ESL Smoke Detector Replacement?

[mark32]

Hello, I'm wiring a basement for a friend and he has these old LV ESL 449at detectors, which I now have to add to the existing system. I've never done LV smokes before, FYI. These units have #22 four conductor cable running to them, couldn't tell if they are solid or stranded. The existing units are old, can I replace them with another brand? I just read these units have issues, something about cleaning them? Are these 12v? Is there a panel somewhere that controls/powers them?

Any assistance Is appreciated.

 

[gadfly56]

Hello, I'm wiring a basement for a friend and he has these old LV ESL 449at detectors, which I now have to add to the existing system. I've never done LV smokes before, FYI. These units have #22 four conductor cable running to them, couldn't tell if they are solid or stranded. The existing units are old, can I replace them with another brand? I just read these units have issues, something about cleaning them? Are these 12v? Is there a panel somewhere that controls/powers them?

Any assistance Is appreciated.

Your smoke detectors are 4-wire units operating at a nominal voltage of 6-12 VDC. They require a fire alarm control panel in order to report a smoke condition. You need to confirm that the panel is in good operating condition. You will need the make and model number of the panel and then look up which smoke detectors are compatible to find a suitable replacement. For what it's worth, the 449AT is still available for about $60 a pop. See here, for example. Please note that there are very particular requirement for ensuring that the smoke detectors are properly monitored by the fire alarm panel. The installation manual is easily available on the 'net.

I'm not sure what cleaning issues you may have heard of. All smoke detectors should be cleaned annually, following the manufacturer's instructions. More frequently if dirt/dust accumulation is a known issue.

I just noticed you're in NJ after I posted. If these are old then they should be in addition to the hard-wired or single station detectors previously required by the IRC. Oddly, you can't take them out by installing new and/or additional low voltage detectors unless you have the express permission of the AHJ. Preferably in writing.

 

[mark32]

Your smoke detectors are 4-wire units operating at a nominal voltage of 6-12 VDC. They require a fire alarm control panel in order to report a smoke condition. You need to confirm that the panel is in good operating condition. You will need the make and model number of the panel and then look up which smoke detectors are compatible to find a suitable replacement. For what it's worth, the 449AT is still available for about $60 a pop. See here, for example. Please note that there are very particular requirement for ensuring that the smoke detectors are properly monitored by the fire alarm panel. The installation manual is easily available on the 'net.

I'm not sure what cleaning issues you may have heard of. All smoke detectors should be cleaned annually, following the manufacturer's instructions. More frequently if dirt/dust accumulation is a known issue.

I just noticed you're in NJ after I posted. If these are old then they should be in addition to the hard-wired or single station detectors previously required by the IRC. Oddly, you can't take them out by installing new and/or additional low voltage detectors unless you have the express permission of the AHJ. Preferably in writing.

Thank you for taking the time to write gadfly. These are the only hardwired smokes in the house, looks like we'll install a line voltage system and leave the LV system in place. According to my friend, he's never heard the smokes go off in the whole time he's lived in the house, like thirty years?!

 

[JohnE]

The ESL detectors have a replaceable optical chamber that you can remove and clean. I had these in my old house. I didn't clean them annually, but did after a few years when I got a false alarm. Other system smokes don't have a removable chamber as far as I know.

Sounds like the alarm system that they were tied to (facp, or resi burg/ fire) was removed at some point.

 

[gadfly56]

Thank you for taking the time to write gadfly. These are the only hardwired smokes in the house, looks like we'll install a line voltage system and leave the LV system in place. According to my friend, he's never heard the smokes go off in the whole time he's lived in the house, like thirty years?!

I agree with JohnE, sounds like someone like ADT pulled the panel out after some previous homeowner decided they didn't want to pay for their service. That's actually against the law in NJ. You can't reduce the level of fire protection in a building once it's installed, even if the installation wasn't mandatory to begin with.

I'd suggest wireless smoke detectors like these. I have them in my home and they work like a champ. Unlike your usual single station alarms, these talk to each other. If one goes off, they all go off. They also use voice annunciation, which is supposed to be superior for notification than simple tones. They are a little pricey, $50 a pop or $130 for three at Home Depot.

 

[mark32]

Thanks for the replies,

After reading the responses and talking with my friend, he mentioned that he does in fact have an ADT alarm system, although he's unsure if the smokes are part of it.

Gadfly, I'm familiar with those Kidde's, but never installed them. An EC I know recently wired an addition here in NJ, and when he went on the finish the homeowner handed him a number of those wireless jobs. Reluctantly he installed them (Even though he ran a wired system) and they tested okay. During the inspection though, they didn't go into alarm, the inspector told him he'd be back when they were fixed. The guy said the alarm was saying something like, "Searching for network" over and over again. I'm not sure how things turned out for him. I just had another EC talking about these, saying they're good, but they're not to be used in lieu of a hard wired system?

 

[gadfly56]

Thanks for the replies,

After reading the responses and talking with my friend, he mentioned that he does in fact have an ADT alarm system, although he's unsure if the smokes are part of it.

Gadfly, I'm familiar with those Kidde's, but never installed them. An EC I know recently wired an addition here in NJ, and when he went on the finish the homeowner handed him a number of those wireless jobs. Reluctantly he installed them (Even though he ran a wired system) and they tested okay. During the inspection though, they didn't go into alarm, the inspector told him he'd be back when they were fixed. The guy said the alarm was saying something like, "Searching for network" over and over again. I'm not sure how things turned out for him. I just had another EC talking about these, saying they're good, but they're not to be used in lieu of a hard wired system?

As with many things in life, it depends. For new construction you must install hardwired. For older homes that didn't require hard-wired smoke alarms single station alarms are perfectly lawful.

If the alarm said "searching for network" it sounds like someone may have changed one or more dip switches after installation. I've had them about half a year and no issues.

If your friend doesn't know if the 449AT's are part of the fire alarm panel he should have ADT or another fire alarm company come in and test them. And clean them while they're at it. He could do it himself with a can of test smoke, but he'd be responsible for putting the system on test (assuming it's monitored) and notifying the local fire department that the system will be out of service (if required in his municipality).