Residential smoke alarms/detectors

[texie]

As most know, IRC 314 requires smoke alarms and for them to be powered by the building wiring system. IRC 314.2 allows the use of household fire alarm systems which would use smoke detectors where installed per NFPA 72 and monitored by a UL central station.
My question is can a household alarm system such as Honeywell Vista with 5800 series wireless, battery powered smoke detectors be compliant with IRC 314?

 

[goldstar]

I believe some are compliant as long as they are supervised for malfunction, removal or power loss. I know this isn't the answer you're looking for but I would check with the municipality official before making a commitment.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't see how they would be acceptable but my bet is that they are but probably not for new construction

 

[texie]

I don't see how they would be acceptable but my bet is that they are but probably not for new construction

Attached is the language from IRC 2018 314.7 regarding this. The 5800 Series Honeywell detectors are listed to UL 268. Does this color your thoughts?

 

[texie]

R314.7 Fire alarm systems.
Fire alarm systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of smoke alarms and shall comply with
Sections R314.7.1 through R314.7.4.


R314.7.1 General.
Fire alarm systems shall comply with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning
equipment provisions of NFPA 72. Smoke detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 268.


R314.7.2 Locat i on.
Smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations specified in Section R314.3.


R314.7.3 Permanent fixture.
Where a household fire alarm system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the
occupancy, owned by the homeowner.


R314.7.4 Combination detectors.
Combinaiton smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be permitted to be installed in fire alarm
systems in lieu of smoke detectors, provided that they are listed in accordance with UL 268 and UL
2075.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am still not seeing where a wireless (battery only) alarm can be used

 

[texie]

I am still not seeing where a wireless (battery only) alarm can be used

It seems to me that 314.7 stands alone and the requirements that apply 314.6 for being line powered only apply to smoke alarms as the first 2 words in 314.6 say "smoke alarms". 314.7 says a household fire alarm system can be used in lieu of smoke alarms as long as it is listed to UL 268. These smoke detectors are listed to UL 268. 314.7 says nothing about how the detectors are to be powered. The UL 268 standard does recognize battery powered smoke detectors.
Here is the language:
R314.6 Power source.
Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served
from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a
battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for
overcurrent protection.

 

[gadfly56]

As most know, IRC 314 requires smoke alarms and for them to be powered by the building wiring system. IRC 314.2 allows the use of household fire alarm systems which would use smoke detectors where installed per NFPA 72 and monitored by a UL central station.
My question is can a household alarm system such as Honeywell Vista with 5800 series wireless, battery powered smoke detectors be compliant with IRC 314?

The answer is "yes".

I am still not seeing where a wireless (battery only) alarm can be used

It's not a wireless alarm, it's a wireless detector. They report to the panel, and the panel "knows" when the detector disappears or goes into trouble.