Smoke detector requirements as per the Rhode Island life safety code and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office

 To schedule an appointment please call 401-294-3346 ext 7201

• The cost of the inspection ($30.00) shall be borne by the seller. (Rhode island fire code) 
• A sixty dollar (60.00) fee will be allowed for any subsequent re-inspection of the same residential occupancy due to improper installation, wrong location, improper wiring method, or the seller’s failure to maintain a mutually agreed appointment. ( Rhode Island fire code).
• No plug-in carbon monoxide detectors is allowed.
• Dwellings that do not contain any fuel-burning appliances or integrated garages are exempt from installing carbon monoxide detectors.
• Smoke alarms shall not remain in service any longer than ten years from the date of manufacture.
• A residential certificate of compliance for smoke and co alarms is good for 120 days.
• It is recommended that you have your inspection scheduled at least two weeks before your closing to allow time for any potential corrections.
• Residential inspections are typically done on Tuesdays.
• Make sure your property is compliant prior to your inspection to avoid the additional inspection fee.  

One and two-family dwellings smoke detector and co alarm 

Locations and type

Homes built in 1976 or prior:

• Smoke alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements).
• Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated.
• Smoke alarms are not required to be interconnected.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated.
• Plug-in detectors are not allowed.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are not required to be interconnected.

Homes built on and after January 1, 1977, through December 31, 2001:

• Smoke Alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements).
• Smoke Alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Smoke Alarms shall be required to be interconnected.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors are not required to be interconnected.

Homes built on and after January 1, 2002, through February 19, 2004:

• Smoke alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements).
• Smoke alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Smoke alarms shall be required to be interconnected.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be required to be interconnected.

Homes built on and after February 20, 2004, through December 31, 2012

• Smoke alarms shall be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements).
• Smoke alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Smoke alarms shall be required to be interconnected.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be required to be interconnected.

Homes built on and after January 1, 2013, to the current date

• Smoke alarms shall be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements).

• Smoke alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Smoke alarms shall be required to be interconnected.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on all levels of the dwelling.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be hard-wired with battery backup.
• Carbon monoxide detectors shall be required to be interconnected