State lawmakers last year updated the Florida Building Code to require the use of residential smoke detectors powered by nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries that last 10 years. The change became effective Jan. 1.
The benefit is residents don’t have to remember to replace their smoke alarms’ nine-volt batteries every six months as recommended. Research into residential fires shows that when people do have smoke alarms, the batteries are often dead or pulled out – the difference between life and death in many cases.
The catch is the sealed units can be more expensive than the older nine-volt powered models. Alarms with nonremovable batteries can cost as much as $10 $15 more.
The change to the building code had been filed in past years but it wasn’t till Tallahassee lobbyist Kari Hebrank got involved that it became law.
In reported home fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (47%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries. Nuisance alarms were the leading reason for disconnected smoke alarms.
Performance Electric is always available to test or install new smoke detectors in your home or business call today for electrical service in the Sarasota Bradenton area.
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