AFCI / Smoke Det

[kbsparky]

The OP did not state where (s)he is located.

In places like Delaware, you are required to install a separate circuit for the smokes, it can NOT be protected by an AFCI, AND you are required to install a lock-ON clip to the breaker.

Sux, but that is the requirement there.

It should be pointed out that whenever a building permit is issued for anything else, the smokes are to be brought up to Code. ....

 

[Little Bill]

The 'dedicated circuit' for the smoke alarms is an interesting 'catch-22.'

When the NEC began requiring that all the smokes be hard-wired AND communicate with each other, about the only practical way to do that was to have them on the same circuit, and run an extra wire for 'communication.'

The problem was that the IRC - remember how I am always saying you need to know more than just the NEC? - anyway, the 'International Residential Code,' which is the basic 'building code' - specifically forbade such an arrangement, instead specifying that every detector take its' power from a circuit serving the area protected by that detector.

The most recent edition of the IRC does not contain this requirement, so a common circuit should be fine.

Don't forget that 'communication' requirement.

You got a code reference for the above in red? I've never seen that in the NEC, just local. Not saying it's not there, just never seen it.

 

[kbsparky]

It ain't in the NEC.... other codes specify/require this.

 

[peter d]

Not what I meant.. :happyno:

The hall is off the bedroom circuit and I feed the first smoke outside the bedroom from hallway and continue the loop from there..

Gotcha. :thumbsup:

 

[curt swartz]

i'll keep my smoke dect. on a dedicated circuit, they "chirp" like a lil bird when there is power loss.

That is an incorrect statement. Smoke alarms will chirp for low battery condition but not definetly not for a power loss. UL would never list a smoke alarm that chirped upon power failure.

I'm on the side that it is a bad idea to install smokes on a dedicated circuit. The homeowner would never know if the circuit tripped or was shut off.

 

[curt swartz]

The 'dedicated circuit' for the smoke alarms is an interesting 'catch-22.'

When the NEC began requiring that all the smokes be hard-wired AND communicate with each other, about the only practical way to do that was to have them on the same circuit, and run an extra wire for 'communication.'

The problem was that the IRC - remember how I am always saying you need to know more than just the NEC? - anyway, the 'International Residential Code,' which is the basic 'building code' - specifically forbade such an arrangement, instead specifying that every detector take its' power from a circuit serving the area protected by that detector.

The most recent edition of the IRC does not contain this requirement, so a common circuit should be fine.

Don't forget that 'communication' requirement.

I'm not sure why you say the only practical way was to install all the smokes on the same circuit and run a separate communications wire. I have always interconnected smokes with 3-wire cable (usually 14-3). I have never used a separate wire.

Do you have a copy of the IRC code that required the smoke alarms to be the same circuit protecting the area? If so can you please post it. I have never heard of such a requirement.

 

[Gac66610]

That is an incorrect statement. Smoke alarms will chirp for low battery condition but not definetly not for a power loss. UL would never list a smoke alarm that chirped upon power failure.

I'm on the side that it is a bad idea to install smokes on a dedicated circuit. The homeowner would never know if the circuit tripped or was shut off.

I have one in my shop i replaced the battery still chirps, its been sitting around my shop disconnected with new batteries for about 8 years ... call me a hoarder just can't seem to throw it away :lol:

 

[construct]

If your jurisdiction uses the ICC Electric Code Administrative Provisions.........Section 1202.5 states, "Smoke detectors required by the IBC and installed within dwelling units shall not be connected as the only load on a branch circuit. Such detectors shall be supplied by branch circuits having lighting loads consisting of lighting outlets in habitible spaces."

 

[infinity]

I'm not sure what all of the fuss is about. Even on a dedicated circuit that is accidentally shutoff the smoke alarms will still work. If any alarm in the system has a weak battery it will chirp. But.....I always put them on an AFCI circuit with some form of lighting.