Purpose

To update the State Fire Code so that certain residential smoke alarms use sealed, 10-year batteries and meet national testing standards. The changes apply to dwelling units in specific residential occupancies and set a timeline and enforcement framework for when alarms are replaced.

Main Provisions

• Definitions
  • Dwelling unit: a single living space with independent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, including permanent provisions. Applies to Group R2 and R3 occupancies under the State Building Code.
  • Sealed battery: a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers a smoke alarm for ten years.
  • Smoke alarm: as defined by the State Fire Code.
  • The section clarifies it does not apply to hotels, motels, commercial buildings, or smoke detection systems that are part of a fire alarm system.
• Sealed battery requirement when replacing alarms
  • Effective August 1, 2027: when a smoke alarm in a dwelling unit is replaced, the new alarm must be equipped with a sealed battery if the alarm uses a battery as a primary or backup power source.
  • The replacement alarm must be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) and meet standards published on or after October 1, 2022.
  • This requirement applies to replacements for any reason, including replacements that occur when an alarm is more than ten years old.
• Enforcement
  • Violations of this section are violations of the State Fire Code.
  • Enforcement and penalties follow the mechanism in section 299F.011, subdivision 6.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a mandatory switch to sealed 10-year batteries for smoke alarms in certain dwelling units when alarms are replaced.
• Requires adherence to current (post-October 1, 2022) nationally recognized testing laboratory standards for the alarms.
• Applies specifically to dwelling units in Group R2 and R3 occupancies, excluding nonresidential and transient lodging.
• Establishes a clear compliance timeline (effective August 1, 2027) and ties violations to the State Fire Code enforcement framework.

Scope and Implementation

• Applies to dwelling units (Group R2 and R3) as defined by the State Building Code.
• The change targets residential settings, excluding hotels, motels, and other nonresidential occupancies.
• Implementation begins with alarm replacements occurring on or after August 1, 2027.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Violations are treated as violations of the State Fire Code.
• Penalties and enforcement follow the existing mechanism in Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.011, subdivision 6.

Practical Impact for Residents and Providers

• Upgrading to sealed 10-year battery alarms during replacements may reduce battery maintenance and potential alarm failures due to battery issues.
• Residential property owners and managers will need to ensure new alarms meet the specified standards and are tested by an NRTL.

Clarifications

• Sealed battery means nonremovable and nonreplaceable, powering the alarm for ten years.
• Standards must be those published on or after October 1, 2022, and alarms must be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Relevant Terms - sealed battery - smoke alarm - dwelling unit - Group R2 occupancies - Group R3 occupancies - State Fire Code - nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) - standards published on or after October 1, 2022 - August 1, 2027 - replacement - ten years - enforcement - 299F.011 subdivision 6