hard wired smokes

[BSSTG]

Greetings

A permit tech informed me that hard wired smokes are now required in residential renovations regardless of the nature of the building permit. She was in a class this week and that was mentioned. Can anyone elaborate? Something new in the IRC maybe?

thanks

BSSTG

 

[mark handler]

2012 IRC R314.4 Power source.

Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power.2. Hard wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

 

[rogerpa]

Another option:

R314.5 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.

Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.

 

[mark handler]

Another option:R314.5 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.

Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.

Still need to be hardwired, if attic, Per Original Post

 

[cda]

Your honor will you instruct the witness to answer the question

So for ANY home building permit is home owner required to install smoke alarms , If not present where required????

 

[cda]

GreetingsA permit tech informed me that hard wired smokes are now required in residential renovations regardless of the nature of the building permit. She was in a class this week and that was mentioned. Can anyone elaborate? Something new in the IRC maybe?

thanks

BSSTG

WORST , time for contractors ,,,

AFTER,,,, Inspectors have been to a code class

 

[mjesse]

2009 IRC

R314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existingdwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

 

[BSSTG]

WORST , time for contractors ,,,AFTER,,,, Inspectors have been to a code class

Ain't that the truth. I was in the fire track all week at BPI Houston. I was just telling the city secretay that if I enforced all of that stuff I heard I would be dead. No ifs or buts about it.

I am curious why and how this instructor comes up with hard wired smokes are required any time a permit is pulled for any reason.

BSSTG

 

[BSSTG]

2009 IRCR314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existingdwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Well, I guess that's it huh? Sorry, I'm not going into a house to check smokes if all they are doing is a patio cover.

BSSTG

 

[BSSTG]

Well, Let's keep it in context.

R314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Exceptions:

1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

 

[mjesse]

Well, I guess that's it huh? Sorry, I'm not going into a house to check smokes if all they are doing is a patio cover.BSSTG

and this...

Exceptions:1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

 

[cda]

Well, Let's keep it in context.R314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Exceptions:

1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.[/quote

WOW

some that reads the entire code book!!!!!!!!

Side bar::: anytime I can get smoke alarms checked, installed correctly I go for it

But I do not deal with residential normally, just when invited in

 

[Dennis]

NC omitted the part that is boldface

Exceptions:

1. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power.2. Hard wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Nothing new it has been in the IRC since the beginning. Similar language in CABO that Dennis posted.

 

[fatboy]

In the 97 UBC also........similar language. Before the IRC clarified exterior projects were exempt from the requirement, we had a specific amendment that exempted those types of projects.

 

[ICE]

R314.4 Power source. Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup.....2. Hard wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

We have let everyone get by with battery operated. I did have one contractor call me at the office and ask about this code section. He didn't tell me that he was building a room addition. I found out later that he did a belly crawl in a tight attic to hard wire the detectors.

How about you guys and gals...are you getting hard wired?

 

[rogerpa]

Michigan requires smoke alarms in all dwellings. Those dwellings constructed prior to Nov. 6, 1974 (the effective date of the statewide building code) may use battery power w/o interconnection.

Allowable sources of power for alarms these dwellings include:

(a) The building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and is equipped with a battery backup. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

(b) A non-rechargeable battery that is capable of operating the smoke alarm in the normal condition for a life of 5 years.

© A rechargeable battery, with proper charging, able to power the alarm for a life of 5 years and shall be automatically recharged by an AC circuit of the commercial light and power source.

These older dwellings also get a break on the number and location of the alarms. One in or near each sleeping room, one on each floor level including the basement.

 

[rktect 1]

2009 IRCR314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existingdwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Why is there nothing in the IBC like the above section 314.3.1 in regards to R-2 occupancies?

Is there something that is similar to this IRC section for our older condos or apartments going through remodeling?

Is it because they assume there is no attic or accessible space to run the electrical?

 

[cda]

2009 IFC might be in ibc or that other book

4603.7 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group R occupancies and in dwellings not classified as Group R occupancies in accordance with Sections 4603.7.1 through 4603.7.3.

4603.7.1 Where required. Existing Group R occupancies and dwellings not classified as Group R occupancies not already provided with single-station smoke alarms shall be provided with single-station smoke alarms. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.11, except as provided in Sections 4603.7.2 and 4603.7.3.

4603.7.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

Exceptions:

1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind.

2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

4603.7.3 Power source. Single-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing buildings where no construction is taking place.

2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source.

3. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

 

[mtlogcabin]

The IBC Chapter 9 requirements for fire suppression and fire alarms are only for NEW CONSTRUCTION

See Sections 903.2 & 907.2

You have to find the charging language in other sections or codes (IFC, IEBC) that will send you to the IBC Chapter 9

IEBC Level 2 Alteration

704.4.1.6 Group R-2.

A fire alarm system shall be installed in work areas of Group R-2 apartment buildings as required by the International Fire Code for existing Group R-2 occupancies.

This sends you to the IFC where cda referenced (not the IBC) because it is specific for alterations not new construction

 

[rktect 1]

Thanks. I am going to look into the IFC a little bit more.

 

[TimNY]

I don't see why this is such a big deal. 2009 IRC required the same thing?

R314.4 Power source. Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Smoke alarms shall be interconnected.

Exceptions:

1. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power.

2. Interconnection and hard-wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

2006 also reads the same:

R313.2.1 Alterations, repairs and additions.

When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings; the smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard wired.

Exceptions:

1. Inter connection and hard-wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes. 2. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

Nothing new here about smoke alarms being required as hard wired. The only real change is they clarified that wireless interconnection is allowable.

Tim

 

[Mac]

The mighty Property Maintenance Code has it:

704.1 General. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the Fire Code of New York State .

704.2 Smoke alarms. Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and in dwellings not regulated in Group R occupancies, regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations:

1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.

3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in other groups in accordance with the Fire Code of New York State .

 

[mtlogcabin]

The IPMC does not require multiple smoke alarms to be hardwired or interconnected when installed.

Interconnected is easily achieved with today's smoke alarms

[h=2]Onelink Wireless Hardwired Smoke Alarm[/h]Wirelessly interconnect alarms. 120VAC hardwired wireless interconnect smoke alarm with battery backup. To expand protection to include both existing hardwired alarms and new wireless alarms, simply replace one existing hardwired alarm with Onelink, then add Onelink battery operated alarms elsewhere and when one alarm in either series alarms, all alarms will be notified. Easily link alarms together with the press of a button. When one alarm sounds, they all sound for maximum whole home protection. Photoelectric smoke sensor reduces nuisance alarms from cooking smoke or shower steam. Easy access battery drawer: no need to remove alarm from ceiling to change battery. 10-year limited warranty. Meets UL standards.



This ONELINK wireless alarm is for you if:● You want to build a safety network of interconnected alarms in your home without the cost and hassle of wiring.

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