On April 1, 2019, a new law went into effect in New York State changing the type of smoke detectors that will be permitted for sale in the State.
Section 399-ccc of the General Business Law prohibits the sale of smoke detectors that are powered solely by a replaceable, removable battery. All new smoke detectors sold in New York will be required either to be hardwired to the home or powered by a non-removable, non-replaceable battery that powers the device for at least ten years.
It is important to note that this new law does not require homeowners to run out and replace any currently installed smoke detectors. However, any smoke detectors that are replaced after April 1, 2019, must be either hardwired or powered by a ten-year non-removable battery. Figuring out which smoke alarm meets these new standards should not be an issue since smoke detectors powered by replaceable batteries will no longer be offered for purchase in New York.
Although these new smoke detectors may be more expensive than your old smoke detectors (the cost is estimated to be $20-$30), it is important to remember that these devices will last at least ten years. Since you will no longer have to replace the batteries in these devices, these new smoke detectors may actually end up being more cost-effective in the long term.
Most importantly, this new law requires smoke detectors that will increase the safety of your home. Since the batteries last for ten years, there is no need to remember to change the batteries in your smoke detector. This should lead to less non-functioning smoke detectors in the event of a fire.
