When were hardwired smoke detectors first mandated in manufactured homes?

Hardwired smoke detectors were first mandated in manufactured homes on January 1, 1985. This requirement came about as part of increased safety measures to protect residents from fire hazards. The legislation aimed to reduce the risk of fires and improve response time to smoke detection through hardwired systems, which are more reliable than battery-operated units, as they do not require regular maintenance and provide constant power.

Understanding this timeline is crucial because it highlights the evolution of safety standards in housing, especially in manufactured homes, where the vulnerability to fire risks can be higher. The implementation of this requirement reflects a significant step towards enhancing safety during a period when fire prevention measures were becoming increasingly prioritized in building codes and regulations.