Inspector requiring interconnected Smoke/carbon for a service upgrade/new panel

[Flux]

The inspector stopped by yesterday and gave me a disconnect reconnect permit for the POCO then proceeded to tell me that I needed interconnected smoke detectors in the bedrooms if I am putting in a new panel anyone heard of this one?:huh: even better a code reference.

 

[Gregg Harris]

The inspector stopped by yesterday and gave me a disconnect reconnect permit for the POCO then proceeded to tell me that I needed interconnected smoke detectors in the bedrooms if I am putting in a new panel anyone heard of this one?:huh: even better a code reference.

Probably a local amendment to install smoke detectors trigerd buy main panel upgrade.

 

[augie47]

One of the guys familiar with building codes can most likely give you the details. Is your area under IRC ?? RBC ? building Codes ?
(The requirements may be the same in each) At one time wiring access played part but with the advent of non-wired linked detectors the later additions of some Codes are more stringent.
As of today, we are required locally to verify smoke detectors IN every bedroom and in the common areas on any residential location with an electrical permit, but, so far "linking" has not been required on panel change out jobs.

 

[growler]

The inspector stopped by yesterday and gave me a disconnect reconnect permit for the POCO then proceeded to tell me that I needed interconnected smoke detectors in the bedrooms if I am putting in a new panel anyone heard of this one?:huh: even better a code reference.

Haven't heard of it but it wouldn't surprise me either.

Which jurisdiction are you dealing with? It could be a local amendment.

Don't be afraid to call the inspection department and ask the head electrical inspector.

We have to deal with the NEC, state code and any local amendments they can dream up.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I believe that it does or used to say something about doing $1000 or more in imporvements. I'd have to look it up real quick.

 

[Flux]

augie47 it looks like its IRC I have looked through the codes and have not seen it yet. I did want to put the inspector on the spot by asking. I am looking at the wireless ones now as I am ready to move on from this job he said something to the extent that as long as you have access IE to the attic I would need to install them. Just trying to find out where he is getting it from so I can tell the customer. Here is a thought if he wants me to run wire interconnected then it would have to come from the basement where the new panel is to connect my ground wire so that would require cutting sheet rock as the branch circuits are still 2 wire without a ground.

 

[Flux]

growler, its Dekalb and yeah I hear ya but I don't want to start something if it is something he can back up.

 

[augie47]

In an older IRC it was R313.1.1

 

[Flux]

You nailed it augie47 thats it. I guess whenever a permit is pulled this is required.:blink:

 

[Flux]

Thank You:thumbsup:

 

[masterinbama]

That rule applies in Huntsville on rental property.

 

[Bill Annett]

In WV we are under the 2008 NEC and the 2009 IRC ( International Residential Code ). The instillation of Smoke Alarms is section R314. Section R414.3.1 gives the requirements for installation of smoke alarms when Alterations, repairs and addition occur. We also go by article R315 for the installation of Carbon Monoxide Alarms. These codes allow for the Battery type alarms, it just depends what work is being done.

 

[growler]

growler, its Dekalb and yeah I hear ya but I don't want to start something if it is something he can back up.

Dekalb is one of the harder jurisdictions to work in. I have never even counted the number of jurisdictions in the "Metro" Atlanta area but there are a bunch of them and the local rules are not all the same.

I get calls all the time from property owners where the power has been off for 1 year or more and they are often surprised by all that is required to get the power turned back on.

I would never suggest that you "start something" but asking questions is not starting something. Many times we have to justify these cost to the customer and these cost may not be required 5 miles away ( or accross the street).

 

[eHunter]

Dekalb is one of the harder jurisdictions to work in. I have never even counted the number of jurisdictions in the "Metro" Atlanta area but there are a bunch of them and the local rules are not all the same.

I get calls all the time from property owners where the power has been off for 1 year or more and they are often surprised by all that is required to get the power turned back on.

I would never suggest that you "start something" but asking questions is not starting something. Many times we have to justify these cost to the customer and these cost may not be required 5 miles away ( or accross the street).

The Atlanta metropolitan area spans up to 28 counties in north Georgia and had a total 2010 population of 5,268,860 and consistes of more than 140 cities nost with their own prmitting and code enforcement. My experience has DeKalb is second only to Atlanta City for being difficult with Gwinett being one of the easiest.

 

[Flux]

Thanks growler yeah I heard Delkab can be tough but they inspector has been pretty responsible yeah it is tough here in Atlanta to compete. I am starting to think I should have been a BMW mechanic I just got a quote to replace a water pump for $1400 for a part that cost a little over $200

 

[Flux]

The inspector loves my work but that is what happens when you put a commercial electrician on a house:happyyes:

 

[Flux]

Sounds like WV is a real pain.

 

[Ponchik]

Same applies to county inspections here. If a permit is pulled through the county building department they will require smoke detectors before the final sign off.

 

[Gregg Harris]

In an older IRC it was R313.1.1

314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions.When alterations, repairs or additions requiring an approval are made to the spaces described in items 1 and 2 of Section 314.3, smoke alarms shall be provided in those spaces as required for a new dwelling. When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the new sleeping rooms and the immediate vicinity outside each sleeping room shall be equipped with smoke alarms as required for new dwellings. Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck are exempt from the requirements of this section.
2. Installation or alteration of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

 

[Flux]

R313.1.1 Alterations and additions. When
alterations or additions requiring a permit occur, or when
one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in
existing dwellings, the entire dwelling shall be provided
with smoke detectors located as required for new
dwellings. The smoke detectors shall have a power
source in accordance with Section R313.2.
Exceptions:
1. The smoke detectors may be battery operated and are not
required to be interconnected when other remodeling
considerations do not require the removal of the
appropriate wall and ceiling coverings to facilitate
concealed interconnected wiring.
2. Alterations to the exterior surfaces of dwellings
including, but not limited to, re-roofing, re-siding,
window replacement and the construction of decks
without roofs, are exempt from the requirements of this
section.
So battery powered it is I am really starting to dislike residential.