ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new law will affect the types of smoke detectors on sale in New York.

Starting Monday, all new or replacement smoke detectors sold in the state must either be powered by a non-removable battery good for at least 10 years or be made to be hard-wired to buildings.

State officials say these types of smoke detectors can be safer because they do not require periodic battery replacements, reducing the chances of human error.

The law does not require the replacement of any existing smoke detectors powered by replaceable, removable batteries.

Retailers also will be able to sell remaining residential smoke detectors with removable batteries that were ordered before April 1.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

3/31/2019 11:20:11 AM (GMT -4:00)