Re: Hook in AC Fire Alarms to Security System

[Frank Olson <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tommy wrote:
> I looked up a link for them. www.cepcoproducts.com  They want to monitor
> smoke alarms over a PLC or "X-10" type system. Tell me i'm wrong.  As
> unreliable as x-10 can be, there is no way i or probably anyone here would
> recommend using this as an alarm signal.
>
> After looking at their website, code or not, I just could not trust a power
> line type system to operate reliably enough for a life safety application


First of all I don't think anyone here would *recommend* using (or even
propose installing) an AC smoke detector as a life safety device
(regardless of the fact that it may incorporate a back-up battery).  The
*proper* way to provide fire detection in any situation is to use smoke
detectors/alarms that are powered & *supervised* by a listed burglar or
fire panel.  Of course, Bass will jump in and state that as soon as you
connect any smoke detector or heat detector to a listed burg panel, it
magically transforms into a fire alarm system.  He'll also argue (until
he's blue in the face) that you *can't* tie in an AC smoke alarm to a
burg panel (or communicator); that it's against code (he'll even quote
the definitions listed in NFPA) to support his argument while totally
ignoring NFPA 72-2002 11.7.6.7.