Fire alarm wiring in a home

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perry vogler

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Wildwood Florida
I am an electrical conractor that subbed out the fire alarm and burglar alarm to a fire alarm contractor, a very good one I might add. He installed smoke detectors on the alarm panel instead of installing 120 volt smoke detectors. This way it would also call the fire department to protect this 2 million dollar home. 6 months later a different alarm company come in to change the monitoring. He disconects the smoke detectors and tells the customer that it has the wrong wiring to them. He doesn't want to jepordise his license by leaving them hook up with the incorrect wire type. Go figure. My question is not is this guy stupid, we all no the answer to that. My question is in a home, is cmr-3 22 gage 2 conductor and cmr-2 red color 2 conductor 22 gage ok to wire OK to wire smoke detectors with? 24 volt system.
 
NEC 760.179(B) states:

The size of conductors in a multiconductor cable shall not be smaller than 26AWG. Single conductor shall not be smaller than 18AWG.

So I guess 22AWG conductor for a power limited fire alarm circuit would be okay.
 
Dont you just love it! Apparently the system was working (assuming it was tested more than once). I think the 2nd fire alarm contractor should go ahead and disconnect the security system also. I mean, why just jeopardize the family to asphyxiation and/or fire? when he could add robbery and mayhem? I'm not 100% positive of the wire size however Section R313 "smoke alarms" R313.1 Smoke detection and notification. Of the IRC states, All smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217 and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72.
 
perry vogler said:
My question is not is this guy stupid, we all no the answer to that. My question is in a home, is cmr-3 22 gage 2 conductor and cmr-2 red color 2 conductor 22 gage ok to wire OK to wire smoke detectors with? 24 volt system.
Click to expand...

Beside the 18awg issue, which may or may not be an issue.

He may be after the wiring "type". You can wire the circuit with 2-wires, or 4.
The four wire circuit is often called "CLASS A". I did a QUICK search on the google-monster and came up with THIS .PDF. Look at the top diagram on page 3.


All I can think of, regarding the situation, is Homer Simpson singing "I am so smart, S M R T."

Doug S.
 
Before going off half cocked I strongly urge you to talk to the AHJ.

The devices connected to a burg panel or a fire panel are called smoke detectors

The rules in most areas require dwelling units to be provided with smoke alarms

That being the case you can not leave out smoke alarms just because you have decided to have smoke detectors
 
Bob,

Having installed them, many AHJ's are ok with the a burg alarm system meeting the requirements of smoke alarm installation. IF...

It's been a few years, but the primary concerns I remember were:
- Proper and adequate placement of detectors. ( locally each bedroom, and adjacent area are a req. )
- Adequate notification, again placement is key.
- Use of a panel listed for such use, with battery backup.


Doug S.
 
Doug S. said:
Bob,

Having installed them, many AHJ's are ok with the a burg alarm system meeting the requirements of smoke alarm installation.
Click to expand...

Which is likely why I said .....

iwire said:
Before going off half cocked I strongly urge you to talk to the AHJ.
Click to expand...

:smile:

But consider this.

If the law in your area specifies smoke alarms and instead you provide smoke detectors you have not meet the law even if the AHJ is 'OK with it'.

If a fire happens with a death resulting you would be in a very bad position and I doubt the AHJ will remember that they where 'OK with it'.
 
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