190 heat detector

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

CBE

Member
2nd time I have run into this method and really don't care for it. Inspector wants a 194 heat detector in the attic and firex doesn't make a 194 so the direction I have received is as follows: purchase an Edwards 282B-PL (rate of rise) which I know will give trouble signals. Should be fixed (Edwards 284B-PL)but that not important right now. He wants me to take a Firex Module # 0498 and a SP switch which is used to short the signal circuit of Firex smokes so a single person can walk around and check that each detector is connected. Instead of the switch I should wire a Edwards heat detector so when it goes off it signals all the firex to sound off. Note there is no DC backup AND if this unit were to burn out (never make contact at 194) no one would ever know it! Who's liable? Me of course it's my masters license. When this is complete I will send a registered letter to the state and notify them.
We use to put smokes in the attic and NEVER had an issue with them. I'll take smoke over heat in an attic anyday especially when there is equipment up there such as ac unit
Anyone else seen this disaster?
 
What code does he cite when he requires a heat detector in the attic? I don't recall this requirement in NFPA-72. The only 190 degree detectors that I've seen are the ones designed to be part of a fire alarm system. I have yet to see a 120 volt, 190 degree heat detector.
 
We used to have a lot of fire dept. inspectors make up their own rules like this prior to the 1998 state building code. Back then, we had a few inspectors asking for exactly what you describe. I'd ask hom to show you the requirement that he references. I'd check with Firex to see if they will approve such an installation. I'm not sure what the 0498 module is. Is it that little "cockroach" relay, and if so, what is it aproved for?
 
194 heat detector

194 heat detector

The contact ratings on the Edwards will accept 120v so yes there is a 120V 194 degree heat detector. Edwards has 2 different models HOWEVER they are unlike Firex or Kidde there is no inter-connection or DC back up. These are ment to tie into a Edwards panel with brains to match.
He is trying to enforce a local town code. Remember towns have the right to supercede NEC or building code as long as it has been voted on through the town. They can not ask for these upgrades because they "like the idea".
 
CBE said:
He is trying to enforce a local town code. Remember towns have the right to supercede NEC or building code as long as it has been voted on through the town. They can not ask for these upgrades because they "like the idea".
Click to expand...


That may be true in your area but it is not true in NJ. Local towns cannot write or enforce their own electrical codes.
 
In MA, individual towns can not write their own building, electrical, or fire codes, either. I had to fight with one town back in '99 as they handed me a type written set of "local requirements" which included a heat detector over the kitchen stove, and over the dryer.

The Edwards heat detectors are rated for 120V, but most likely not listed or approved for use with the firex interconnected 120V smoke alarms. As stated, they are designed for use with a panel.
 
Conversation back in '99 went like this:

Owner: Hey John, fire dept. failed your smoke inspection.

Me: I'll go see them.

FD: Yeah here are OUR requirements. (Cheesy typewritten list looking like it was from 1969)

Me: Well I can't meet some of these as house is all finished.

FD: Well I would think you would find out what our requirements are before wiring the house.

Me: Well the state publishes the Uniform State Building Code so that these situations do not arise.

FD: Hey chief, this guy doesn't like our requirements.

Me: I didn't say that, just said that you are not allowed to promulgate them.

After a lengthy and somewhat headted discussion, the passed me, providing I at least put a heat detector over the dryer. It was easy enough since it was in the unfinished basement. The entire ordeal was a big waste of time, and caused by the ignorance of the FD.

John
 
j_erickson said:
In MA, individual towns can not write their own building, electrical, or fire codes, either. I had to fight with one town back in '99 as they handed me a type written set of "local requirements" which included a heat detector over the kitchen stove, and over the dryer.

The Edwards heat detectors are rated for 120V, but most likely not listed or approved for use with the firex interconnected 120V smoke alarms. As stated, they are designed for use with a panel.
Click to expand...


Do you have a link for those 120v detectors?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top