Old topic again: fire alarms

[handy10]

In October 2014, there was lively discussion of tapping a "smoke alarm" circuit. Most folk seemed to think it is ok to tap (just like any circuit). NEC 2008 760.41B states "An INDIVIDUAL branch circuit shall be required for the supply of the power source. This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault interrupts or arc-fault interrupters." Does this not say that a fire alarm circuit cannot be tapped?

 

[iwire]

In October 2014, there was lively discussion of tapping a "smoke alarm" circuit. Most folk seemed to think it is ok to tap (just like any circuit). NEC 2008 760.41B states "An INDIVIDUAL branch circuit shall be required for the supply of the power source. This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault interrupts or arc-fault interrupters." Does this not say that a fire alarm circuit cannot be tapped?

Article 760 does not apply to line voltage smoke alarms. It applies to fire alarm systems.

760.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of wiring
and equipment of fire alarm systems including all circuits
controlled and powered by the fire alarm system.

Informational Note No. 1: Fire alarm systems include fire
detection and alarm notification, guard?s tour, sprinkler waterflow,
and sprinkler supervisory systems. Circuits controlled
and powered by the fire alarm system include circuits
for the control of building systems safety functions,
elevator capture, elevator shutdown, door release, smoke
doors and damper control, fire doors and damper control
and fan shutdown, but only where these circuits are powered
by and controlled by the fire alarm system. For further
information on the installation and monitoring for integrity
requirements for fire alarm systems, refer to the NFPA 72-
2010, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.