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IFC 915

J

JASON SIEBELS

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Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Messages
9
Location
PHOENIX, AZ
Hello, I am confused with the verbiage of the IFC 915 code section. When it comes to CO detection with private garages, do all units in the building need detection or just the unit above the garage? This is not clear when reading the code. If anyone has any knowledge of this as it pertains to AZ, please let me know.

Thank you in advance,
 
First I have to make a couple assumptions. I assume that your city has adopted IFC, and that you're on the 2018 cycle. I also assume you're talking about existing residential because if it were under construction you would be asking about IBC/IRC. Even so the very first line of 915.1 says "shall be installed in new buildings" so I'm thinking maybe you might also read the IBC/IRC also, it may help. Please provide more information to help us help you. Sounds like multi-family, how many units? Open garage? Private garage? Townhouse style or apartments style? Does garage open directly into a unit?

And, welcome!
 
Hello Joe,
This is new construction. There are 5 units. 2 down and 3 up. The garages are "private garages" and do not open directly into a unit. They open to a corridor with doors on either side. I will be going with my gut and provide Smoke/CO detection in each unit within the perimeters of the code. Meaning in each sleeping area and living area. These will be equipped with sounder bases to allow for supervised detection and alarm. The units are not being hard wired for 120v smokes. It just seems like the codes "Talk in circles" and are rather vague. Thank you for your response.
 
Jason, which code section do you see the requirement for CO detectors in residential garages? As I read it, Group I and R occupancies are the only ones that required CO detection when referencing IFC Section 915. Group R occupancies do not require a CO detector in the garage.
 
Hello Inspector Gift,
Thank you for the reply. The question I have is about detection in dwellings. The only thing that is clear in the code is that detection is not required in garages...LOL. This is "R-2" occupancy. I appreciate your response.
 
If the private garages do not have communicating openings between a garage and a unit, then CO detection is not required (IFC Section 915.1.5, Exception 1).
 
JASON SIEBELS said:
Hello Inspector Gift,
Thank you for the reply. The question I have is about detection in dwellings. The only thing that is clear in the code is that detection is not required in garages...LOL. This is "R-2" occupancy. I appreciate your response.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the question and comment, Jason. Since it is an R2, the garage is irrelevant. Correct? Install interconnected CO detectors or Combo CO/smoke detectors as required for any residence. Located in each sleeping room/area or within 15 feet of sleeping rooms. And install CO detection on each floor of the dwelling.
Have a great day!
 
Inspector Gift said:
Thanks for the question and comment, Jason. Since it is an R2, the garage is irrelevant. Correct? Install interconnected CO detectors or Combo CO/smoke detectors as required for any residence. Located in each sleeping room/area or within 15 feet of sleeping rooms. And install CO detection on each floor of the dwelling.
Have a great day!
Click to expand...
Per IFC Section 915.1.1, CO detection is only required in Group R when one or more of the conditions identified in IFC Sections 915.1.2 through 915.1.6 exist.

If the units are all-electric and the private garages do not have doors into the units, then CO detection is not required.
 
RLGA said:
Per IFC Section 915.1.1, CO detection is only required in Group R when one or more of the conditions identified in IFC Sections 915.1.2 through 915.1.6 exist.

If the units are all-electric and the private garages do not have doors into the units, then CO detection is not required.
Click to expand...
Thank you Ron,
That is what I was thinking after reading the entire code sections several times. I am curious why Goodyear is requiring CO detection in this case. I am reaching out to the engineer of the property to clarify the type of heating system and if in fact the units are all electric before I respond to the city. Your knowledge and response is a great help. Thank you.
 
Often times private entities may impose more strict requirements based on insurance liability, or some other contractual agreement. Code is only a minimum.
 
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JASON, ...I concur with Joe.B..........As you may be aware, ..the city of Goodyear
can alter the Codes & Standards to their own desires and requirements,
but they must be legally & officially adopted and recorded in to the city'
official Minutes to be applicable and enforceable.

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