Township of Mendham

INCORPORATED MARCH 29.1749

P.O. BOX 520

BROOKSIDE , NEW JERSEY 07926

(973) 543.4555/ FAX (973) 543-6630

Dear Homeowner/ Realtor

You have applied for a residential smoke detector/carbon monoxide inspection and a test of those devices in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3. Prior to that inspection and in an effort to have a successful inspection the first time around, it is imperative that you check and test your detection system prior to my arrival.

Take the time to look at the application paperwork you have completed and follow the instructions attached as to the proper placement of the detectors, especially if they are not already installed and you are in the process of installing battery-operated smoke detectors.

• Per the instructions, a detector is required at each level of the house, including the basement, first floor, second floor, etc., regardless of the bedroom locations.

•  Concerning sleeping areas, remember: 
  In many homes there are bedrooms on upper floors that are remote from each other and in some case there are separate stairwells at the opposite ends of the house to those bedrooms. The Code requires that there be a smoke detector in the immediate vicinity (within 10 feet of bedroom doors) outside of the bedrooms so in this case multiple detectors are in order. (Same requirement for carbon monoxide detectors).

If there are bedrooms on the first floor or in the basement and the detector for that floor is not in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, a separate detector must be installed at that location. (Same requirement for carbon monoxide detectors)a If you are installing battery operated detection devices, please take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Placement of smoke detectors in certain locations will not be approved, for instance inside corners of wall and ceiling intersection, adjacent to heating and air conditioning supply and returns, etc.

• Basement detectors should be at bottom of steps.

• Test all detectors and assure that the battery is operational prior to my arrival

Hard-Wired Battery Backup Detection Devices

These detectors are powered from the house electrical system and are interconnected so if one detector goes off, all detectors in all locations sound. If the detector is equipped with a battery for backup protection in a time of power failure, you need to make sure that those batteries are operational also.

• May have required hard-wired smoke detection devices and if these are no longer operational for whatever reason, you cannot replace them with battery operated devices. Please contact an electrician and repair or replace the hard-wired devices to their original working order.

• Please make sure the power is on and test all detectors and assure that they are operational prior to my arrival.

Low Voltage Central Station Systems

Many homes have installed either at the time of construction or at a later point, a low voltage hard-wired system, which is acceptable under the Code. Whether or not you contract with a central station to monitor your alarm system is your choice, but the system must be operational at all times so to alert the occupants of the home of a fire or smoke condition.

You need to test that system prior to my inspection and verify that you have the proper reset code, and reset instructions as necessary As a municipal inspector, I cannot operate and/or reset your fire alarm system. A limited amount of time can be spent on the inspection therefore if there are system problems and the test and inspection fails you will need to reschedule with an additional fee being paid.

At the time of my arrival and before testing I will require that you notify your central station, if you have one at the time or had one previously, and I will need to witness that you’re putting the fire alarm system on test mode

• Please note that there have been times when homeowners stated that their system is no longer connected to central station and/or they have not renewed the service and ‘there is no need to call the central station”. But due to certain liabilities, the central station still has dispatched the fire department, regardless of the contract being in effect or not Therefore again I will need to witness that phone call to central station even if you think it unnecessary.

Please note that any smoke detection device that is in place at the time of inspection must be operational in other words either it needs to work or it needs to be removed, but when you remove it, you need to be cognizant of the fact that a like type device may need to be installed.

As of early 2003 carbon monoxide detectors are required outside of each separate sleeping area within 10 feet of the bedrooms regardless of the floor they are on, follow manufacturers instructions, installing them in the bedrooms will not achieve compliance.

Be advised it is a violation of the State Law if ownership or occupancy changes prior to the issuance of a CSDCMAC certification and a $500.00 penalty per N.J.A.C.5: 18-2.12, PLUS $500.00 per N.J.A.C.5: 18-2.12(a) will be levied.

Robert A. Westenberger

Mendham Township Fire Official

N.J. Cert.# 102440

NFPA Cert.# 0003

LetterJanO4

Township of Mendliam