2006 IRC code adopted in Florida (and maybe your State)

[M_J_C]

The 2007 Florida Building Code incorporates the IRC 2006 code (R313.1 Smoke detection and notification), which requires the following:
"Household fire alarm systems installed in accordance with NFPA 72 that include smoke alarms, or a combination of smoke detector and audible notification device installed as required by this section for smoke alarms, shall be permitted. The household fire alarm system shall provide the same level of smoke detection and alarm as required by this section for smoke alarms in the event the fire alarm panel is removed or the system is not connected to a central station."

My dilemma is this, many homes require more than 12 smoke detectors to meet the 2007 NFPA 72 requirements. We know that 12 Smoke detectors is the interconnected limit for a non-supervised loop (11.8.2.2 (1)). The solution has been to install a supervised system, which will allow 42 smoke detectors (11.8.2.2 (3)). The problem is that the supervised system has to have a panel, which if removed (as stated by IRC/FBC R313.1) would render the system useless.

I have not been able to find a "supervised" system that does not have a system panel, does anyone know of a work around?

By the way, the 2009 IRC eliminated this requirement, probably because of this very issue. No hardware exists (to my knowledge) that will meet this requirement. I have inquiries to suppliers and manufacturers, but no one has a solution. I have contacted a very helpful person at the FBC office, who has 30 years in the trade, he can plainly see the problem but his only answer was to shake the tree, which is what I am doing now. The problem with this approach is that it will take Florida a couple of years to update the code (2011 code cycle?).

 

[gadfly56]

The 2007 Florida Building Code incorporates the IRC 2006 code (R313.1 Smoke detection and notification), which requires the following:
"Household fire alarm systems installed in accordance with NFPA 72 that include smoke alarms, or a combination of smoke detector and audible notification device installed as required by this section for smoke alarms, shall be permitted. The household fire alarm system shall provide the same level of smoke detection and alarm as required by this section for smoke alarms in the event the fire alarm panel is removed or the system is not connected to a central station."

My dilemma is this, many homes require more than 12 smoke detectors to meet the 2007 NFPA 72 requirements. We know that 12 Smoke detectors is the interconnected limit for a non-supervised loop (11.8.2.2 (1)). The solution has been to install a supervised system, which will allow 42 smoke detectors (11.8.2.2 (3)). The problem is that the supervised system has to have a panel, which if removed (as stated by IRC/FBC R313.1) would render the system useless.

I have not been able to find a "supervised" system that does not have a system panel, does anyone know of a work around?

By the way, the 2009 IRC eliminated this requirement, probably because of this very issue. No hardware exists (to my knowledge) that will meet this requirement. I have inquiries to suppliers and manufacturers, but no one has a solution. I have contacted a very helpful person at the FBC office, who has 30 years in the trade, he can plainly see the problem but his only answer was to shake the tree, which is what I am doing now. The problem with this approach is that it will take Florida a couple of years to update the code (2011 code cycle?).

This is precisely the issue here in New Jersey. If I recall correctly, it was the same under 2003 as well. The DCA here has basically said that if you must, and they emphasize MUST, have a low voltage system you can apply for a variance to your local AHJ and they are to be cooperative. If you can meet the minimum coverage requirements with a 120VAC interconnected system then you must. If you want to put a low voltage system right next to it for added coverage, you can go ahead.

 

[RICK NAPIER]

Yes that has been a big problem here in NJ but the 2009 IRC adresses the issue allowing it if the system is owned by the homeowner and monitored.

 

[gadfly56]

Yes that has been a big problem here in NJ but the 2009 IRC adresses the issue allowing it if the system is owned by the homeowner and monitored.

Yes, but the governor has delayed the adoption of all new codes per Executive Order 1. However, you can install to the new codes as amended if you wish, just let the building department know at the time you submit for permits.

 

[bphgravity]

While single-family dwellings in my particular jurisdiction rarely are of the size that necessitate more than 12 devices, we have had a few that met the threshold. I have come upo with two options which have worked out in the past.

1. Be creative on the spacing and location of the devices to reduce the required number. That is, one device located so that is covers two required areas. While not a prime location, still a suitable one.

2. Provide two spearatelyt intercoonected systems that overlap each other. For example, say you need 18 devices to be compliant. Spilt these into two 9 interconnected circuits. However, overlap the protection locations so that no one area is left unalarmed.

This, of course, needs to be carefully considered and approved by all parties involved.