By Stephen Singer
The Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. — Nearly three dozen states have rejected requirements that sprinkler systems be installed in homes.
That’s according to the National Association of Home Builders, which says 34 states have enacted legislation or rules prohibiting mandatory installation.
The home builders group says only California and Maryland have adopted codes requiring installation of home sprinklers.
An organization of building inspectors, fire officials and others who set building standards recommended in 2009 that states and municipalities adopt codes requiring sprinkler systems in homes and many townhouses. The regulations took effect Jan. 1.
The National Fire Protection Association says sprinklers will particularly give young children, the elderly and the disabled time to escape burning homes.
Home builders say the regulations would be a costly burden in the weak economy. Connecticut lawmakers let the measure die in committee.