smoke detectors AFCI circuit

[hhsting]

Residential dewelling unit has dedicated 120V 15A or 20A hard wire branch circuit from panelboard to smoke detectors thru out the dewelling unit.

I have been pointed out by designer that it is not safe to put branch circuit on AFCI since it may nuisance trip and in case of fire smoke may not be detected. Yes smoke detectirs have battery but still I was pointed the above item.

However, NEC 2014 says to place AFCI on 120V outlet 15A or 20A.

How does one approach the above situation given their is no local ordiances about it? Not install AFCI on branch circuit smoke detectors or AFCI not required on smoke detectors?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

 

[infinity]

Smoke alarms have been required to be on an AFCI protected circuit for at least the past 4 code cycles, maybe more depending on their location. Nuisance tripping should be a non-issue. If they do trip that's what the battery backup is for.

 

[ptonsparky]

We AFCI them with no problems. Well, bugs and dust still make them alarm in the middle of the night.

 

[Little Bill]

I never put smoke alarms on a dedicated circuit. Usually it's on with a bedroom or lighting circuit. There is no rule either way (unless local amendment) but it would be easy for someone to turn the dedicated circuit off and remove the batteries should there be a false alarm or defective unit sounding constantly. Having them on with another load would let you know if the breaker tripped so you could reset it and not be without protection.

 

[ptonsparky]

I never put smoke alarms on a dedicated circuit. Usually it's on with a bedroom or lighting circuit. There is no rule either way (unless local amendment) but it would be easy for someone to turn the dedicated circuit off and remove the batteries should there be a false alarm or defective unit sounding constantly. Having them on with another load would let you know if the breaker tripped so you could reset it and not be without protection.

I used the master bedroom lighting circuit or something else that would be a PIA to have off.

 

[tom baker]

That issue came up many times starting in 2002, and I recall the discussion at the IAEI meeting in Orlando.
The BC to the smoke needs to be protected the same as any other. I have not seen a post on this topic for many years

Put them on an AFCI its a non issue, unless of course you have non battery back up smokes.

 

[romex jockey]

How does one approach the above situation given their is no local ordiances about it? Not install AFCI on branch circuit smoke detectors or AFCI not required on smoke detectors?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

One lobbies their state to ammend it

~RJ~

 

[victor.cherkashi]

I don't design residential projects, but I did review of several residential designs in high-rise building and multi-family in NYC. The designer required that all 1-pole breakers to be AFCI. Maybe it's overkill, but I didn't find any section that does not permit installation of AFCI protection throughout dwelling unit.

 

[nickelec]

I never put smoke alarms on a dedicated circuit. Usually it's on with a bedroom or lighting circuit. There is no rule either way (unless local amendment) but it would be easy for someone to turn the dedicated circuit off and remove the batteries should there be a false alarm or defective unit sounding constantly. Having them on with another load would let you know if the breaker tripped so you could reset it and not be without protection.

I i do this same thing

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[construct]

If your jurisdiction has adopted Appendix K in the International Building Code (IBC), it is the Administrative Provisions for the NEC.
Section K111.6 states that smoke alarms shall not be connected as the only load on a branch circuit. They shall be supplied by circuits having lighting loads consisting of lighting outlets in habitable spaces.

 

[hhsting]

210.12(A) exception does list fire alarm system as exception. Is smoke detector not part of fire alarm system?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

 

[curt swartz]

210.12(A) exception does list fire alarm system as exception. Is smoke detector not part of fire alarm system?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

Smoke Detectors are part of fire alarm systems. The typically 120 volt and battery devices installed in dwellings are not smoke detectors. They are SMOKE ALARMS.

 

[hhsting]

Smoke Detectors are part of fire alarm systems. The typically 120 volt and battery devices installed in dwellings are not smoke detectors. They are SMOKE ALARMS.

That statement is it in code anywhere?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

 

[nickelec]

Im pretty certain that the nec is actually silent on smokes at least around here you couldn't fail an electrical inspection if you don't install them

But if you do install them the wiring and ocpd has to meet minimum code requirements

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[ptonsparky]

Residential fire alarms, smokes, detectors, whatever you want to call them, are not required by NEC, but are by other building codes. I don't believe our SED will fail a house for not having them but local municipal inspectors will. I personally have not wired a home without them since they became available. The SED will write correction orders if the branch circuits with them, are not installed properly.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

That statement is it in code anywhere?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

The smoke alarms are covered Chapter 29 of NFPA 72. 29.9.4(5) permits such systems to be supplied by an AFCI or GFCI protected branch circuit as long as the smoke alarm has a secondary power source.

It is my understanding that if the fire/smoke warning system does not have a control panel as separate initiating and indicating devices, it is not covered by Article 760 of the NEC.

 

[kwired]

210.12(A) exception does list fire alarm system as exception. Is smoke detector not part of fire alarm system?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

That statement is it in code anywhere?

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

What don says - those devices are smoke alarms per NFPA 29. Also look at the box they come in, it likely says "smoke alarm".

A "fire alarm" has a control panel, and initiating as well as indicating devices, which may include "smoke detectors".

The "fire alarm" that is not required to be on AFCI's is an alarm system covered by art 760, and not your average "smoke alarm".

The smoke alarms are covered Chapter 29 of NFPA 72. 29.9.4(5) permits such systems to be supplied by an AFCI or GFCI protected branch circuit as long as the smoke alarm has a secondary power source.

It is my understanding that if the fire/smoke warning system does not have a control panel as separate initiating and indicating devices, it is not covered by Article 760 of the NEC.

 

[romex jockey]

The smoke alarms are covered Chapter 29 of NFPA 72. 29.9.4(5) permits such systems to be supplied by an AFCI or GFCI protected branch circuit as long as the smoke alarm has a secondary power source.

which batteries quailfy?

It is my understanding that if the fire/smoke warning system does not have a control panel as separate initiating and indicating devices, it is not covered by Article 760 of the NEC.

where one that does would be low-V , 210.12 unapplicable?

~RJ~

 

[kwired]

which batteries quailfy?


where one that does would be low-V , 210.12 unapplicable?

~RJ~

It isn't that 210.12 doesn't apply it is the exception following 210.12(A) that allows AFCI to be omitted - if you have a system as described, on an individual branch circuit and supply it with one of the wiring methods mentioned. Yes the system is likely low volts, this exception applies to the main supply circuit.

Exception: Where an individual branch circuit to a fire alarm system installed in accordance with 760.41(B) or 760.121(B) is installed in RMC, IMC, EMT, or steelsheathed cable, Type AC or Type MC, meeting the requirements of 250.118, with metal outlet and junction boxes, AFCI protection shall be permitted to be omitted.

Also note the fire alarm control panel would need to be in a room mentioned in 210.12 or 210.12 wouldn't apply in the first place.

Such systems are somewhat rare in single family dwellings. In a larger facility with multiple dwelling units within, the control panel likely is not within a dwelling unit.