smoke alarm red wire

[danickstr]

Yes, I know it is not an NEC thing, but since we wire them, is it now code to red wire (chain to alarm) ALL the smokes in the house? I thought it was optional (at least in some cases, perhaps when adding on to old systems?)

 

[LarryFine]

Permitted, or required?

(It's required in new.)

 

[raider1]

The requirement to interconnect smoke alarms comes from the building codes.

The IRC (International Residential Code) requires that all smoke alarms installed in a dwelling unit must be interconnected.

There is an exception for interconnection of alarms in a remodel or addition where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure and there is not accessible attic, crawl space or basements where fishing the wire is possible you are not required to interconnect the smoke alarms.

Chris

 

[LarryFine]

One thing we've been able to do with additions is to wire (at least) one detector within the existing structure that is interconnected with the required new detectors.

 

[bradleyelectric]

I've used the wireless interconnecting 1's. You need to run 120v to them but the interconnect radio frequency.

 

[One-eyed Jack]

I've used the wireless interconnecting 1's. You need to run 120v to them but the interconnect radio frequency.

Hmmmm, not heard of or seen these yet. Nice if they are approved.

 

[crazyboy]

I've used the wireless interconnecting 1's. You need to run 120v to them but the interconnect radio frequency.

They make battery powered ones as well. Great to interconnect between additions and existing.

 

[bradleyelectric]

Hmmmm, not heard of or seen these yet. Nice if they are approved.

http://safetyproductsunlimited.com/wireless_smoke_alarm.html

They are approved as a means to interconnect smokes arround here. They have a tech sheet at the bottom of the linked page if you need to take it to AHJ for approval.

 

[jaylectricity]

http://safetyproductsunlimited.com/wireless_smoke_alarm.html

They are approved as a means to interconnect smokes arround here. They have a tech sheet at the bottom of the linked page if you need to take it to AHJ for approval.

I just saw those at the blue box store the other day. Kind of a double edged sword. On one hand, it's a great way to protect a home. On the other hand, now it will be harder to sell the service of fishing wires in the customer's homes to interconnect all the alarms.

 

[bradleyelectric]

I just saw those at the blue box store the other day. Kind of a double edged sword. On one hand, it's a great way to protect a home. On the other hand, now it will be harder to sell the service of fishing wires in the customer's homes to interconnect all the alarms.

You can sell the service of interconnecting smokes without fishing wires. Do you have to make less money while being more efficient? I thought being more efficient was a way of making more money.

 

[jaylectricity]

You can sell the service of interconnecting smokes without fishing wires. Do you have to make less money while being more efficient? I thought being more efficient was a way of making more money.

Instead of the money going towards your labor, it is going towards materials. That's making less money.