New Smoke Detector Technology: What Contractors Need to Know About Updated UL 217 Requirements
Smoke detectors have always been one of the most important life-safety products in residential and multifamily construction. But smoke alarm technology is evolving, and contractors, builders, electricians, and property managers need to understand the latest changes affecting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, combination smoke and CO alarms, and updated UL standards.
At Electrical Marketplace, we offer a wide selection of UL-listed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for residential, multifamily, renovation, and other applications. Our selection includes hardwired smoke alarms, battery-powered models, combination smoke and CO alarms, and newer-generation products designed to simplify installation and maintenance.
Why Are Smoke Detector Requirements Changing?
Fire safety technology continues to evolve as manufacturers and safety organizations gain a better understanding of how modern fires develop and how nuisance alarms can affect occupant behavior. The latest updates to UL 217, the standard covering smoke alarms, introduce additional fire-test scenarios and performance requirements designed to improve alarm performance.
The newer requirements address both fire detection and nuisance alarm reduction, including additional testing related to cooking and flaming polyurethane fires. The goal is to improve an alarm's ability to distinguish between potentially dangerous fires and common non-fire sources of smoke. The 10th edition of UL 217 was published in January 2026, building on previous editions and adding additional requirements, including harmonized performance requirements for the U.S. and Canada and low-frequency audibility requirements for alarms capable of producing that type of sound.
What Is UL 217?
UL 217 is the safety standard for smoke alarms. It establishes testing and performance requirements that smoke alarms must meet to be listed for their intended applications.
The updated standard requires manufacturers to evaluate their products against additional fire scenarios and performance criteria.
For contractors and builders, this means that the smoke alarm you specify today may have different technology, testing, features, or model numbers than the products you have used on previous projects.
When selecting smoke alarms, it is important to verify the product's current listing, certifications, specifications, and the requirements of the applicable building and fire codes for the project.
What Is Different About the New Generation of Smoke Alarms?
The newest generation of smoke and CO alarms is not simply a change in model numbers. Manufacturers are introducing improvements designed to make alarms easier to install, maintain, replace, and manage across residential and multifamily properties. For example, the new generation of BRK alarms includes features such as:
- Updated detection technology
- Improved nuisance-alarm performance
- Standardized mounting systems
- Backward compatibility on select models
- Easier installation
- Clearer LED indicators
- Improved maintenance alerts
- Side-load battery compartments on applicable models
- 10-year sealed battery options
- Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detection
These improvements can be particularly valuable for multifamily construction and property management, where hundreds or thousands of alarms may need to be installed and maintained.
10-Year Battery Smoke Alarms
One of the most important developments for residential and multifamily applications is the increased availability of 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms. Instead of requiring occupants or maintenance personnel to regularly replace batteries, these alarms are designed to provide continuous operation for approximately 10 years, depending on the specific model and manufacturer's requirements.
This can reduce maintenance requirements and help prevent situations where occupants remove or disable batteries because of low-battery chirps. For example, the BRK SC610 is a 10-year sealed-battery combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm designed to simplify installation and reduce maintenance. It is listed to UL 217 and UL 2034.
Hardwired Smoke Alarms With 10-Year Battery Backup
Hardwired systems continue to be an important solution for many residential and multifamily applications. Newer models can combine 120V hardwired power with a 10-year battery backup, providing continuous protection while reducing battery maintenance. For example, the BRK SM6W10 is a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm with a 10-year sealed battery backup and is designed to replace select previous BRK models.
For contractors, this type of product can provide an attractive solution for projects where hardwired alarms and battery backup are required.
Smoke Alarm vs. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
It is also important to understand the difference between a smoke alarm and a combination smoke and CO alarm.
A smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke associated with a fire.
A carbon monoxide alarm detects carbon monoxide, an odorless and potentially deadly gas that can be produced by fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, vehicles, and other sources.
A combination smoke and CO alarm incorporates both functions into one device. Combination alarms can be especially useful in residential and multifamily applications because they can simplify product selection, installation, and maintenance while providing protection against two different hazards. However, contractors should always verify the specific requirements for each room, dwelling, project type, and jurisdiction.
What About Florida Smoke Alarm Requirements?
Florida has specific requirements concerning smoke alarms in residential construction and certain alterations. For example, Florida Statute 553.883 allows certain one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair or Level 1 alteration to use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries instead of retrofitting the dwelling with alarms powered by the electrical system, subject to the requirements and exceptions in the statute.
The Florida Building Code also addresses smoke alarm locations, power sources, interconnection, and carbon monoxide protection.However, requirements can vary depending on the type of project and applicable code provisions. Always verify the current requirements with the applicable authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), building code official, fire marshal, or project specifications before selecting or installing a smoke alarm.
New Smoke Detectors for Multifamily Projects
Multifamily construction is one area where the latest generation of smoke and CO alarms can provide significant benefits. A project with 100, 200, or 500+ units can require thousands of life-safety devices.
For these projects, contractors and developers need to consider more than just the initial unit price. They should also consider:
- Product availability
- Installation time
- Interconnection requirements
- Battery maintenance
- Replacement requirements
- Product compatibility
- Mounting systems
- Inspection requirements
- Long-term property management costs
- Product consistency across the project
A small difference in installation or maintenance requirements can become significant when multiplied across hundreds or thousands of units.
Electrical Marketplace: Smoke & CO Detectors for Your Project
At Electrical Marketplace, we help contractors, builders, developers, and property managers source smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for projects of all sizes. Our Smoke & CO Detector collection includes products from BRK and First Alert, including hardwired smoke alarms, smoke and CO combination alarms, and models with battery backup. Whether you are replacing a few alarms or purchasing thousands of units for a multifamily development, our team can help you identify the appropriate products based on your project requirements.
We can help with:
- Residential construction
- Multifamily developments
- Apartment renovations
- Property management
- Contractor material packages
- Large-volume purchases
- Product substitutions
- Project pricing
- Nationwide shipping
Planning a Multifamily or Large-Scale Project?
If you're working on a multifamily development, renovation, apartment project, or large residential installation, it's important to select your smoke and CO alarms early in the process. Product availability, model transitions, updated standards, and project specifications can all affect procurement. Electrical Marketplace can help you review your requirements and find the right smoke and CO detector solutions for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoke Detectors
No. The introduction of newer UL 217 requirements does not mean every existing smoke alarm must immediately be replaced. Replacement requirements depend on the alarm's age, condition, applicable code, and jurisdiction. UL recommends replacing smoke alarms at the end of their rated service life, generally around 10 years for smoke alarms.
The 10th edition of UL 217 was published in January 2026. It builds on previous requirements and introduces additional performance requirements and test scenarios for smoke alarms.
They can significantly reduce routine battery maintenance because the battery is designed to power the alarm for its rated service life. Whether a sealed-battery model is appropriate depends on the project requirements and applicable code.
A combination alarm detects both smoke from a potential fire and carbon monoxide. These devices can simplify installation and maintenance in applications where both types of protection are required.
Several new BRK models are designed to replace select older BRK and First Alert installations. However, contractors should verify model compatibility, interconnection requirements, wiring, mounting, and project specifications before replacing existing units.
The correct smoke alarm depends on the application, project specifications, power source, interconnection requirements, applicable codes, and AHJ requirements. Electrical Marketplace can help contractors review available options and obtain project pricing.
Need Lighting Solutions for Your Next Project?
Browse our priority categories to find project-ready products for contractors and facility teams across the U.S.
