Nashua, NH Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

New Hampshire RSA 153:10-a (Automatic Fire Warning Devices and Carbon Monoxide Detection Devices in Dwellings) requires that 'each multi-unit dwelling and rental unit shall be equipped with automatic fire warning devices in accordance with the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and carbon monoxide detection devices in accordance with the NFPA 720 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment.' A statutory exception provides that 'a carbon monoxide detection device shall not be required in a multi-unit dwelling or rental unit that does not have an attached garage and does not contain an appliance or device that uses a combustion method of burning solid, liquid, or gas fuel'; if a garage or combustion-fuel appliance is later added, a carbon monoxide detection device is then required. The owner of the rental unit is responsible for maintaining the automatic fire warning device and carbon monoxide detection device in a suitable condition. The New Hampshire State Fire Code, adopted under RSA 153:5 and updated effective August 13, 2024 to NFPA 1 (2021 ed.) and NFPA 101 (2021 ed.) by the Board of Fire Control, sets the practical placement and power standards: smoke alarms are required in every room used for sleeping, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling unit, including basements but excluding crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. NH practice requires interconnected AC-powered smoke alarms in one- and two-family dwellings (with an exception allowing continued use of battery-operated detectors in owner-occupied homes), and in multi-unit dwellings built after July 1, 1984 smoke detectors must be powered by the building electrical service with a secondary battery backup. The New Hampshire State Building Code adopts the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) under RSA Chapter 155-A; IRC R314 (Smoke Alarms) and R315 (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) supply additional new-construction and substantial-alteration standards. All devices must be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 72, free from obstructions including stickers, decorations, and paint, and at least 4 inches from the wall when ceiling-mounted.