Re: Far Side Chat -- Fire Alarm Code Issue

["Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

<securitymission@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1114542120.899150.186780@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>I would not go so far as to say that it's a go in every case.  You will
> find AHJ's who will say no.

Who's going to be the wiser??  In most new homes, the alarm system is
usually completed after the electrical inspection is and the place is
"cleared for occupancy".  A homeowner signs a contract with a dealer that's
"sold him" on the "cheap fix" and figures he's getting one whale of a good
deal from a "professional" that he assumes is pretty "code savvy" to be in
the business in the first place.  There are some alarmco's that will install
a security system without pulling the requisite permits.  These are the guys
we all have to deal with on rare occasions.



> You will find many who will say yes.  For
> homeowners who misunderstand what's been said, believe me, it will be
> the AHJ who sets them straight in areas where it is not endorsed.

Most homeowners wouldn't even know to ask.  They'd trust the guy that
offered them the "great deal".  Most don't even call the BBB to find out the
standing of the company.  I'm amazed at the amount of money people will fork
over as a deposit to some stranger that hasn't even presented proper
credentials (alarm sales license, etc.).  I've seen contracts where the
direct sales act provisions haven't even been included and people are
clueless as to what to do if they have second thoughts and want to cancel.


> However, I did not run across any who said no to me, but I did not do a
> real survey covering one end of the country to the other. There are
> many issues concerning this topic that must be considered, and that is
> why I did not flat out say that Robert is wrong. This is certainly a
> gray area where the AHJ will have to make a call, or the installer
> based on his own judgement.

The problem is the AHJ is rarely involved and the unscrupulous dealer who's
read your article will jump at the chance at pulling another "trick" out of
his sales bag.


>
> I would suggest waiting until you have a chance to read my Fire Side
> Chat column in June to pass judgement either way.  Obviously I cannot
> reproduce it here, but if you check out Chapter 11, 2002, it does cover
> some of this issue.


IMO, you should have considered more carefully whom it is you're
representing.  Many security professionals consider your magazine a
worthwhile read.  We all make mistakes, but in your case the effects are
more far reaching than even you probably realize.