Residential Smoke Detector Inspection Information

Revised Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Residential Inspection Requirements

Effective January 1, 2019, the State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety has revised the requirements for Home Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors. For reference these regulations can be found in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code 5:70-4.19(c) and are also referenced in National Fire Protection Association standard 72-13.

The change relates to the type of standalone battery operated detector that can be utilized. In the past models using replaceable batteries such as AA, AAA or 9-volt were acceptable. As of this change the only units acceptable for use in New Jersey are those models with a 10 year life battery. Typically these units use batteries, which are not replaceable. Given that the manufacturers have stated the units useful life is 10 years, when the battery goes dead or when the unit reaches its 10-year service life, then you replace the entire unit instead of only the battery as in the past.

Changes

In order to adhere to these new State Regulations going forward, residential inspections for Smoke, CO and Fire Extinguishers will require that all standalone battery-only operated units whether they are separate Smoke and CO Detectors or combination units will need to be 10-year battery models in order to successfully pass the inspection.

Please be aware that some manufacturers are using a 10 year label on boxes and devices to indicate they have a 10 year life. This does not always mean they have a 10 year life battery. It is important that the labels are read very carefully before selecting and purchasing a new unit and that it states it has a 10 year life battery.

Inspections & Applications

For residential smoke detector inspection and permit application questions, please call 908-753-8000, ext. 274

View the Application for Certificate of Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance (PDF). You must print and email it to Fire Secretary, Meagan Rivenbark or mail/drop off application at Town Hall.

Requirements

View the requirements (PDF) for Certificate of Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance.

Payments

The Fire Prevention Department will now be accepting credit card payments via MuniciPay for residential smoke detector applications only, effective June 1, 2018.  We are still accepting cash and checks by mail or drop off at Town Hall, by filling out the printable application (PDF).