Wireless Interconnect

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

sfav8r

Senior Member
Location
San Francisco Bay Area
Does a hardwired, battery backup smoke that utilizes wireless technology for the interconnect, meet the interconnect requirement?

I'm thinking something like the Kidde listed below.
Model RF-SM-AC - Wireless Smoke Alarm

As background, I am doing a job where a building has to be brought up to 2005 NEC and as part of that process, I need interconnected smokes. There are two floors and much of the sheet rock is not open. Getting AC to the smokes wouldn't be so bad, but interconnecting would mean a lot of additional tear out.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

I'm not quite sure, and I was wondering the same thing.

I really do not think that 'wireless' meets the hard-wired, interconnected meaning, but it would be nice to hear what KIDDEE has to say about it.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

If you follow that link there is many pages of info about these smokes.

With all that is written in there I can not find anything that firmly states they can be used in new construction in place of hardwired ones.

Here is a quote I did find

Houses built after 1993 are required by building codes to have interconnected alarms that are wired into their electrical system. That leaves nearly 100 million American homes that either do not have interconnected smoke alarms or only have limited protection.
Click to expand...
What I got from there web site is that these are aimed at homeowners that want to step up from the not interconnected at all battery or AC smokes they have to these battery or AC radio connected smokes.

I will be surprised if these are allowed to be installed in a remodel involving electric work.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

IWIRE

I saw that info too, unfortunately they dance around the issue.

My first thought was that they would not meet the requirement for interconnect. However, giving it more thought (and probably biased by my desire to use them) I have changed my opinion. The requirement for hardwired smokes are primarily to prevent failure due to dead batteries. The requirement for interconnect is so that when there is a fire in one part of the building, occupants in other parts are alerted. These hardwired smokes with wireless interconnect meet both of those goals, so now I'm thinking maybe they would be OK.

I'm going to ask the powers that be on Tuesday, but how about some of you inspectors? What do you think? I can't find anything in the NEC (even on the CDROM), that answers this one way or the other.

Thanks.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

sfav8r, i went to the web site and they have some info on compliance listed there.

You could call them and ask. when they say yes (as they likely will) ask them to email, or fax you the information. then when you talk to the ahj you will have thier info in hand.

this sounds like a system that uses the powerlines to carry a signal, similar to x-10 switching controls. it may be just as relyable as hard wired interconnects.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

I don't think that these devices will satisfy code for new construction. NFPA 72 does recognize "Low Power Wireless Systems", but I don't think that these detectors meet those requirements. For example they don't appear to have a control unit to indicate a trouble condition for "catastrophic battery failure".

Smoke detector requirements in MA are governed by the state building code, which gives specific requirements, and also references NFPA 72.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

I don't see a problem with them, many alarm companys have been using wirless detectors for years and have worked fine (and these are batery only). This will solve many problems in retrofit installations where it would seem all but impossable to run new conductors. What would be the differance if a radio signal took the place of a wire, as long as it is strong enough to over come any interferance that might cause it to reach the other detector, I don't see a problem.
 
Re: Wireless Interconnect

The wireless alarm system CO detectors are recognized in NFPA72. They are monitored by the panel and any troubles will be communicated through the keypad. If the batteries get low or fail, the occupant in notified with an audible signal every so many seconds until he "recognizes" the situation by enetering something to the keypad.

The wireless CO's in the OP do not seem to meet the requirements of having a controller to communicate trouble conditions.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top