Re: Why I Don't Do Service for Other Companies

[Nomen Nescio <nobody@xxxxxxxxx>]

Roland Moore said:

>That is true you don't have to install anything, but once you do decide to
>(voluntarily) install fire protection it has to be to code (especially under
>our AHJ - forget just up to code - that guy wants stamped RESIDENTIAL fire
>plans on existing - and I've yet to see that requirement written anywhere).

Perhaps I wasn't clear.  NFPA 72 section 11.5.1.1 contains the requirements
for smoke detection in one and two family dwelling units.  It says (2002
edition):

11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection.  Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and
multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:

(1) In all sleeping rooms

Exception:  Smoke alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in
existing one and two-family dwelling units.

(2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of
the sleeping rooms

(3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements.


Therefore, smoke detectors are not required inside bedrooms of existing one
and two family homes, but are required for new construction.

As to your AHJ's requirement for plans, section 11.1.4 says:  "The
requirements of Chapter 4 through Chapter 9 shall not apply unless
otherwise indicated."  So, the documentation requirements of Chapter 4 do
not apply to household fire alarm systems.

However, plans would be required if an electrician were installing smoke
alarms, partially due to the voltage and partially to ensure proper
placement and sufficient detectors.  So I suppose it's not too much of a
stretch to require some sort of plans for a household fire alarm system as
well.  The line voltage is not an issue, but detector placement is, as well
as equipment listing.  Lots of alarm companies use the burg siren as a
notification device, and few of those sirens are UL listed.  Plans might be
a nuisance, but I can see your inspector's side of this as well.

- badenov