Smoke Dectors

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Al Pike

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Honesdale, Pa
Anything about smokes having to be 110v in new construction? We had contracts were home owners could opt for a fire alarm system, in which we did'nt install the 110v units only the 12v alarm units. A inspector stopped work on the home saying that both were needed,and that the power could removed making the fire alarm useless. We ended up winning but I thought that I saw somwhere in the IRC that it was changed.
I no longer do residential but I ran into a inspector who brought up this up and it reminded me of my situation.
Thanks
 
The 2006 IRC technically allows some form of fire alarm system but they admitted no system meets the requirements. The 2009 IRC allows fire alarm systems as long as the homeowner owns the panel, the system is monitored by a recognized monitoring company, and the system meets the rquirements of NFPA 72.
 
I have also been researching this topic and it has been brought to my attention that IRC R313 addresses smoke alarms, not smoke detectors. What is the difference between alarms and detectors?
 
chris kennedy said:
I have also been researching this topic and it has been brought to my attention that IRC R313 addresses smoke alarms, not smoke detectors. What is the difference between alarms and detectors?
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my understanding is a smoke alarm is a self-contained device with an audible alert built in whereas a smoke detector is part of a central system
(thats third party and not based on documentation)
 
NFPA
Smoke Detector
Section 3.3.43, 2002 ?A device suitable for connection to a circuit that has a sensor that responds to a physical stimulus such as heat or smoke.?
Section 8-1.4.4, 2007 ?Smoke detectors shall be connected to central controls for power, signal processing, and activation of notification appliances.?

Smoke Alarm
Section 3.3.175, 2002 ?A detector comprising an assembly that incorporates a sensor, control components, and an alarm notification appliance in one unit operated from a power source either located in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.?
 
It All Depends

It All Depends

The key is usually how/if the jurisdiction adopts the IBC or IRC. In New Jersey, we still have to provide the 110 volt alarms, interconnected, for new construction. You can add a low voltage system if you like, but except for very limited circumstances the low voltage system cannot be a substitute for the line powered dectectors.
 
There is no earthly reason why smokes must be 120V. The LV systems have battery backup and are often tied into the fire department thru the security panel. As long as they install them per code it should be compliant.
 
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