Old Square D smoke detectors

[jimport]

I need to get any info on old Square D Earli-gard smoke detectors. They are a 4 wire detector, looks to be 120 H, Neutral, interconnect and another wire. They appear to be from the early 80's.

The job was wired with 2 sets on 2 wire NM instead of 3 wire.

Can 3 wire detectors be used in this setup? If not waht are my options?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[websparky]

Re: Old Square D smoke detectors

Please be advised that NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code 2002 mandates the following:

10.4.6 Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, single- and multiple-station smoke alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests, but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.

Here in Ohio this system would not pass inspection.

My personal opinion is to replace all smoke detectors.

 

[a-1 elec]

Re: Old Square D smoke detectors

i would replace all units with 120 volt battery backup units just for liabilty purposes. if you work on the system and god forbid if one of the old ones fail. replace them.

 

[jimport]

Re: Old Square D smoke detectors

It was not my intention to try and keep the old detectors in place. I have the new detectors waiting to install, I just did not know if I was going to need to rewire the existing setup.

Thanks,