Adding smoke detectors to monitored security system

[tachris]

Hello All,

1st post.

My customer has an apartment leasing office at each of their properties. Attached to the leasing office is the 24 hour fitness, business centers and bathrooms. The leasing office is monitored by a security system. The Resident side is monitored by video everywhere but the bathrooms.

Can we add a monitored smoke detector loop off the Vista 20P in the bathrooms? I know we can. I also know it doesn't meet the criteria of a fire system. They are just trying to prevent a fire in the only area not monitored by video. They don't want to get burned by the Fire Marshall.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[cda]

Welcome

In my state which is not yours, the answer would be no. More than one is a fire alarm system and requires a fire listed panel.

What is the security company telling you?? Go ahead just write the check?

 

[Frank]

In Virginia it is permitted from current 2009 Virginia Construction code, permit required and Building Inspections has to notify Fire it is not a "real" system, which jurisdiction?--

103.8 Nonrequired equipment. The following criteria for nonrequired equipment is in accordance with Section 36-103 of

the Code of Virginia. Building owners may elect to install partial or full fire alarms or other safety equipment that was not

required by the edition of the USBC in effect at the time a building was constructed without meeting current requirements

of the code, provided the installation does not create a hazardous condition. Permits for installation shall be obtained in

accordance with this code. In addition, as a requirement of this code, when such nonrequired equipment is to be installed,

the building official shall notify the appropriate fire official or fire chief.

103.8.1 Reduction in function or discontinuance of nonrequired fire protection systems. When a nonrequired fire

protection system is to be reduced in function or discontinued, it shall be done in such a manner so as not to create a

false sense of protection. Generally, in such cases, any features visible from interior areas shall be removed, such as

sprinkler heads, smoke detectors or alarm panels or devices, but any wiring or piping hidden within the construction of

the building may remain. Approval of the proposed method of reduction or discontinuance shall be obtained from the

building official.

 

[tachris]

Thanks Frank for quoting the code.

We are the installers of the security system. We have no interest in installing fire systems. We want to give our customers a common sense solution that complies with code. Problem is, this customer has facilities in 5 Virginia counties and 7 counties in NC. If code is enforced by the county and not the state AHJ it will be difficult to comply with all those jurisdictions.

As Frank has quoted, the 2009 Va. Construction Code makes it look like it would be acceptable. Is that one of the main sources for the AHJ? It seems like there are many code standards the Fire Marshall has to choose from; NFPA, NEC, BOCA, and a few more. Hard to get a firm answer on many installations. I'm sure that is a common argument in these forums.

Thanks again,

Tim

 

[Frank]

In Virginia all localities are required to enforce the Uniform Statewide Building Code of which the 2009 VA Construction code is a part, and are not permitted local ammends.

Look on our webpage for links to the VA codes and to the ICC Codes with VA state ammendments

http://www.co.henrico.va.us/bldg/general-information/current-building-codes/