Should the IRC/IBC Require Fire Extinguishers in Dwelling Units in the Absence of IFC Adoption

[jar546]

Since the number one reason for house fires in the US is cooking, and the number one adopted codebook is the IRC, should a FE or 2 (kitchen & garage) be required for a CO?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

not required but it I think it should be in the IRC. Odd that smoke alarms are required but not FE.

 

[north star]

@ ~ @

" Since the number one reason for house fires in the US is cooking, and the number one adopted codebook is the IRC, should a FE or 2 (kitchen & garage) be required for a CO? "

IMO, ...No !.........Even if a compliant FE were present when the C of O is issued,
there is no guarantee that it \ they would be there later, or even if they would
actually work if needed.

The Code \ Standards cannot address every possible situation, or living conditions.

@ ~ @

 

[steveray]

No good if not trained and not maintained.....Nope.....Suggested yes, required no...IMO

 

[mtlogcabin]

No Section 313 covers fire protection

 

[SCBO1]

Nay, government overreach like installing residential fire suppression, AFCI's and HVAC air changes per minute.

Your Kidde loves you!

 

[SDS]

I'll take a hard pass on even MORE codes dictating the government tell me how to live in my own home, thank you.

 

[Sifu]

No.

 

[e hilton]

I would say yes, except that without basic training it probably won’t do any good, and it could delay calling the FD.

 

[ICE]

I have a few around the house. The women are told to not touch the extinguisher and to run....it's the same with the guns. Of course the women in my life don't like to be told what to do, so the guns aren't loaded.

 

[SCBO1]

so the guns aren't loaded.

"That's what she said!"

 

[steveray]

could delay calling the FD.

This has been our experience....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Virginia requires a 2-A:10-B:C or approved equivalent fire extinguisher in the kitchen area of an unsprinklered residence..

 

[my250r11]

We only require them for short term rentals/B&B's. As they are now a business and also require annual insp. from FD

 

[tbz]

NJ Requires FE's for new homes and they won't give you the re-cert to sell the without them.​

Smoke Detectors​

As of January 1, 2019, each level of your home, including the basement, is required to have a smoke detector, and the smoke detector must be a 10-year sealed battery-powered single station unit. If, however, the home has an alternating current (A/C) powered single or multiple-station smoke alarm system that was installed with the original construction, the smoke detector units do not need to be replaced. A “level” is typically defined as a floor level separated by three or more steps from another floor. In the basement, the smoke detector should be located on the ceiling beam at the bottom of the stairs.

In addition, you must also install smoke detectors in every separate sleeping area, and specifically, within 10 feet of each bedroom door. Also, if there is a loft or attic area that can be used as a living space with a headspace of 7 feet or more, a smoke detector is often required. If the home has an alarm or central station monitoring in place, the homeowner must be able to provide the alarm company name, know how to silence the alarm, and reset the code after the inspector performs a test.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms​

Similar to smoke detectors, single-station carbon monoxide alarms should be placed in the immediate vicinity of sleeping areas, according to New Jersey’s Fire Law. Some towns also require that each floor has a carbon monoxide alarm. In the case of carbon monoxide alarms, the units can be battery-operated, hard-wired, or plug-in. If the home has combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm single station devices, these alarms must similarly be 10-year sealed battery units.

Fire Extinguishers​

The detail of the new fire extinguisher regulations may surprise you. The rules are multi-faceted and very specific, so it’s worth taking a look at them even if you are not selling your home.

• The extinguisher must be labeled, charged and operable.
• Extinguishers must be within 10 feet of the kitchen and located in the path of egress, or near a way out.
• Units must be readily accessible and visible.
• Extinguishers must be mounted using manufacture's hanging bracket, so the operating instructions are clearly visible.
• The extinguisher cannot weigh more than 10 pounds.
• Extinguishers must be an approved type with a minimum rating of 2A-10B:C.
• Upon inspection of the home, the owner’s manual or written operational instructions must be provided and left for the new occupant.
• The unit must be serviced and tagged by a certified Division of Fire Safety contractor within the past 12 months, or the homeowner must have a receipt for a recently purchased extinguisher.
• When the unit is mounted, the top cannot be more than five feet above the floor

 

[Keystone]

Required, No
Recommended, Yes

 

[jj1289]

NO...since many do not know how to properly use them and they would not be maintained.