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Smoke Detector Guidelines

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Requirements
...when selling a One or Two-Family residence
Massachusetts Department of Fire Services

Homes Permitted: BEFORE: 1975

Smoke detectors are required as follows:

  • Smoke detector on every habitable level of the residence.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling at the base of each stairway.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.
  • Smoke detector may either be battery powered, hardwired or combination of the two.
  • A minimum of one smoke detector must be installed for every 1,200 sqft. of living space per level.
  • If smoke detector is located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing a bathtub or shower) smoke detector must be PHOTOELECTRIC.
  • If located 20 feet outside of a kitchen or bathroom, you must utilize either a dual smoke detector with both PHOTOELECTRIC and IONIZATION. Or, two separate smoke detectors: one PHOTOELECTRIC and one IONIZATION.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required as follows:

  • CO detectors on every level of residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics. CO detectors MUST be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
  • Combination detectors may be used.
    • Ex 1: PHOTOELECTRIC Smoke / CO detector if placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom.
    • Ex 2: IONIZATION Smoke / CO detector if placed 20 feet outside of a kitchen or bathroom.
  • CO detectors may be either: battery powered, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Homes Permitted: BETWEEN: 1975 and August 27, 1997

Smoke detectors are required as follows:

  • Smoke detector on every habitable level of the residence.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling at the base of each stairway.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.
  • Smoke detector MUST be hardwired and interconnected.
  • A minimum of one smoke detector must be installed for every 1,200 sqft. of living space per level.
  • If smoke detector is located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing a bathtub or shower) smoke detector must be PHOTOELECTRIC.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required as follows:

  • CO detectors on every level of residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics. CO detectors MUST be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
  • Combination detectors (Photoelectric / CO) may be used.
  • CO detectors may be either: battery powered, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Homes Permitted: AFTER: August 27, 1997

Smoke detectors are required as follows:

  • Smoke detector on every habitable level of the residence.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling at the base of each stairway.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.
  • One smoke detector INSIDE of every bedroom.
  • Smoke detector must be hardwired and interconnected.
  • A minimum of one smoke detector must be installed for every 1,200 sqft. of living space per level.
  • If smoke detector is located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing a bathtub or shower) smoke detector must be PHOTOELECTRIC.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required as follows:

  • CO detectors on every level of residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics. CO detectors MUST be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
  • Combination detectors (Photoelectric / CO) may be used.
  • CO detectors may be either: battery powered, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Homes Permitted: ON or AFTER: January 1, 2008

Smoke detectors are required as follows:

  • Smoke detector on every habitable level of the residence.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling at the base of each stairway.
  • Smoke detector on the ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.
  • One smoke detector INSIDE of every bedroom.
  • Smoke detector must be hardwired and interconnected.
  • A minimum of one smoke detector must be installed for every 1,200 sqft. of living space per level.
  • If smoke detector is located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing a bathtub or shower) smoke detector must be PHOTOELECTRIC.
  • If located 20 feet outside of a kitchen or bathroom, the smoke detector is required to be either a PHOTOELECTRIC detector or a dual smoke detector with both PHOTOELECTRIC and IONIZATION. .

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required as follows:

  • CO detectors on every level of residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics. CO detectors MUST be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
  • Combination detectors (Photoelectric / CO) may be used.
  • CO detectors MUST be hardwired and interconnected with battery backup.

Heat detectors are required as follows:

  • Must have a single heat detector in any garage attached to or under the residence.
  • Must be hardwired and interconnected with existing smoke detection system.
  • Heat detectors not required in older homes unless renovations, additions or modification occurs after January 1, 2008.

Any additional questions regarding the proper installation of smoke detectors and or carbon monoxide detectors, contact: Mattapoisett Fire Det. at 508-758-4150.