Re: NFPA Code Question

[Nomen Nescio <nobody@xxxxxxxxx>]

Mike Baker said:

>> >NFPA 72-2002
>> >4.4.5 Protection of Fire Alarm Control Unit(s). In areas that are not
>> >continuously occupied, automatic smoke detection shall be provided at
>> >the location of each fire alarm control unit(s) to provide notification
>> >of fire at that location.
>> >Exception:  Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic
>> >smoke detection, automatic heat detection shall be permitted.
>>
>> The system in question is a residential system.  This requirement does not
>> apply here.
>
>The requirements do apply if the fire alarm system is used to meet the
>minimum requirements of the building code (see chapter 11).  If this
>system is installed in addition to smoke alarms, the requirements would
>not apply.

If I read you correctly, you are saying that in a household fire alarm
system that does not use 120VAC smoke alarms, a smoke detector must be used
to protect the control panel.  But if 120VAC smoke alarms are installed and
system smoke detectors are also installed, then a smoke detector is not
required at the control panel.  I think you're wrong on this one.  The
smoke detector at the panel is not required in a household fire alarm
system.

NFPA 72 - 11.1.4 states:  "The requirements of Chapter 4 through Chapter 9
shall not apply unless otherwise indicated."  You've cited a panel
protection requirement from Chapter 4.  I do not see this requirement in
Chapter 11.  Have I missed it?

Say, you're not a building inspector, are you? :-)

- badenov