good one that in addition to the traditional job as a smoke detector, you can check the status of your trailer online, with their app. It connects to the WiFi in the trailer. I hope it meets the new requirements because is not cheap at $99

[greghoro]

Originally Posted by CDONA

Is there a smoke detector that doesn't react to a temperature climb from using a toaster?

About a inline 7' gap between the two, bread has a light tan spot in the middle, and the alarm announces the toast is ready.
These household models aren't calibrated for rv's.

Use a brightly colored shower cap as a temporary means to stifle the smoke alarm when cooking. Attach a ribbon to make it more conspicuous.


Greg

[dames7]

COSTCO sell them, two to a pack.

[msimon]

Originally Posted by CDONA

Is there a smoke detector that doesn't react to a temperature climb from using a toaster? About a inline 7' gap between the two, bread has a light tan spot in the middle, and the alarm announces the toast is ready. These household models aren't calibrated for rv's.

We have the same problem. So far just with toast. Not sure it's the temp climb (as you state) that's causing the alarm to go off though, since the smoke alarm in the rear bedroom also goes off a short time later. The front and rear smoke detectors are not connected. I think it's probably the very small amount of smoke the toaster produces that's triggering the alarms. No real problem with regular cooking on the range. Would be interested in what others have to say on this. We're using First Alert, Model SA320 ionization/photoelectric alarms in both front and rear.

[MelGoddard]

The question is:
Since most smoke alarms are installed permanently in the 'house', how would a permanent battery alarm react to being in the cold during winter storage?
Would it stand the cold, or be 'pooched' by it?

"Never eat more than you can lift!" Miss Piggy

[JCWDCW]

Ionization alarms react to very small amounts of chemicals associated with fresh smoke or Fire. Browning toast emits these chemicals...hence your ionization detector going into alarm.
Photo-electric alarms see smoke. Cold Smoke may not have much chemical trace from the fire. Combinations are good because you get early warning for both possible sources Smoke and/or Fire.
Permanent batteries are unquestionably Lithium Ion. The cold may reduce the output, (batteries run on chemical reactions...which slow down in cold environments) but it shouldn't hurt the battery.
JCW

[rodsterinfl]

I had to replace mine this year. I got the First Alert SADUAL10 with 10 years, dual sensors.

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by dames7

COSTCO sell them, two to a pack.

The Costco two pack wasn't that expensive,either.

[Caffeinated]

We run the stove vent while cooking, toasting. So far no issues.

Mike

[KJRitchie]

I took the battery out of my Airstream's smoke alarm on the first trip after purchase when it went off while cooking even with the entrance door open.

Kelvin

[Ruscal]

The 10 year battery smoke detector I just bought a month ago for nearly 20 dollars started chirping the low battery chirp, so I returned it to Lowes. We have not camped in the trailer yet, so no fumes or smoke. I hope the new one does better, and passes the cook test.
Russ