Unveiling the Lifesaving Benefits of Monitored Smoke Detectors

There are few security devices more critical to protecting your home than smoke detectors. Massachusetts homeowners looking for state smoke detector requirements in one and two-family homes can find those outlined in the state fire marshal code. Here is information on the requirements, in addition to how you can improve your fire protection at home by upgrading to monitored smoke detectors in your Massachusetts home.

Massachusetts Smoke Detector Requirements

Although the requirements for smoke alarms vary slightly depending on when the residence was constructed – or, when the home underwent renovation, addition or modification – smoke detectors are required for all homes in Massachusetts. Smoke alarms are required on

every habitable level of the residence, on the ceiling outside each separate sleeping area, on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leading to a floor above including the basement, and in the basement itself. For homes permitted after 1997, there are additional smoke detector requirements in Massachusetts:

• One smoke alarm inside every bedroom.
• A minimum of one smoke alarm installed for every 1,200 square feet of living space per level of the home.
• Alarms must be hardwired, battery-powered, or a combination of both.
• Alarms within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be photoelectric (which use light to detect smoke and are better for detecting smoldering fires). They may be used in combination with ionization alarms, which use radiation to detect smoke and are more effective for detecting flames.
• Alarms must contain a hush feature to silence nuisance alarms.

Benefits of Monitored Smoke Detectors

Monitored smoke detectors are part of the new generation of connected life safety devices to become available to today’s homeowners.

If you’re interested in more comprehensive fire protection, then monitored smoke detectors may be a good choice for your home — especially when you choose them as part of a fully integrated smart home security system.

Emergency Response Feature

By adding monitored smoke detectors to your home security, you can ensure that your fire alarm and smoke detectors will automatically alert emergency services if smoke or flames are detected. That means help is on the way with no extra effort on your part. Your only priority is getting your family and pets safely out of the home.

Interactive Services Feature

With the monitored smoke detectors in your smart home security system, you’ll also have an interactive services feature that enables personal alerts if there’s a fire. If you are not home when a fire breaks out, this combination of features can get the fire department to your house while you’re away, while also alerting you so you can get to your property immediately. Alerts can also be sent to any neighbors and family members you designate.

Smart Shutdown Feature

When you have monitored smoke alarms as part of your smart home system, they can be integrated with your HVAC system for a fast shutdown of your home’s most critical fixtures during a fire. Your home will automatically know to shut down the HVAC to reduce the spread of smoke and ash; meanwhile, your smart locks can automatically unlock so everyone can get out of the house more quickly and your smart lights can turn on to give you a clearer path out.

This combination of features make monitored smoke alarms a crucial piece of your smart home security system. These small devices can make your entire house safer because of their powerful connectivity. To learn more, call Hirtle Electric & Alarm. We are proud to offer monitored smoke detectors throughout Massachusetts.

About Hirtle Electric & Alarm Inc.

Hirtle Electric & Alarm Inc. is a custom installer and service provider of home and business alarm systems, high definition video cameras, and home automation devices. We are located on the North Shore and provide services to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.