Smoke alarms/detectors in Multi-family complex

[sw_ross]

I’m guessing the answer varies state by state and is maybe based on building codes and other conditions not related to NEC.
I’m just looking for feedback from people with more experience than me in a setting that is a 10-unit apartment complex.

Currently there are only battery smoke alarms in each unit. The owner wants to upgrade to hardwired smoke alarms.
They’re wondering if they need a fire detection system for the whole structure or if each unit can have it’s own setup of smoke alarms.

This is a 10-unit single level structure. Each unit has its own entrance. The units are around 550-600 square feet and have kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room.

Thanks

 

[gadfly56]

I’m guessing the answer varies state by state and is maybe based on building codes and other conditions not related to NEC.
I’m just looking for feedback from people with more experience than me in a setting that is a 10-unit apartment complex.

Currently there are only battery smoke alarms in each unit. The owner wants to upgrade to hardwired smoke alarms.
They’re wondering if they need a fire detection system for the whole structure or if each unit can have it’s own setup of smoke alarms.

This is a 10-unit single level structure. Each unit has its own entrance. The units are around 550-600 square feet and have kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room.

Thanks

Generally speaking, you can't use a single fire alarm system to cover multi-unit residential occupancies (NFPA 72-2013, 29.5.2.2). Each occupancy gets its own suite of smoke/CO alarms so that if apartment A burns the popcorn it doesn't also alarm in B through J. You can also put in low voltage detectors on a panel, but that's way more money than you should be spending in this situation.

 

[electrofelon]

I asked pretty much the same question a bit ago:

multi family fire alarm systems and/vs smoke alarms

A few things first. I dont know much about fire alarm systems. Where I learned the trade FA is a separate trade. I know some places electricians commonly do the FA systems but not here. Second I know the NEC doesnt cover placement, system requirements etc and that is more of a building code...

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