smokes /carbon

[pmoney44]

im wiring a 2 family top and bottom...with two stairways to upper level
what are the requirements for smokes and carbons around the house and basement/hallways..panels are in good cond...with lanlord panel..house has been gutted to studs...
appreciate all the help from everyone...awesome site

 

[quogueelectric]

By me it is smokes in each bedroom and co and smoke in common hallway on each level all must tie in to common alarm with hardwired feed. Southampton township requires digital display on co alarms.

 

[shepelec]

By me it is smokes in each bedroom and co and smoke in common hallway on each level all must tie in to common alarm with hardwired feed. Southampton township requires digital display on co alarms.

To expand on the above answer.

CO detectors must be within 10' of a bedroom. So if you have a long hall you might need 2 CO units.

Each dwelling unit is not normally required to be interconnected.

You can only use photoelectric smokes. Ionization units are no longer allowed in MA.

 

[masselectrician]

Ionization only units are legal in MA until 4/5/2010, after that they must be ionization and photelectric combo. Also in MA, a CO detector must be installed on each level of a residence, including habitable portions of a basement.

 

[quogueelectric]

To expand on the above answer.

CO detectors must be within 10' of a bedroom. So if you have a long hall you might need 2 CO units.

Each dwelling unit is not normally required to be interconnected.

You can only use photoelectric smokes. Ionization units are no longer allowed in MA.

Thanks for the input. Sherman

 

[electricmanscott]

Ionization only units are legal in MA until 4/5/2010, after that they must be ionization and photelectric combo. Also in MA, a CO detector must be installed on each level of a residence, including habitable portions of a basement.

There is major confusion with this new rule change. The above is true ONLY for home built prior to 1975 and upon transfer or sale. The law change of 4/5/2010 does not apply to new construction/major renovation homes.


I have spoken to many confused realtors, electricians, and inspectors. I have also spoken to the state fire marshalls office who confirmed that everything I am saying here is correct. I also have paperwork from said office that spells it all out.
So as far as we are concerned it's business as usual for us.

For new construction homes built after 1975 or undergoing renovation such as the original posters case,you are required to have smoke detectors installed that comply with the building code requirements of the date of permitting.

For new construction/renovation permitted 1/1/2008 or later Smoke detectors are required as follows

• In each bedroom
• Outside of each bedroom
• at the base of each stairway
• Minimum of one detector for every 1200 sq ft of living space per level
• Must be hardwired with battery backup
• If within 20 ft of kitchen or bath must be photo electric
• Outside of 20 ft must be photelectric or photo/ion combo

Carbon monoxide requirements

• On every level of residence including habital portions of attics and basements and located within 10 feet of each bedroom door
• Combo photoelectric smokes/ carbon monoxide detectors may be used
• Must be hardwired and interconnected with battery backup.

Heat detector requirements

• Must have a single heat detector in any garage attached to or under a residence
• Must be hardwired and interconnected with or without battery backup to the smoke detection system

 

[electricmanscott]

Guide from the Department of fire services

http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dfs/dfs_briefs/march_2010/consumers_guide.pdf

 

[electricmanscott]

I left out that the requirements outlined apply to single family dwelling
For up to three family dwellings add the following:

Common areas must have smoke detectors on each level. These smoke must be interconnected to each other (not to the smoke detectors inside the dwelling units)and can not be powered from a tenant panel. If the location does not allow smoke detectors (such as an outdoor stairway common in some three family buildings) heat detectors may be required.