Smoke Detectors in Sprinklered Buildings

[charlie b]

Can anyone point me to the to exact location (in NFPA 72 or elsewhere) where I can find the statement (if it really exists) that smoke detectors are not needed in buildings that are fully sprinklered? I have an electronic copy of NFPA 72 open, and the word search is not helping me. This is time critical, as it relates to a teleconference that is scheduled for three hours from now.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[david luchini]

I'm not aware of any such provision in NFPA 72.

There is a similar provision in the IBC, but it relates to Heat Detectors, not Smoke Detectors. I have the 2003 open, it says:

907.2 Where Required ....Where automatic sprinkler protection, installed in accordance with section 903.1.1 or 903.1.2, is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detectors required by this section shall not be required....

 

[RICK NAPIER]

NFPA 72 does not tell you when a building needs detectors except for household fire alarm systems. The building codes discusses these requirements for sprinkler and detector coverage such as found in chapter 9 of the International Building Code viewable copies of which can be found at this site http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/index.htm

 

[steve66]

Yes, around here its the IBC or NFPA 101 (Life safety code) that says when you need an "automatic fire detection system" which would include smoke detectors, and horn/strobes.

There are many occupancies that only need a manual fire alarm system (pull stations and horn/strobes).

Since you have a sprinkler system, you will proabably need a fire alarm panel to monitor tamper and flow switches, and to alert the fire dept. But that doesn't automatically include smoke detectors.

What kind of building or occupancy??

 

[charlie b]

There are two buildings, both for housing military personnel in an overseas base. One has cooking equipment in each room, and therefore counts as a dwelling unit. The other does not.

I have the 2006 IBC, and I see the statement that heat detectors are not needed in sprinklered buildings. So I was remembering the rule incorrectly. Didn't someone come up with a rule about the code not saying what you remember it to have said? :happyyes:

Thanks again.

 

[gadfly56]

There are two buildings, both for housing military personnel in an overseas base. One has cooking equipment in each room, and therefore counts as a dwelling unit. The other does not.

I have the 2006 IBC, and I see the statement that heat detectors are not needed in sprinklered buildings. So I was remembering the rule incorrectly. Didn't someone come up with a rule about the code not saying what you remember it to have said? :happyyes:

Thanks again.

Yeah, I think we all "been there, done that".