New Smoke Detector Laws
Effective April 1, 2009, the State Fire Marshall will require all new residential construction to be equipped with dual sensor smoke detectors.
What is a dual sensor detector?
A smoke detector that has both a photoelectric sensor that protects best against slow, smoldering fires and an ionization sensor that protects best against fast, flaming fires.
How are they different from what I have in my home?
Most detectors in homes currently use either the ionization technology or the photoelectric technology to detect smoke, but not both.
What if my detectors don’t need replaced?
If your current smoke detectors meet all the manufacturer’s recommendations, you are not required to replace them with the dual sensor detectors. However, when you have to replace them, they must be replaced with a dual sensor detector.
For more information, you can obtain a copy of Iowa’s smoke detector requirements under Chapter 100.18 of the Iowa Code through their website at http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?category=billinginfo&service=IowaCode&ga=82