Labeling Smoke detectors

[Janutolo80]

I apologize if this is in the wrong section but can’t find any code away from the NEC related to required labeling. I found it needs to be UL listed but is it required to label a smoke detector’s install date and expiration date based on when it was manufactured? If so please point me to a particular code where I can reference.

 

[dkidd]

Here is an example

 

[Janutolo80]

Here is an example

Right but is it a code to label them?

 

[dkidd]

here is a good discussion. the requirement is in NFPA72.

Aging Smoke Alarms

Here is a good article regarding smoke alarm replacement from the U.S. Fire Administration / National Fire Academy: Single-station residential smoke alarms, like almost any other electronic products, have an expected useful life span. Since the early days of residential smoke alarms, this life...

forums.mikeholt.com

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I apologize if this is in the wrong section but can’t find any code away from the NEC related to required labeling. I found it needs to be UL listed but is it required to label a smoke detector’s install date and expiration date based on when it was manufactured? If so please point me to a particular code where I can reference.

If this is a "smoke alarm" then NFPA 72 requires it to be replaced within 10 years of the date of manufacture.
If it is a smoke detector connected to a fire alarm control panel, it is recommended that it be replaced within 10 years of date of manufacture, but not required by NFPA 72.

NFPA 72 14.4.5.6
Smoke alarms shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture, unless otherwise provided by the manufacturer’s published instructions.

 

[Janutolo80]

If this is a "smoke alarm" then NFPA 72 requires it to be replaced within 10 years of the date of manufacture.
If it is a smoke detector connected to a fire alarm control panel, it is recommended that it be replaced within 10 years of date of manufacture, but not required by NFPA 72.

The question is if it’s required to label the expiration and installation dates

 

[gadfly56]

If this is a "smoke alarm" then NFPA 72 requires it to be replaced within 10 years of the date of manufacture.
If it is a smoke detector connected to a fire alarm control panel, it is recommended that it be replaced within 10 years of date of manufacture, but not required by NFPA 72.

I've never seen this as a recommendation, and Siemens would be the first to jump on this if they thought they could get away with it. As long as the detector doesn't go into trouble, it's fine to keep it in service. It's hard enough to get customers to fix violations let alone cough up random cash.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The question is if it’s required to label the expiration and installation dates

The only date required is the manufactured date and that is done by the manufacturer. The installation date does not matter, if you install a smoke alarm that was manufactured 9 years ago, it has to be replaced the next year.

 

[Little Bill]

Most are labeled, or stamped, on the unit with the date of mfg.

 

[mtnelect]

I think this was from "First Alert".

 

[mtnelect]

This is the manufacturer brochure.

 

[jmellc]

Not a bad idea to label, whether required or not. I try to date and initial everything I install because we get some good products and some lousy ones. Dating gives an easy way to keep track. Hopefully by that, we can avoid buying the same junk twice.