If you’re thinking about getting a smoke alarm upgrade in 2022, you’ve come to the right place. Learn about the UL 217 standard, battery-operated vs. hardwired alarms, and cost and exemptions. These changes will help you protect your home and family.
UL 217
The new UL 217 smoke alarm standards are designed to increase the efficiency and safety of smoke alarms. The new editions incorporate more than 250 technical updates and are consolidated into 50 laboratory tests that determine the effectiveness of smoke alarms. Aside from improving smoke detector performance, the new standards also address nuisance alarms, which are caused by cooking and steam. These alarms are one of the main reasons why homeowners disconnect their smoke alarms.
New smoke detector standards require smoke detectors to be tested at an approved laboratory. However, the majority of products had not yet been approved. The redesign process took longer than originally expected. The COVID-19 crisis was also impacting the testing process. Manufacturers must explain to UL how their smoke detectors meet the new standards.
Hardwired vs battery-operated
If you’re considering a smoke alarm upgrade for your home, you should know the differences between a battery-operated model and a hardwired model. Battery-operated models are stand-alone appliances that cannot connect to each other. On the other hand, hardwired alarms can be interconnected and can save valuable seconds in the event of a fire.
While battery-operated smoke alarms can be a little more affordable, hardwired models have greater protection. And unlike battery-operated models, hardwired models can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Whether you choose one or the other depends on your preferences, but there are benefits to both types of alarms.
Those with a little DIY experience may find hardwired alarms easier to install and maintain. But if you’re a less handy person, battery-operated models are a good choice for many rooms.
Cost
As the demand for smoke alarms rises and the cost of installation increases, the cost of smoke alarm upgrades will rise too. By the year 2022, landlords will have no choice but to upgrade their rental properties or risk losing their rental income. This means investing in quality smoke alarm systems now and preparing for the increased costs.
Compared to battery-operated detectors, hard-wired detectors are less expensive per unit. However, over time, they are more expensive to replace, especially if they’re part of a network. Increasingly, local building codes require hard-wired smoke detectors in new construction, but may not be required for existing homes.
Exemptions
The Scottish government has announced that it will provide up to PS15 million in grant funding to help tenants and landlords upgrade smoke alarms in their homes. These grants are available to people who own a property in a Council Tax Band A-C, are over the state pension age, receive guaranteed Pension Credit or are in the support group for Employment and Support Allowance.
Under the new legislation, landlords have 24 months to upgrade smoke alarms in rental properties. They must replace smoke alarms if they were not working during a previous occupant’s occupancy. However, landlords who install smoke alarms in existing dwellings have more flexibility.
Smart options
If you have a smoke alarm in your home, you should consider getting a smart one. This type of alarm will not only prevent fires, but it will also alert you to the presence of a fire when you’re not home. Some models have voice alerts and can connect with other smart devices in your home. They also allow you to silence false alarms.
A smart smoke alarm will send an alert to your smartphone if there’s a fire or gas leak, so you can get help as quickly as possible. Other models can even shut off your home’s heating system if they detect a leak. Some smoke detectors even have WiFi capabilities, which means they can be connected to your home’s security system.