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Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, April 6, 2016 -Smoke Detector Combination Systems
1. It is the International Residential Code that requires Smoke & CO’s in dwellings. In this particular answer for an existing home; R314.3.1 Alteration, repairs and additions (2009 IRC) When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings ( see Section R314 Smoke alarms, in particular R314.3 Location – Each sleeping room, outside each sleeping room and on each story).
CO R315.2 Where Required in existing dwellings. Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings that have attached garage or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarm a shall be provided in accordance with section R315.1 (here in NH we are still using the 2009 IRC – see section R315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms, in particular R315.1).
And then of course the local AHJ (BO and/or Fire Chief) to see what might be acceptable to meet this (R314.2 Smoke detection systems, R314.4 Power Source- Primary power, backup power and interconnection) and State amendments. Sometimes for wiring we must go beyond the NEC like this (and NFPA 101 for Ignition point in a garage and receptacle height).Thanks, like most I love these every morning and miss Charlie – thank you for continuing this! Bob Meade
2. As stated in your answer DEFINITELY, Check with your local Building Official and Fire Marshal to make sure they agree your friend's system is acceptable and compliant with the local codes or requirements. Our local township would not accept the installation described and wanted separate 120 volt smoke detectors with battery backup. Their explanation was most people will not maintain their security system and if the system fails they will be without smoke/fire protection. Mike Lyons
3. Thanks for a great forum. I start every day with CQD. In reference to CQD for Tuesday, April 5, 2016. I agree with your answer regarding the systems being required by other building codes, but as an engineering/AHJ consideration, most Security systems/panels have a battery back up in the panel that will also drive the detectors and most Engineers/AHJs would considered that equivalent. Cheers, Jeffrey L. Leonard, PE, CFPS
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Answer:
Hey Bob, Mike and Jeffrey thanks for your comments and the kind words. This information should be useful for our readers and reemphasizes the point about making sure the local AHJ agrees with what you plan to do, before you install it!