garage smokes

[motoscooto]

As I understand it, part of NFPA 72-1999 states:

"Avoid areas where particles of combustion are normally
present, such as in kitchens or other areas with
ovens and burners; in garages, where particles of combustion
are present in vehicle exhausts. When a detector
must be located in or adjacent to such an area, a
heat detector may be appropriate."

But the CA Fire Marshall recommends (or Requires?) smoke detectors be placed "....in attached garages."

Which is it? If it is required, then what about all the false alarms from vehicle exhaust, dust, etc.? Especially, if it is interconnected, the entire house will have false trips.

thanks for any comments

 

[Guest]

Re: garage smokes

I just wrote to a smoke detector mfg. about this exact question. I got my reply today. I have six ionization detectors (a six-pack) and I know that ionization will false with particles so I was hoping to find I could use a photoelectric in the attic and also one in the garage-- and have the ionization & photoelectrics all interconnected together for reporting. I basically wanted them to tell me that ionization was NOT suitable for an attic or the garage.

Here is what I wrote:
>>>>
I bought a six-pack item #45183 [Firex, Maple Chase Company, ionization, 120-Volt w/battery backup & false alarm reset].

I am planning to use one of them for the hallway and and one for each of three bedrooms.

I would like to put one in the attic, and one in the garage.

Is this model suitable for attic use?

Is this model suitable for garage use?

I want to Interconnect them all.

Are there are other compatible products that I can Interconnect that will allow me to do a better job of monitoring the attic and garage area?

I am also interested in rate-of-rise heat sensors. Do any interface with this model and Interconnect?

../Wayne C.
<<<<

Here is the reply:

>>>>
Dear Wayne,

The 4518 smoke alarm is suitable for normal residential locations only. The attic and garage areas are unfriendly to smoke alarms. The NFPA recommends that heat alarms be installed in these areas. For that reason, FIREX manufactures the Item 5700 135F heat alarm that can be interconnected directly with other FIREX smoke alarms.

<snip> you can order one from Maintenance Warehouse at 1-800-431-3000. Ask for their Catalog No. 126785.

Regards,

George Steffens
Technical Product Specialist
Invensys Climate Controls Americas
191 East North Ave
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630.260.7179P - Carol Stream
630.260.7243F - Carol Stream
email: gsteffens@invensys.com
http://www.icca.invensys.com email: technicalservice@invensys.com
<<<<

 

[iwire]

Re: garage smokes

Around here people will use heat detectors in a garage, you can get them that are listed for interconnection with the smokes.

Attics are another spot you could use a heat detector, although I only know of one person that has done this and he is a fire alarm tech at the company I work for.

You must be carefully where you put smoke detectors, I have not seen any smokes rated for the low temperature of unheated spaces. (at least here in New England.

 

[iceman2610]

Re: garage smokes

I have had inspectors request that a CO detector be placed in attached garages. There has been two cases in that county where people would start thier car to let it warm up and either forgot about it or fell back asleep and died from CO poising inside the house.

He agreed that it could cause a lot of false alarms, but requested that it be placed about 4' from the ceiling (CO heavier than air) so that in these cases, the alarm would sound before lives were lost.

He agreed that he could not enforce this, but strongly requested it. The house was already wired and drywalled before the request - so it never happened.

I agree that parts of this sound apealing, but I wonder howmany false alarms would it take before the homeowner disconnected it anyway?

 

[iceman2610]

Re: garage smokes

Sorry, the 4' should have been 2'.


My fingers are working faster than my mind.

(Still very slow)LOL

 

[motoscooto]

Re: garage smokes

Originally posted by awwt:
I just wrote to a smoke detector mfg. about this exact question. I got my reply today. I have six ionization detectors (a six-pack) and I know that ionization will false with particles so I was hoping to find I could use a photoelectric in the attic and also one in the garage-- and have the ionization & photoelectrics all interconnected together for reporting. I basically wanted them to tell me that ionization was NOT suitable for an attic or the garage.

Here is what I wrote:
>>>>
I bought a six-pack item #45183 [Firex, Maple Chase Company, ionization, 120-Volt w/battery backup & false alarm reset].

I am planning to use one of them for the hallway and and one for each of three bedrooms.

I would like to put one in the attic, and one in the garage.

Is this model suitable for attic use?

Is this model suitable for garage use?

I want to Interconnect them all.

Are there are other compatible products that I can Interconnect that will allow me to do a better job of monitoring the attic and garage area?

I am also interested in rate-of-rise heat sensors. Do any interface with this model and Interconnect?

../Wayne C.
<<<<

Here is the reply:

>>>>
Dear Wayne,

The 4518 smoke alarm is suitable for normal residential locations only. The attic and garage areas are unfriendly to smoke alarms. The NFPA recommends that heat alarms be installed in these areas. For that reason, FIREX manufactures the Item 5700 135F heat alarm that can be interconnected directly with other FIREX smoke alarms.

<snip> you can order one from Maintenance Warehouse at 1-800-431-3000. Ask for their Catalog No. 126785.

Regards,

George Steffens
Technical Product Specialist
Invensys Climate Controls Americas
191 East North Ave
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630.260.7179P - Carol Stream
630.260.7243F - Carol Stream
email: gsteffens@invensys.com
http://www.icca.invensys.com email: technicalservice@invensys.com
<<<<

George,

Yes, I've got Firex smokes installed too. The unit in the garage has repeatedly gone off due to exhaust and dust (as to be expected) but at present it is not interconnected with the others located in living quarters. The units in the living quarters are interconnected. The only solution I see is what you mentioned--using a heat detector. Inconnecting it is not feasible without destroying a major section of drywall. However, I have considered connecting it to my alarm system which has been designed with a zone for smoke alarms. Perhaps this is the way to go. Any thoughts?

Michael

 

[Guest]

Re: garage smokes

I don't know if George monitors this forum. You can reach Firex at the contact listed in their reply to me above. I don't know if the email will go to George directly.

You can also submit an online contact form at:
http://www.maplechase.com

../Wayne C.

 

[websparky]

Re: garage smokes

2002 NFPA 72 Annex A Explanatory Material
Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable? The required number of smoke detectors might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke detectors for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.

I have only installed HEAT detectors in attics and garages. Anything else will most likely result in a false alarm.

[ September 09, 2003, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: websparky ]

 

[motoscooto]

Re: garage smokes

Websparky,

This is the most logical choice.

If a heat detector is permitted in leiu of the smoke detector, is it permissible to connect it with a home alarm system that has a zone for fire alarms? Interconnecting it with the smokes in the living quarters upstairs presents a difficult installation as it would entail destruction of a large section of drywall.

Mike

 

[websparky]

Re: garage smokes

motoscooto,

IMO, yes. Keep in mind that a heat detector is NOT a life safety device as is a smoke detector. It could be on it's own zone if one is available considering your situation. It will however initiate the fire alarm to alert the occupants just as a smoke will and should. Heat detectors are not interchangeable with smoke detectors in that you may not substitute a smoke with a heat where a smoke is required.