Smoke Detector Question

[kali]

So I go to a client's home today to do a walk-thru on a security system that we are starting to rough-in.

The client says to me; we need to tie in the smoke detectors (110v provided by the electricians) into the alarm system, so he can have monitored smoke detectors.

So I say we can't tie in the 110v smokes to our DSC alarm system because of codes etc, and we need to use a low volt 2-wire smoke.

So he says; we do it all the time in Canada using the "alarm" trigger from the smokes. (as he owns an electrical contracting business in Canada)

So I say codes are different here in FL, and that we cannot use the 110v electrical smoke detectors on our system.


My question to the forum is where can I find Codes, etc. to backup MY statements

[Sparky49]

Either method is acceptable per the International Fire Code and NFPA 72 Chapter 11 as long as either method utilizes 2 sources of power (AC primary & battery secondary). Firex makes a listed relay that can trigger off of the alarm interconnection lead ("3rd Wire") of a conventional smoke alarm that can be utilized to activate a security system. Since the conventional smoke alarms also have their own audible notification horns, the alarm system isn't required by code to activate during smoke alarm battery standby operation when the Firex relay may fail to activate.

Low voltage smoke detection is probably more reliable due to the ability to still activate a household fire/burglary system on standby power. If the detectors do not have their own internal horns, the system must be able to provide the standard 3-pulse temporal pattern on fire activation with precedence over any burglary notification signal.

ETA: As always, it's always best to check your local municipal code (usually available online) or call your local AHJ if you're still unsure about what is acceptable in your jurisdiction. Most fire marshals are willing, if not happy, to answer your questions.

[kali]

interesting...so does the smokes need to be firex brand?

[Sparky49]

No. Just 110VAC with battery backup and the interconnection wire or other external means to activate the relay.

Originally Posted by kali

interesting...so does the smokes need to be firex brand?

[Sparky49]

After some additional digging, I've determined that the Florida Fire Prevention Code consists of a hodgepodge of various codes, primarily the 2006 Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and the 2006 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) with various and sundry other codes tossed in to muddle things up a bit (see attached list). This may change things a little but not greatly since the UFC and the IFC (on which the California Fire Code is based) do not differ much at all in respect to household fire. You should probably take a look at the list and review the applicable codes.

[kali]

awesome...thanks!