Iowa's Smoke Detector Laws

• Iowa requires smoke detectors to be able to detect fires from combustible and smoldering materials.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Most people are unaware that there are three types of smoke detectors. Thanks to a change in smoke detector regulations, many Iowans are familiar with all three. Prior to April 1, 2010, Iowans could choose an ionization sensor or photoelectric sensor. An ionization sensor is adept at detecting fires from combustible materials, such as grease fires. However, photoelectric sensors do a better job at detecting fires from smoldering sources such as cigarettes. Now, all new residential construction and all replacement fire detection units must be dual sensor fire detectors, having both ionization and photoelectric technology.
  
  

Why the Law Changed

• The need for the change is best stated by Mike Whitsell, West Des Moines fire marshall, who said, "You never know what kind of fire you are going to have in your home or business, so having a dual sensor trying to get both aspects .... is really going to help, I think, save lives." In the three years before the change, fire fatalities in Iowa increased. State Fire Marshal Ray Reynolds blamed lack of detection for this increase.
  
  

Chapter 210 of Public Safety Law 661

• Chapter 210 does not just require that all new residential construction use and all replacement fire detectors use the dual sensor technology. The fire detection unit must meet Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) Standard 217 as well. It also has to have a power supply that will allow the fire detector to operate for at least four continuous minutes. Smoke detectors that have been connected to the building's electric system have to follow NFPA 70, National Electric Code, 2008 edition. They also need to have battery backup.
  
  

Affected Parties

• The law does not only affect homeowners and business owners, it also affects landlords. Tenants who are not responsible for the maintenance of their space, either residential or business, may rely on their landlord to comply with the law. The problem with this is that it actually serves as a loophole, as there is no requirement that existing, functioning fire detectors with a single sensor be replaced. Most homeowners will probably make the $25 per unit investment for their own property, but landlords may not.