Department Of Housing and Urban Development Proposes Rule on Smoke Detectors in Manufactured Homes

Source: The Congressional Fire Services Institute

On May 18, 2000, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule on the placement of smoke alarms in manufactured houses.   

This rule would amend the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. These rules are needed to improve the fire safety of manufactured homes.  The National Fire Protection Association estimates that in 40% of the fatal fires in manufactured houses, smoke alarms were not present or operating properly. 

In general, the new standard requires manufacturers to install more smoke alarms per home.  First, a smoke alarm must be installed in each bedroom rather than outside each bedroom.  Next, the proposed rule would require manufacturers to install smoke alarms that are interconnected, so that when one alarm is activated all alarms are activated.  Finally, all smoke alarms must be tested at the factory to ensure that all are working properly. 

Comments are due by July 17, 2000 and should be mailed to:

Office of General Counsel
HUD
Room 10276
451 Seventh Street, NW
Washington, DC  20410

The proposed rule was published in May 18, 2000 Federal Register and is available at www.gpo.gov.