fire alarm (residential)

[gac]

Do fire alarms have to be on a 20 amp circuit?

 

[goldstar]

If you mean 120 volt interconnected smoke alarms the answer is no. In general you're supposed to wire them from a 120 volt, 15 amp lighting circuit ahead of any switches so that a HO can't go to the breaker panel and inadvertantly shut down the circuit without shutting off some lights.

If you are referring to a fire alarm system, then depending on mfr's recommendations, the power requirements of the control panel and audible devices you may be required to use a 20 amp dedicated circuit.

 

[frankft2000]

In general you're supposed to wire them from a 120 volt, 15 amp lighting circuit ahead of any switches so that a HO can't go to the breaker panel and inadvertantly shut down the circuit without shutting off some lights.

This is a very good practice, but it is not code.

 

[goldstar]

This is a very good practice, but it is not code.

I never said it was. But, if you know what the code requirements are for this installation would you please post it here? Thanks.

 

[bkelly]

Smokies

Smokies

NFPA 72 11.5.1.1 Smoke detectors shall be located inside every bedroom, in the area outside each bedroom in the general vicinity of the bedroom, on every level including basements, and excluding crawl space and attic space. They shall be mounted in the highest part of the ceiling area for the room protected, but not any closer than 4? from the peak.

 

[goldstar]

NFPA 72 11.5.1.1 Smoke detectors shall be located inside every bedroom, in the area outside each bedroom in the general vicinity of the bedroom, on every level including basements, and excluding crawl space and attic space. They shall be mounted in the highest part of the ceiling area for the room protected, but not any closer than 4? from the peak.

That's good info but the question was "Do you install the smoke detectors on a dedicated 20 amp circuit or a 15 amp lighting circuit and what is the code reference for that".