(A) Smoke detectors or smoke alarms required by 675 I.A.C. 13 or 675 I.A.C. 14 shall have a power supply as specified by the respective code. All other residential smoke detectors or smoke alarms may be powered by an AC power source or a battery. If the smoke detector or smoke alarm is solely AC powered and the manufacturer does not supply installation specifications, it shall be directly attached to a junction box with power supplied either from a dedicated branch circuit or the unswitched portion of a branch circuit also used for power and lighting, such installation shall be in accordance with 675 I.A.C. 17. If the smoke detector or smoke alarm is solely powered by a battery, such battery shall be a non-removable, non-replaceable battery capable of powering the smoke detector or smoke alarm for a minimum of ten years. For any dwelling unit requiring a non-removable, non-replaceable battery capable of powering the smoke detector or smoke alarm for a minimum of ten years as provided in this division (A), it shall satisfy the requirements of this division (A) that any noncompliant smoke detector or smoke alarm installed in such dwelling unit prior to August 1, 2014, be replaced with a compliant smoke detector or smoke alarm at such time such noncompliant smoke detector or smoke alarm is replaced for any reason. Smoke detectors and fire alarm devices that are connected to a panel as part of a monitored fire alarm system, or other devices that use a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal are exempt from the battery requirements of this section.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with or remove any smoke detector or smoke alarm, except when it is necessary for maintenance or inspection purposes. Any smoke detector or smoke alarm removed for repair, replacement or local remodeling shall be reinstalled or replaced so that it is in place and operable.
(1) Rental dwelling units. Each owner or manager or rental agent of the owner is responsible for the installation of required smoke detectors or smoke alarms and the repair or replacement of a required smoke detector or smoke alarm within two business days after the owner, manager or rental agent is given written notification of the need to repair or replace the smoke detector or smoke alarm. Residents shall inspect and test the smoke detector or smoke alarm in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions at least monthly.
(2) Owner dwelling units. Each owner is responsible for the installation of required smoke detectors or smoke alarms and the repair or replacement of a required smoke detector or smoke alarm within two business days of finding it inoperable. An owner shall inspect and test the smoke detector or smoke alarm for power in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions at least monthly.
(C) A person, company or corporation violating I.C. 22-11-18-3, I.C. 22-11-18-3.5 and provisions of this subchapter shall be subject to penalties as specified in I.C. 22-11-18-5 and § 34.003 of this chapter.
(Prior Code, § 38-131) (Ord. 22-01, passed 2-14-2022)