Smoke alarms (was Re: For Graham, Rober, and Coppernob)

["Kurt Delaney" <kurt_dot_delaney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Frank Olson" <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:DMnIg.473216$iF6.169566@xxxxxxxxxxx
> NFPA 72-2002 11.7.6.7  Installations that include the connection of
> single- or multiple-station alarms with other input or output devices,
> such as but not limited to relay modules, remote signaling devices, phone
> dialers, security panels, heat detectors, and manual pull stations, shall
> be permitted, providing that an open or short circuit of the wiring
> leading to these input or output devices does not prevent normal operation
> of the single- or multiple-station alarm.

Thanks for the reference, Frank.  I followed a similar discussion over on
worthingtonsolutions.com, and a conclusion they came up with there was that
a connection via a relay to a security panel was within code (i.e., it
didn't do any harm to the hard-wired smokes).  However, using the hard-wired
smokes with a relay does not make the security panel a valid fire protection
/ detection device.  For example, if you had that setup and it was hooked up
to a monitoring company, you could not claim that the system was actively
monitored for fire detection (for insurance purposes, etc.).  However, the
house is still properly protected for fire detection per code.

Personally, I used a Firex relay to connect my 110v interconnected smokes to
my OmniPro panel.  The panel is not monitored by a company, but I have it
set up to perform certain actions if the Firex relay is activated, such as
turn off the HVAC systems, turn on lights, etc.

Kurt