smoke alarms vs. smoke detectors

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

stader

Member
It's one of these hard questions to answer to some-- but I say what we install is a combination of a smoke detector and smoke alarm in residential. So some of the rules change as to location. I don't have a problem with normal practices, but some people try to interpet different codes different ways. Any comments?
 
If my memory serves me right in a dwelling you're likely installing smoke alarms that can work as a stand alone device. A smoke detector is usually connected to a FAP like in a commercial building.
 
Kidde, BRK, FirstAlert, etc. are smoke detectors and are not part of a 'fire alarm' system. They'll fall under the general wiring rules of chapters 1-4. Location and placement will likely be determined by your local codes.
 
480sparky said:
Kidde, BRK, FirstAlert, etc. are smoke detectors and are not part of a 'fire alarm' system. They'll fall under the general wiring rules of chapters 1-4. Location and placement will likely be determined by your local codes.
Click to expand...

Now I am really confused because I thought and have said many times on this forum that those units are smoke alarms.


From the UL General Directory

For Smoke Alarms


Single- and Multiple-station Smoke Alarms
(UTGT)
USE
This category covers single- and multiple-station smoke alarms
intended to be employed in indoor locations where sensitivity testing and
maintenance of alarms, per section 10.4.4 of ANSI/NFPA 72, ‘‘National
Fire Alarm Code’’ ( 2007 Edition), is required by code, Authorities Having
Jurisdiction, or other requirement.
This category also covers single- and multiple-station smoke alarms that
have been performance tested to a minimum 10-year extended battery life
under normal ambient conditions. Unless otherwise noted in the individual
Listings, the alarms are intended for flush-mounted installation
only, and are not intended for use on surface-mounted boxes.
Click to expand...




For Smoke Detectors

Smoke-automatic Fire Detectors (UROX)
GENERAL
This category covers detecting combinations designed to detect smoke
particles. Smoke detectors may or may not be designed to be connected
to fire alarm system control units (see APPLICATIONS).
A heat detector and/or an audible-signaling appliance may be provided
integral with the detector.
The primary function of duct detectors is to shut down the blowers
and/or dampers of air conditioning and ventilating systems in an attempt
to prevent a possible panic and smoke damage from distribution of
smoke. Duct detectors are not intended as a substitute for open-area protection.
The level of toxicity produced by the combustibles at which smoke
detectors actuate has not been investigated.
Click to expand...

But I just pulled one of my own smokes down and it says UL listed smoke detector.

OK fine I was wrong I can accept that.:D

But now when someone asks why are those home type smoke detectors not covered by Article 760 I have no idea what to say.
 
It matters where you look in the 2006 IRC article 313 refers to smoke alarm and fire alarm systems that must work without monitoring and must work with the fire alarm panel removed. Generally these are your 110volt interconnected smoke alarms.
 
I am not sure why the unit Bob looked at says smoke detector. The units as per definition and UL that are line voltage and standalone are smoke alarms.
Smoke detectors are part of a fire alarm system.
The main difference between the two types use to be, each smoke alarms sounded for alarm. The smoke detectors would send a signal to a fire alarm panel and the system would sound.

With the new wording to some jurisdictions (such as NYS), the smoke detector and/or the smoke alarm have to sound individually.

I am curious now myself what the line voltage units say. I will go to a supply house and look at some.
 
I called the supply house.

Kidde - on the back says... UL listed smoke alarm, the date is 6.22.08 - replace 6.22.2018

Brk - on the back says...UL listed smoke alarm, the date is 5.20.08-replace 5.20.2018
The combo smoke alarm/CO says...UL listed smoke alarm CO detector.


Maybe Bob's unit is an older unit. Maybe it is from China...;)
 
iwire said:
The factory date on it is 2001OCT08

I can't tell you how surprised I was when I looked at it and it said "Single and/or multiple station smoke detector".

It is a Firex Model ADC.



Mexico. :D
Click to expand...

Interesting, I just looked on the FireX website and about all I could find were smoke alarms.

I did find a duct smoke detector but that was it.

I typically install FireX brand smoke alarms. I use the Model 5000 and it is listed under UL 217 for single and multiple station smoke alarms.

Chris
 
No number that I can find, the top of the tag says "Firex Smoke Alarm" Model ADC

But in the part of the tag with the UL info it says

United Laboratories
Listed

Single and/or multiple station smoke detector

ISSUE NO 63,350 S1966
Click to expand...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top