Smoke Detectors
- Thread starter thomrk
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dana1028
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco Bay area
Re: Smoke Detectors
Installation of smoke detectors is a building code requirement, not a NEC requirement.
Go to www.icc.org (Intl. Code Council)...they have a tab at the top of the page for forum discussions; someone there should have an answer for you.
Installation of smoke detectors is a building code requirement, not a NEC requirement.
Go to www.icc.org (Intl. Code Council)...they have a tab at the top of the page for forum discussions; someone there should have an answer for you.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: Smoke Detectors
Although not an NEC requirement the inspectors here say that they work in conjunction with the other offices of the inspectors and will fail for improper placement or lack of required smoke detectors in a residence.
Although not an NEC requirement the inspectors here say that they work in conjunction with the other offices of the inspectors and will fail for improper placement or lack of required smoke detectors in a residence.
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: Smoke Detectors
Allen,
I guess your inspectors would try to fail me alot of times, because there are many homes that we wire that we do not install a single smoke alarm.
As stated, it is not an NEC issue.
If you install the smoke alarms, your inspector can look at the wiring methods, but not the actual placement or number of alarms. He can't fail the electrical for such things, and you know it.
You need to nip these things in the bud.
What is your inspector's name, Larry, Moe, or Curly?? Possibly Shemp?
Allen,
I guess your inspectors would try to fail me alot of times, because there are many homes that we wire that we do not install a single smoke alarm.
As stated, it is not an NEC issue.
If you install the smoke alarms, your inspector can look at the wiring methods, but not the actual placement or number of alarms. He can't fail the electrical for such things, and you know it.
You need to nip these things in the bud.
What is your inspector's name, Larry, Moe, or Curly?? Possibly Shemp?
Re: Smoke Detectors
What says the NEC is the only code that applies to electrical contractors? You can't drill your holes so large it violates structural codes as another example. Whoever installs the smoke detectors should follow whatever code dictates their placement.
What says the NEC is the only code that applies to electrical contractors? You can't drill your holes so large it violates structural codes as another example. Whoever installs the smoke detectors should follow whatever code dictates their placement.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: Smoke Detectors
Luke if there is a suplimental LV system then they would go along,All I am saying is that is the the Elec. ahj`s here say they work with the building ahj`s and yes it is not an NEC code as we all know they will fail an inspection if it does not meet the criteria of what the building dept requires.Sure we can buck and complain but where will that get us ???Go along with NFPA required smokes and install as required.All inspections pass and C.O.`s issued
Luke if there is a suplimental LV system then they would go along,All I am saying is that is the the Elec. ahj`s here say they work with the building ahj`s and yes it is not an NEC code as we all know they will fail an inspection if it does not meet the criteria of what the building dept requires.Sure we can buck and complain but where will that get us ???Go along with NFPA required smokes and install as required.All inspections pass and C.O.`s issued
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: Smoke Detectors
Paul,
smokes alarms are not in the NEC as a requirement.
They are in the building code.
Now, (this depends on your jurisdiction), the IRC (for example) requires smoke alarms in a residence. No where does it state that the Electrician must install them.
The security company could install the complete system and the electrical contractor would only have to supply the permanent power for the main unit.
It is typically cheaper (less $$$, lower bottom line) for the builder to have the electrician install the system. And so we have it, that it is assumed the electrical contractor must or will install the smoke alarms.
I agree that if the electrician installs the smoke alarms, they should be installed where required by the building code, but that is for the Building inspector to examine, Not the Electrical inspector.
The Electrical inspector should only be inspecting the wiring system. (Proper securing/supporting of wires, proper wire size, OCP, etc...)
As for your scenario, with large holes drilled in structural members, this is also a building code issue.
I agree that the electrician should know where and how big he can drill holes, but that is for the Building inspector to examine, not the Electrical inspector.
Unless there are local ammendments that state otherwise, but in Allen's case, the inspector is just flexing some muscle that would get him nowhere around here.
Paul,
smokes alarms are not in the NEC as a requirement.
They are in the building code.
Now, (this depends on your jurisdiction), the IRC (for example) requires smoke alarms in a residence. No where does it state that the Electrician must install them.
The security company could install the complete system and the electrical contractor would only have to supply the permanent power for the main unit.
It is typically cheaper (less $$$, lower bottom line) for the builder to have the electrician install the system. And so we have it, that it is assumed the electrical contractor must or will install the smoke alarms.
I agree that if the electrician installs the smoke alarms, they should be installed where required by the building code, but that is for the Building inspector to examine, Not the Electrical inspector.
The Electrical inspector should only be inspecting the wiring system. (Proper securing/supporting of wires, proper wire size, OCP, etc...)
As for your scenario, with large holes drilled in structural members, this is also a building code issue.
I agree that the electrician should know where and how big he can drill holes, but that is for the Building inspector to examine, not the Electrical inspector.
Unless there are local ammendments that state otherwise, but in Allen's case, the inspector is just flexing some muscle that would get him nowhere around here.
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: Smoke Detectors
They don`t call it flexing muscle,to them they work together.Frame inspections will fail if there have been frame changes after rough in and wiring is disturbed.The building inspector will call elec AHJ and there have been times we have had to repull the permit .Go through the rough inspection again blah blah blah.
The elec.AHJ also will fail a final if the meter does not meet poco height,clearance requirements again they say they are working in conjunction with the poco in this case.
Smoke detactors are not required in the NEC but they are required to be afci protected,so it`s a double edged sword.
They don`t call it flexing muscle,to them they work together.Frame inspections will fail if there have been frame changes after rough in and wiring is disturbed.The building inspector will call elec AHJ and there have been times we have had to repull the permit .Go through the rough inspection again blah blah blah.
The elec.AHJ also will fail a final if the meter does not meet poco height,clearance requirements again they say they are working in conjunction with the poco in this case.
Smoke detactors are not required in the NEC but they are required to be afci protected,so it`s a double edged sword.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: Smoke Detectors
If the electrician installed the smokes, then by placing them in incorrect areas he is probably violating the listing. The smokes I use have an instruction booklet that has NFPA 72 text in it.
Should I tell the inspector to go change hats mid-inspection? Around here the inspectors are often certified to do all the inspections.
If the electrician installed the smokes, then by placing them in incorrect areas he is probably violating the listing. The smokes I use have an instruction booklet that has NFPA 72 text in it.
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