Re: Can't Mix Smoke Models....really?

["mbbaker@xxxxxxxxx" <mbbaker@xxxxxxxxx>]

In this case, compatibility is a function of voltage *and* current.
The smoke detector consumes the same amount of energy always.  If the
voltage available to the smoke detector sags then current increases
because energy is conserved (remains constant).  P = IE.  The UL tests
take these to their logical extremes to determine the failure point.

The literal intent here is that the test only includes one make and
model at a time.  No one has paid UL to test different combinations of
devices on the same control.

I agree with you.  Two-wire smoke detectors will shunt the circuit once
they operate and who cares?  A fire has been reported!  Someone else
pointed out that this goes to liability.  If I were to mix makes and
models on the same 2-wire circuit and a tragedy were to occur, I may be
liable because I knew better than to mix makes and models on the same
circuit.

Before using common sense in this case, buy errors and ommission
insurance.

Happy holidays,

Mike