Delaware Administrative Code
Title 1 - Authorities, Boards and Commissions
700 - Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission
706 - Specific Occupancy Requirements
Chapter 4 - Residential Smoke Detectors
Section 706-4-6.0 - Hard-Wired Smoke Detector Program

Universal Citation: 1 DE Admin Code 706-4-6.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

6.1 Purpose: To establish the rules and regulations for the installation of Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (Delaware Fire Detection Fund).

6.2 Application: This Regulation applies to owner-occupied, existing, one-family and two-family dwellings that are not equipped with smoke alarms.

6.2.1 Approval for installations shall be established by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and priority will be afforded to dwellings with handicapped children, handicapped adults, infirm residents, and residents 62 years of age and older.

6.3 Installation

6.3.1 Upon approval, hard wired single station smoke detectors with battery back-up shall be installed in the hallway of each sleeping area and on each additional story of family living units, including basements.

6.3.2 The smoke detection device is to be hard-wired into the building's electrical system in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

6.3.3 Owners shall have the opportunity to choose a licensed and insured electrician/installer from a list maintained by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

6.3.4 The electrician/installer will contact the homeowner to make the necessary arrangements for the scheduling of the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors.
6.3.4.1 The sole responsibility for the installation of a hard-wired smoke detector will be between the homeowner and the electrician/installer.

6.3.5 The installation shall be completed within thirty (30) days from the day the electrician/installer has been chosen. The homeowner will be responsible to provide access to the contractor for installation within the allotted time.

6.3.6 If a hard-wired smoke detector cannot be installed due to existing wiring conditions, a Single Station Battery Operated Smoke Alarm will be issued to the occupant as an alternative device.
6.3.6.1 The electrician/installer will notify the Office of the State Fire Marshal if these wiring conditions exist.

6.3.6.2 The Office of the State Fire Marshal will handle the projected change in the installation.

6.3.7 Upon completion the electrician/installer shall contact an Electrical Inspection Agency, recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Electrical Inspection Agency shall inspect the wiring connected to the owner's electrical system for final approval.
6.3.7.1 The homeowner will be notified when the electrical inspection will be conducted. The homeowner will be responsible to provide access for the Electrical Inspector to make the required inspection.

6.3.8 Upon approval by the Electrical Inspection Agency, the electrician/installer shall forward a copy of the approval certificate, along with an invoice for the installation to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for approval for payment.

6.4 Authorized Electrician/Installers

6.4.1 Electricians providing the installation shall be insured and have an active license to do electrical work in the State of Delaware (Title 24, Chapter 14 of the Delaware Code).

6.4.2 Electricians/installers shall be from a list of installers maintained and updated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

6.4.3 Electricians shall be added to the list of installers upon the Office of the State Fire Marshal receiving a Letter of Acceptance form.
6.4.3.1 The Letter of Acceptance shall be required to be renewed annually.

6.4.3.2 The Letter of Acceptance shall be required to be signed, dated, and notarized.

6.4.3.3 The Letter of Acceptance shall be accompanied with a copy of the electricians/company's current or updated insurance

6.4.4 Prior to submitting a Letter of Acceptance, the electrician/company shall confirm the current installation amount established by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
6.4.4.1 The current installation amount shall establish unit prices for all installations.

6.4.4.2 Separate unit prices will be established for single detector installations, additional detectors, and minimal charge for showing up at locations where an installation could not be achieved. There will be separate units prices established for each County.

6.4.5 The Office of the State Fire Marshal will confirm it has received the required information. The electrician/company will then be added to the list of hardwired smoke detector installers pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (d).

6.5 Funding:

6.5.1 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (b), a special fund of the State has been created and is known as the "Delaware Fire Detection Fund

6.5.2 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (b), all moneys, including gifts, bequests, grants or other funds from private or public sources specifically designated for the Delaware Fire Detection Fund shall be deposited or transferred to the Fire Detection Fund. Moneys in the Delaware Fire Detection Fund may be saved and deposited in an interest bearing savings or investment account.

6.5.3 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (c), moneys from the Delaware Fire Detection Fund shall be expended for the purpose of providing hard-wired smoke detectors with battery back up to Delaware residences lacking smoke detection devices.

6.5.4 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (c), any moneys received from State-appropriated funds shall only be used for owner-occupied residences.

6.5.5 Pursuant to 16 Del.C. § 6637 (c), any moneys derived from private sources may be used for any Delaware residences.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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