Smoke Detector Expiration

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smo

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Hi,
Does anyone happen to have a code referrence indicating how often smoke detectors should be replaced. It seems common on Google that they should be replaced every 10 years (standard dwelling detectors), and many people on google referrence NFPA 72 for this, but they do not give an exact article.

I have a customer who is refusing to pay me until I connect 16 ancient smoke detectors to his alarm system, and I refuse to connect a smoke that I don't trust to the system. I don't want him to think he is protected, and then blame me when something goes very wrong.

Any help would be appreciated!
 
The manufacturer of the smoke alarm should have the information about the life span of their alarms. 110.3(B) is about as close as you will get with the NEC for a code reference in regards to when to replace the alarms. I don't know if there is a specific section in NFPA 72 for a specific time to replace a smoke alarm, but would be surprised if there was. This really is a manufactures issue as some alarms might have a longer life span then others.

For what is it worth, the Firex smoke alarms that I use have a recommended life of 10 years. This is specified in the manufactures instructions.

Chris
 
smo said:
Hi,
Does anyone happen to have a code referrence indicating how often smoke detectors should be replaced. It seems common on Google that they should be replaced every 10 years (standard dwelling detectors), and many people on google referrence NFPA 72 for this, but they do not give an exact article.
Click to expand...

Just a heads up, if you go looking for code sections regarding "standard dwelling detectors" your looking for "smoke alarms" not "smoke detectors"

Smoke detectors connect to a fire panel.
 
smoke detector life

smoke detector life

All smoke detectors should follow manufacturers requirements. Some 8 years others 10 years. etc;
 
I found the information I needed, NFPA 72 DOES REQUIRE the replacement of smoke alarms after 10 years, Regardless of manufacturers specs.
(See NFPA 72 10.4.2)
 
Sorry, my bad...10.4.7 is correct, I mistyped it in my last post. Thanks for the correction.
 
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