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Local and State regulations require specific types of smoke detectors, and these stipulations can vary greatly from one state to another and even between municipalities within the same state. Regulations are subject to change, so it is important to understand the requirements affecting your multifamily community.

For our customers in Illinois, requirements will be changing on January 1, 2023. As you plan for turns and purchasing smoke detectors to replace those reaching the end of their ten year lifespan, please make note of these changes.

Smoke Alarms Throughout Illinois

Since 1988, smoke alarms have been required in all residential dwellings including, single-family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc. Since 2011, new construction or renovated dwellings have required smoke alarms to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnectable, and UL-listed.

Until the end of 2022, non-hardwired battery-powered smoke alarms can use removable batteries when they are replaced.

Effective January 1, 2023, any existing non-hardwired, battery-powered smoke alarm must be replaced with a 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm if any of the following is true:

• The unit is 10 years older than the date of manufacture (or if there is no manufacture date on the device).
• The unit is no longer operational or fails to respond to operability testing.
• A new device is being installed

Rules for Smoke Alarms in Chicago

• As of January 1, 2022, solely battery-powered smoke alarms installed in multifamily dwellings must be powered by a self-contained, non-removable, long-term battery.
• Alarms installed before January 1, 2022, can remain as long as the date of manufacture is no more than 10 years before the date of use.
• Effective January 1, 2023, only smoke alarms powered from a building’s wiring or by a self-contained, non-removable long-term battery may be sold, purchased, or given away.
• By January 1, 2033, any battery-powered alarms remaining (in use) in owner-occupied dwellings must be replaced by alarms powered by a self-contained, non-removable, long-term battery.

Know the Rules Wherever You Are

offers a comprehensive breakdown of regulations by state. This is a valuable resource to keep for reference no matter where you are.

Benefits of Ten Year Smoke Detectors

Beyond compliance, there can be significant benefits to switching to 10-year battery smoke alarms throughout your property if you have not done so already. Before purchasing replacement smoke alarms, whether for one unit or hundreds of units, take time to understand what type of alarm is required in your area and what will be most cost-effective for your bottom line.