home smoke detectors

[timceps]

Since all outlets in sleeping areas require to be AFCI. Does this include required smoke detectors which is life safety? Some Architects specify that they need to be powered freom dedicated bathroom Receptacle circuit.

 

[infinity]

Like it or not they require AFCI protection. If the circuit trips the battery will still allow the unit to function.

 

[480sparky]

Since all outlets in sleeping areas require to be AFCI. Does this include required smoke detectors which is life safety? Some Architects specify that they need to be powered freom dedicated bathroom Receptacle circuit.

Your architect needs educated.
AFCI protection is required on smokes as of the '05 NEC. 210.12
Using power from the bath circuit is not allowed....210.11(C)(3)

 

[C3PO]

If your smoke detectors were low voltage (like the ones some security people put in) then you would not have to AFCI protect them. Otherwise it is required.

 

[lpelectric]

If your smoke detectors were low voltage (like the ones some security people put in) then you would not have to AFCI protect them. Otherwise it is required.

The requirement at 210.12 is for outlets (receptacles, lights, smoke detectors, paddle fans, etc.,) that are fed from 120 volt, 15 or 20 amp circuits, so low voltage would not apply to this rule. :smile:

 

[gndrod]

The requirement at 210.12 is for outlets (receptacles, lights, smoke detectors, paddle fans, etc.,) that are fed from 120 volt, 15 or 20 amp circuits, so low voltage would not apply to this rule. :smile:

Article 761.21 and 761.41 are applicable as 210.12 not permitted.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Article 761.21 and 761.41 are applicable as 210.12 not permitted.

I believe you actually meant Art 760.

Article 760 does not apply for smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are not Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are part of a "Fire Alarm System" (Art 760). Smoke alarms are not part of "Fire Alarm Systems".

 

[iwire]

I agree with Pierre, "Smoke Alarms" are not covered by Article 760.

 

[abe72487]

Smokes

Smokes

I agree that smoke detectors are not part of a fire alarm system. However when asked I tell HO to install smokes on hallway circuit so if there is an incident they will still have power, not just battery backup. Never install smokes on their own circuit.

 

[Tiger Electrical]

Run a vac in the hall outlet, trip the breaker, lose power to the smokes...is this the incident you're concerned about? Is this a better design than smokes on a dedicated cct.?

Dave

 

[stickboy1375]

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View attachment 1654


Connecticut does not require AFCI on smoke alarms FYI.

 

[peter d]

However when asked I tell HO to install smokes on hallway circuit so if there is an incident they will still have power, not just battery backup. Never install smokes on their own circuit.

The alarms go "chirp" when the batteries get low. There is no reason, other than what the NEC and local code requires, that smokes can't be on their own circuit.

 

[George Stolz]

The alarms go "chirp" when the batteries get low. There is no reason, other than what the NEC and local code requires, that smokes can't be on their own circuit.

*However, some local regulations may alter that NEC-correct statement.

Edit: Whoops, I need to read slower, you had my asterisk covered already!

 

[cloudymacleod]

I agree that smoke detectors are not part of a fire alarm system. However when asked I tell HO to install smokes on hallway circuit so if there is an incident they will still have power, not just battery backup. Never install smokes on their own circuit.

isn't in the 08 code that all circuits other than gfci protected outlets (small appliance, bathrm gfci and outside recepts, ect) have to be afci protected, so that would make all smoke alarms inside a bedroom or outside a bedroom in the hallway protected by afci.

 

[abe72487]

If smokes are on dedicated circuit and it trips you would not know until the battery in smokes was loow enough to chirp. Not many people check their panel daily. I Idaho we are going to enforce the AFCI rule with 2005 NEC so only bedroom circuits would have AFCI protection.

 

[csparkrun]

oregons addendum still applies that fire safety devices still not be afci protected

 

[stickboy1375]

If smokes are on dedicated circuit and it trips you would not know until the battery in smokes was loow enough to chirp. Not many people check their panel daily.

And? Are you going to make sure they change the batteries also?

 

[Tiger Electrical]

If smokes are on dedicated circuit and it trips you would not know until the battery in smokes was loow enough to chirp. Not many people check their panel daily. I Idaho we are going to enforce the AFCI rule with 2005 NEC so only bedroom circuits would have AFCI protection.

Why might such a lightly loaded dedicated circuit trip a breaker?

Dave

 

[iwire]

oregons addendum still applies that fire safety devices still not be afci protected

Well thats a problem as that under the 2008 NEC they (Dwelling unit smoke alarms) shall be AFCI protected.

 

[George Stolz]

Why might such a lightly loaded dedicated circuit trip a breaker?

Dave

Sometimes breakers trip due to short circuits and ground faults.

Couldn't help myself.