smoke alarms

[gserve]

I know that these are not covered in the NEC. I'm looking for opinions on whether to have them on a dedicated circuit or on a lighting circuit. And if installed in a basement with a closed in stairway where to locate. Thanks for all opinions.

 

[bill addiss]

Re: smoke alarms

I vote Lighting Circuit

Bill

 

[electricman2]

Re: smoke alarms

I agree. You are more likely to notice if a lighting circuit goes off.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: smoke alarms

Another vote for a lighting circuit.

 

[etszap]

Re: smoke alarms

Lighting

 

[ty]

Re: smoke alarms

seperate circut.

 

[ty]

Re: smoke alarms

outside the door of the closed in stairway.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: smoke alarms

Since they have to be arc fault protected I`ll vote for a bedroom circuit (saves an expensive breaker being used needlessly).

 

[iwire]

Re: smoke alarms

Another vote for a lighting circuit.

 

[george t. everett]

Re: smoke alarms

Lighting circuit without question.

 

[hornetd]

Re: smoke alarms

Originally posted by ty:
outside the door of the closed in stairway.

I would say it should be outside the bottom door? If there is to be one in the stairway then I would think it belongs at the top
--
Tom

 

[websparky]

Re: smoke alarms

FYI:

2005 NEC Draft copy
II. Non?Power-Limited Fire Alarm (NPLFA) Circuits
760.21 NPLFA Circuit Power Source Requirements.
The power source of non?power-limited fire alarm circuits
shall comply with Chapters 1 through 4, and the output
voltage shall not be more than 600 volts, nominal. These
circuits shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit
interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters. [ROP 3?236]

 

[kelley]

Re: smoke alarms

Lighting circuit

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: smoke alarms

Top of the stairs and at the bottom .Also at the highest part of the home.within 10 ft of the door,and if there is a doored entry to the room one in this area...

 

[ty]

Re: smoke alarms

Originally posted by hornetd:

Originally posted by ty:
outside the door of the closed in stairway.

I would say it should be outside the bottom door? If there is to be one in the stairway then I would think it belongs at the top
--
Tom

I agree. I just didn't type it all.

Most replies so far are for the lighting circut.

We here in Delaware must go by an amendment that states 'seperate circut with breaker clip in on position'

 

[websparky]

Re: smoke alarms

FYI:

2002 NFPA 72
11.5.1* One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.
11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1) In all sleeping rooms
Exception: Smoke alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing one- and two-family dwelling units.
(2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
(3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements
Exception: In existing one- and two-family dwelling units, approved smoke alarms powered by batteries shall be permitted.

5.5.2.1
(9) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on the basement ceiling near the entry to the stairs.

 

[elmarea]

Re: smoke alarms

Lighting circuit. Local code may decide it for you. Check it out. Mine does...