In 1988, the state of Illinois passed the Smoke Detector Act. This law required all dwellings to have working smoke alarms. In order to be compliant, the alarms could to be either battery-operated or hard-wired. Effective January 1, 2023, newly-installed smoke alarms in a single or multi-family home must either be hard-wired, bluetooth or operate on a sealed, ten-year battery to be compliant. The goal of the act was to ensure consistent and reliable functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Updated Illinois Smoke Detector Laws
When are smoke detectors required to comply with the updated Illinois smoke detector laws?
All smoke detectors are required to comply with the laws. Newly-installed detectors must be either bluetooth, hardwired or operate on a sealed, 10-year battery. For example, the law requires newly-built homes to have compliant smoke detectors. Also, if you build a new addition or do significant remodeling, you’ll need to install compliant detectors.
If your existing smoke detectors are more than ten years old or they malfunction or fail an operability test, they must be replaced right away. The new units must either be sealed-battery, bluetooth or hard-wired detectors.
Do the updated requirements apply to everyone?
Yes. The current Illinois smoke detector regulations are statewide laws, not local ordinances or building codes. So, all single- and multi-family homeowners and landlords must comply.
What if my existing smoke detectors have replaceable batteries? Do I need to get new ones?
If your existing battery-operated detectors are more than ten years old, you must replace them with sealed-battery detectors. Replaceable-battery smoke detectors that are less than ten years old do not need to be replaced under the law. However, because the newer detectors are safer for you and your family, it’s prudent to replace them as soon as possible.
If you have the ability to install (or hire an electrician to install) hard-wired or bluetooth smoke detectors, you could do that instead. Keep in mind that bluetooth and hard-wired detectors must be interconnected. See below for more information.
Why is the State making me buy ten-year battery smoke detectors? Aren’t they more expensive?
The longer life of the new smoke detector batteries helps ensure that your equipment works when you need it. This way, you don’t have to remember to change the battery every six months. You should, however, test all smoke detectors regularly to make sure they’re operating like they should.
While it’s true that the new smoke detectors require a bigger up-front investment, you should save money in the long run. Replacing batteries every six months for ten years ends up costing much more than the difference in initial cost.
Do the Illinois smoke detector laws include rules for wired smoke detectors?
Yes. The 1988 law requires that all wired smoke detectors need to go off when one goes off. That way you’ll know there’s an issue no matter where you are in your home. Also, if your home was built or substantially remodeled after January 1, 2011, your hard-wired smoke detectors should include an alternative power source, such as batteries or a generator. This way, you will still be alerted if there’s smoke during a power outage.
My basement and main floor don’t have any bedrooms. Do I still need smoke detectors in those areas?
Yes. In addition to having a smoke detector within 15 feet of each bedroom, you need at least one compliant smoke detector on each floor, regardless of whether it contains bedrooms. Even unfinished basements should have at least one smoke detector. You do not need a detector in the attic if it’s not occupied.
What are the penalties for not complying?
Since the Smoke Detector Act is a law, non-compliance is a crime. Not installing proper smoke alarms is a Class B misdemeanor. Local fire departments are responsible for enforcing the law.
PLEASE NOTE: This content is meant for general homeowner information and should not be considered legal counsel or advice. Click here to read the 1988 law for specific details.
For more information about smoke detectors, read Mike’s post on the topic here.