NYC smoke detector requirements

Smoke detectors are a New York City Department of Buildings requirement. For new installations, battery-only units are not enough.

NGM Electric installs hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors in apartments, brownstones and multifamily buildings as part of renovations and as standalone jobs, under our DOB electrical license #4876.

Ask our assistant Call (718) 304-5045

Available any time

Ask our assistant

Describe what you're seeing. NGM's assistant explains likely causes, typical prices and next steps, and can set up a callback from an electrician.

Ask our assistant Call (718) 304-5045

Burning smell, smoke, sparks, heat or buzzing? Call us right away. If there is smoke or fire, call 911 first.

Where

Where smoke detectors are required

On every residential level of the home
Inside each bedroom
Outside the bedrooms, in the area serving them

What type

Hardwired and interconnected

For a new installation, smoke detectors must be hardwired to the electrical system and interconnected, so that when one sounds, they all sound.

Battery-only units will not meet the requirement for a new installation.

When to call right away

Signs of danger

If a detector is sounding and you smell smoke or see fire, leave and call 911 first.

If there is any sign of danger, such as a burning smell, smoke, sparks, heat, buzzing, scorch marks or damaged wires, call NGM Electric right away at (718) 304-5045. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call 911 first.

What it costs

Pricing

The price depends on how many detectors you need and how wiring can reach them. Tell our assistant about your home for a typical range, or call us for a quote.

Renovating? Smoke detectors are usually part of the electrical scope we file with the DOB. See wiring replacement.

FAQ

Common questions

Who requires smoke detectors in NYC?

Smoke detectors are a requirement of the NYC Department of Buildings.

Where do smoke detectors have to go?

On every residential level, inside each bedroom, and outside the bedrooms.

Can I use battery smoke detectors?

Not for a new installation. New installations must be hardwired and interconnected.

Does NGM Electric install smoke detectors?

Yes. We install hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors in apartments, homes and multifamily buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

More electrical help guides

Why are my lights flickering? Half or all of my apartment has no power Exit sign requirements in NYC NYC voltage: 120/208V explained

Still not sure what's wrong?

Ask our assistant any time, or call a licensed NGM electrician. NYC DOB Licensed Electrical Firm #4876, serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 2011.

Ask our assistant Request Estimate