1 Del. Admin. Code § 706 § 2.0
Definitions.
Operative Text
“Compliance Date”. The date by which any required new installation or retrofit work must be completed. “Existing Buildings”. Any building erected or built prior to the effective date of the legislation. (16 Del.C. §6631(3)). “Effective Date of Legislation”. 16 Del.C., Chapter 66, relating to Smoke Detectors was enacted on June 30, 1993. “Interconnected Smoke Detectors”. Two or more electrically operated smoke detectors wired together or operated through wireless battery power smoke detectors supervised by a listed control panel operating in such a manner so that the operation of any single smoke detector shall cause the alarm in all the smoke detectors and/or audible devices within the dwelling to sound. “Monitored Battery Power Supply”. The type of battery operated smoke detector that is constructed in such a manner as to provide a warning beep or tone when the installed battery is reaching the end of its useful electric charge. “Sleeping Area”. Any room or group of rooms utilized as a sleeping place, that are accessed from a common corridor or hallway. Sleeping areas separated by any other living space shall be considered to be a separate sleeping area.
Section 2.0 of 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Delaware's smoke detector regulations. Key terms include 'Compliance Date,' which marks the deadline for completing required installation or retrofit work, and 'Existing Buildings,' which covers structures built before the legislation's effective date of June 30, 1993. The definitions also clarify technical concepts such as 'Interconnected Smoke Detectors'—systems where any triggered detector sounds all alarms in the dwelling—and 'Sleeping Area,' which determines where detectors must be placed based on room layout and access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 § 2.0 should familiarize themselves with these definitions, as they govern how compliance obligations are applied to their buildings. For example, understanding whether a structure qualifies as an 'Existing Building' (erected before June 30, 1993) affects which retrofit requirements apply, while the definition of 'Sleeping Area' determines the specific locations where smoke detectors must be installed or interconnected. Compliant operators generally ensure that any interconnected smoke detector systems meet the definition's requirement that activation of one unit triggers all alarms and audible devices throughout the dwelling.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Delaware residential properties can look to 1 Del. Admin. Code 706 § 2.0 to understand the baseline definitions that shape their landlord's smoke detector obligations. The definition of 'Sleeping Area,' for instance, clarifies that rooms separated by other living spaces are treated as distinct areas—meaning detectors may be required in multiple locations throughout a unit. Tenants who believe their dwelling does not meet the standards implied by these definitions may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a relevant Delaware housing authority to understand available complaint or enforcement options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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