dwelling unit smoke and carbon detctors

[david1954]

where in the NEC are the wiring requirements for the fire detection in a dwelling unit located? I was told recently that they must not be on a dedicated circuit any more but on with a circuit such as lighting so it won't be turned off.

 

[roger]

This would be an NFPA 72 and your local building code issue.

Roger

 

[augie47]

I know of no NEC requirement and find no such requirement in the IRC, but as Roger suggest, I would contact the building official..

(note: I hope I tell you this correctly, but, if I remember straight, my fire alarm buddies chastise me all the time in reminding me that most residential "detectors" are smoke ALARMS, and "detectors" are part of a fire alarm system....understanding the difference can make you look knowledgable...unlike me)

 

[jaylectricity]

where in the NEC are the wiring requirements for the fire detection in a dwelling unit located? I was told recently that they must not be on a dedicated circuit any more but on with a circuit such as lighting so it won't be turned off.

Nowadays, battery back-ups are required, so the issue of putting it on a dedicated circuit is no longer relevant. If they start chirping at you, something is wrong and needs to be done.

 

[construct]

where in the NEC are the wiring requirements for the fire detection in a dwelling unit located? I was told recently that they must not be on a dedicated circuit any more but on with a circuit such as lighting so it won't be turned off.

The IRC requires them in sleeping rooms, one outside the sleeping rooms in the vicinity of the bedrooms, and one on each story. The 2009 IRC additionally requires carbon-monoxide detectors.

NFPA 72 gives you technical requirements such as distance from cooking appliances, bathroom openings, bedroom doors, etc.

As Roger and Augie mentioned, contact your local Ahj for amendments or addtional requirements.