To: Local Fire Marshals
From: Lauri Volkert, State Fire Marshal
Topic: Unlisted Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
As leaders in the fire service, we recognize the vital role that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms play in keeping the public safe. Given this role, it is imperative that these devices be held to the highest standards of reliability. Unfortunately, some online retailers are selling smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that have not been tested to nationally recognized standards.
Some companies claim to meet the recognized standards but do not provide the required documentation or marking. All approved smoke alarms tested to the industry standards are stamped with either the UL or ETL (Intertek) mark on the packaging, user guide, and the alarm itself. Untested products may not detect the presence of fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide, sound an alarm, or operate within the required timeframe.
Below is an example of the UL and ETL marks.
Not only is it best practice to select and install alarms that have been tested to nationally recognized standards, but it is also required by the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code (CSFSC).
The code path for Smoke Alarms tested to nationally recognized standards:
Part III of the CSFSC section 907.2.11 states that “Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.11.1 through 907.11.7 and NFPA 72.”
Part IV of the CSFSC section 9.6.2.10.1 states, “Where required by another section of this Code, single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be in accordance with NFPA 72 unless otherwise provided in 9.6.2.10.4, 9.6.2.10.5, 9.6.2.10.7, or 9.6.2.10.8.”
NFPA 72, 2019 ed. section 29.10.2 states, “Smoke Alarms, System Smoke Detectors, and Other Non-Heat Fire Detectors. Each device shall detect abnormal quantities of smoke or applicable fire signature, shall operate in the normal environmental conditions, and shall be in compliance with applicable standards such as ANSI/UL 268, Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, or ANSI/UL 217, Standard for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms.”
The code path for Carbon Monoxide Alarms tested to nationally recognized standards.
Part III of the CSFSC section 915.4.2 states, “Listings. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034.”
Part IV of the CSFSC section 9.12 states, “Where required by another section of this Code, carbon monoxide (CO) detection and warning equipment shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72.
NFPA 72, 2019 ed. section 29.10.3.1 states, “Each carbon monoxide alarm shall be in compliance with ANSI/UL 2034, Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms.”
