Role of the Fire Department

• The fire department is responsible for smoke detector inspections.smoke image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Whenever a home is sold in Massachusetts, including in the city of Boston, the fire department is required to inspect the property for properly working smoke detectors. This law has been on the books for many years to protect Massachusetts citizens.
  
  

New Regulations

• It is important to know what type of detector is currently installed.fire detector on ceiling image by StarJumper from Fotolia.com
  
  There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric sensors. The new regulations require installation of both types of smoke detectors. Photoelectric sensors are required within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom. You can install sensors that utilize both methods.
  
  

Taking Offline

• According to the new regulations, you do not need to be certified in order to take a smoke detector offline. If you are taking a device offline, though, you should check to see that your existing or new smoke detectors are in line with the new Massachusetts state regulations, including placement laws.