wireles inter connect for smoke detectors ?

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acrwc10

acrwc10

Master Code Professional
Location
CA
Occupation
Building inspector
I was wondering if anyone knows of a wireless inter connect for smoke detectors. I remember seeing one in an EC magazine a few years ago but can't remember who makes one or even if it will work for a 120v residential smoke detector. Anyone know of one ??
 
quogueelectric said:
I cant figure out if you hate your customers or electrical contractors more.
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Well I am not a big fan of this one customer, but the problem is that a smoke got "over looked" at rough in. Now the house is at trim out and there is no way to get to the location where the smoke detector is needed. Wireless would save one H==L of a lot of work.
 
acrwc10 said:
Well I am not a big fan of this one customer, but the problem is that a smoke got "over looked" at rough in. Now the house is at trim out and there is no way to get to the location where the smoke detector is needed. Wireless would save one H==L of a lot of work.
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I am sorry but I just dont trust wireless as apposed to hardwired lifesafety equipment. Sheetrock is easy to patch compared to burn units.
 
GG said:
I used these a while ago and they worked well. http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=18623
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The above are the ones we use. You can get them from Lowes.

We have to use them in "some" jurisdictions--where small projects are being done, and the building code requires us to install smoke detectors for the house--if any electrical circuits are being pulled or modified.

To add:
Sheetrock is easy to patch compared to burn units.
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I agree that safety is a priority, but if the customer isn't willing to pay for it, then they aren't getting it. Wireless is an alternative, and at least they have something.
 
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If the wirelss detectors are used, how do they comply with the requirement that a detector receive its primary power from the building wiring system? Do the local inspectors call this out or are they simply checking to make sure they sound when tested? I think I would have a small problem with these in a new project the same way I have a problem with low voltage detectors from a monitoring panel that has the battery supply. Might just be me, but I would say "no go".
 
inspector 102 said:
If the wireless detectors are used, how do they comply with the requirement that a detector receive its primary power from the building wiring system? Do the local inspectors call this out or are they simply checking to make sure they sound when tested? I think I would have a small problem with these in a new project the same way I have a problem with low voltage detectors from a monitoring panel that has the battery supply. Might just be me, but I would say "no go".
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In the link that GG gave us http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/pr...ducts_id=18623 there is a hard wired model for the power supply and the inter connect is wireless. This is most likely the model I will use.
 
quogueelectric said:
I am sorry but I just don't trust wireless as apposed to hardwired life safety equipment. Sheetrock is easy to patch compared to burn units.
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I am sorry that you don't like them. I don't think that there is a life safety issue here that is compromising any ones safety. This house is 3 story's , with no bedrooms on the middle level , there are 9 other hard wired smoke detectors in the house. The one that is not in is on the middle floor and there is monitored smokes on the top floor. I also don't think Kiddie or BRK would put out a product that was less reliable then the wired smokes. :smile:
 
So can anyone answer this. Why is is that they have developed broadband internet to run over power lines, yet they haven't done the same with smoke detectors interconnection.

Run power to it and any others; then they are automatically interconnected. No need to wire in series. Maybe there's no money in it to develop it, but it would seem like a no-brainer to adapt current technology to do it.
 
inspector 102 said:
I have a problem with low voltage detectors from a monitoring panel that has the battery supply. Might just be me, but I would say "no go".
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120 volt smoke alarms are limited to 12 max interconnected so using 24 volt with sounder bases and a fire alarm panel might be to only option in some cases
 
I looked at the homepage for the wireless detectors. There is no indication on how far these can be placed apart. Anyone aware of a distance limit? I agree that they may meet the intent of the building codes, but as a firefighter I still have some concerns. The detector type is an ionazation type instead of photoelectric. This means that it "may" not detect some of the slower burning fires. Still UL approved and I have to accept either type. Just my opinion.
 
quogueelectric said:
I am sorry but I just dont trust wireless as apposed to hardwired lifesafety equipment.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I wouldn't put my trust in that new fangled stuff that works on radio frequencies either. :roll:
 
Wireless Smokes

Wireless Smokes

Try Smart Home.Com They have wiresless smokes with photo-electric and carbon.
Let me know if i can help. I am a local dealer for them
 
smarthomepro.com is the wholesale division. the pricing is a little better, and all you have to do is convince them you're legit- usually with a sales tax id, but we don't have one of those and still got a wholesale account.
 
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