smoke detectors

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D

day by night

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utah
I know that smoke detectors are required in bedrooms and hall ways, but what about a home theater. Its not a bedroom but it has a closet and is a large room. Does it require one or should we just skip it.
Thanks
 
Re: smoke detectors

Smoke-detector locating is a building-code issue, not an electrical-code issue. The closet may be what defines a bedroom. Check your local building department.

You could always wire for it, and blank it off until the room is actually used as a bedroom, or go ahead and have the extra protection now; it's legal to have extras.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Although not an NEC issue our inspectors say that they will inspect in accordance with building inspector requirements.The building inspectors say that if a room has a closet that it can be used as a bedroom and that a smoke detector is required.I haven`t had issues with home theaters and most have an AV closet of some type.Better safe than sorry and add it.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Thanks for the help. I just needed a little back up on the fact that it is a room that could be a bedroom. I think it is a better idea to place one than to come back and fish one in later. When you spend 1.5 mill on a house it doesn't hurt to protect it.
 
Re: smoke detectors

On a side note, remember if you calling it a bedroom you will need AFCI.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Other requierment for it to be a bedroom is windows. Like Larry said check with AHJ. some will alow you to call it what you want, some go by blueprint, some are ridged and If it looks like one it is.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Originally posted by allenwayne:
The building inspectors say that if a room has a closet that it can be used as a bedroom and that a smoke detector is required.
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As usual stupidity reigns. I love Florida! :roll:

I am all for plenty of smoke detectors but my family room, living room, and finished basement all have closets. That does not make them bedrooms.

Now maybe if the inspector used a rational criteria like oh I don't know...maybe a bed, to determine if a room is a bedroom then it might be a little more sensible.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Closets and bathrooms have nothing to do with it. If it has a window for egress and is labeled a bedroom, then SD is to be installed. It is a building inspector issue and zoning controls what room is what. If the office has a closet, bathroom, and egress window, then it doesn't apply. Only if they try to sell their house with that room being called a bedroom, they would need to go to planning/zoning and have the room changed to a bedroom on record, otherwise they cannot sell it as being a bedroom.
 
Re: smoke detectors

If i have a room with window,closet does this make it a bed room ?
It might be but then again it might be a laundry room or kitchen with a pantry,or office.Will this theater someday be a bed room ? Maybe.Everything depends on the ahj.I wired what at first looks like a bedroom to everyone that walked into this house.It was off a hall with bath,had ceiling fan,windows but lacked a closet that could easily be added.I was even told it was for the grandkids but they did not want a smoke detector and neither me or my boss could talk them into one.Inspector could not force it either because on print it was called GRAND room.In your case it says theater.Personally i think it would be a good idea.
 
Re: smoke detectors

Only if they try to sell their house with that room being called a bedroom, they would need to go to planning/zoning and have the room changed to a bedroom on record, otherwise they cannot sell it as being a bedroom.
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Not around here. The building department does not have plans on file and does not have any way of knowing what a room is going to be used for. The only time the issue of "is it a bedroom" would come up is at the initial occupancy inspection.
Don
 
Re: smoke detectors

Don,

That is the way it is around here also. No records kept once occupancy is issued. I will say this, for the cost of a lousy smoke who would not opt for it. I place a lot of value on being safe. I know first hand that smoke detectors do save lives and out of service devices kill.

Paul
 
Re: smoke detectors

Our local gov keeps records of exactly what each house has, # of bedrooms, kitchens, decks, UFB/FB, baths...etc

Example:
If a final is called in on a basement and their are no other inspections, the person calling in the inspection codes could have made a mistake. When we pull into the driveway and see a for sale sign, then we know that the work was done without a permit and the insurance company won't issue a policy/ bank issue a note to the prospective buyer until everything is deemed safe/par code.

The insurance companies/bank use our records to see if additional work is done, in comparison of the records to what is being sold.

But, of course, we can't tell the prospective buyer or H.O. that everything is to code if it is covered with drywall. :eek:

[ February 06, 2006, 10:09 AM: Message edited by: throttlebody ]
 
Re: smoke detectors

Originally posted by jimwalker:
.I was even told it was for the grandkids but they did not want a smoke detector and neither me or my boss could talk them into one.Inspector could not force it either because on print it was called GRAND room.
Click to expand...
Again stupidity reigns. Did I mention I love Florida. Must be the heat down there.
 
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