New Requirement For Residential Home Sales

In the April 7, 2003 New Jersey Register, the Department of Community Affairs adopted regulations that provide for installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in one and two family homes. The rules that pertain to the Uniform Fire Code state CO alarms are required to be provided in the immediate vicinity of all sleeping rooms in all buildings of Use Groups I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 that contain fuel-burning appliances or have attached garages. One and two family homes fall into the R-3 use group. The new requirement, when a one or two family home is sold, leased or otherwise made subject to a change of occupancy, is for the owner or seller to apply for a Certificate of Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Compliance (CSDCMAC). This application is available in the Borough Clerk's office or by contacting the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 767-6839. Since both devices can be inspected at the same time, only one fee will be assessed.

The CO alarm is required to be manufactured, listed, and, labeled in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 entitled, "Single- and Multiple-Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms." Each device shall have a label indicating that it meets this requirement.

In order for a home to pass the inspection, the alarms are required to be installed as follows:

• The device is permitted to be a battery powered, hard-wired, or plug-in type.

• If installing an electrically operated device, the AC power source is required to be supplied from either a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting. Operation of a switch (other than a circuit breaker) or a ground-fault circuit interrupter is not permitted to cause loss of power to the alarm.

• The alarm may be located on the wall, ceiling, or other location as specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions.
  
  
• The device is required to be supported independently of its attachment to wires.
  

For alarms installed in the vicinity of sleeping rooms, the alarm notification appliance is required to be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels and with all intervening doors closed, with a minimum rating of 85dBA at 10 feet (3m). If the alarm is intended to notify occupants in the same room, the sound pressure level is permitted to be 75dBA at 10 feet.

Under most situations, compliance with the requirements listed above should be acceptable for approval of the installation.

The application fee for a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance (CSDCMAC), as required by N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3, shall be based upon the amount of time remaining before the change of occupant is expected, as follows:

• Request for a CSDCMAC received more than 10 business days prior to the change of occupant: $35.00;

• Request for a CSDCMAC received four to 10 business days prior to the change of occupant: $70.00; and

• Request for a CSDCMAC received fewer than four business days prior to the change of occupant: $125.00

Remember, this is in addition to the Certificate of Smoke Detector Compliance required for transfer of ownership or change of occupancy. As always, if you have any questions or if we may be of assistance please contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 767-6839.

Applications may be printed from the link below. After completing the application please mail a check for the appropriate amount and the completed application to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, P.O. Box 226, Berlin, NJ 08009. Once received, you will be contacted by an inspector to schedule your inspection. You may also hand deliver your application to the clerks office at the municipal building located at 59 S. White Horse Pike, Berlin. Applications mailed to the Bureau will be billed based on the date post marked on the envelope.

Click here to print out an Application for Certificate of Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Compliance.

Send comments or suggestions to:

John Behnke, Fire Marshal, fm211@berlinnj.org
Copyright © 2006