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

[robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Someone using an alias intended to imply he's a fire alarm technician
wrote:

> First of all, I don't see "Mr. Olson" "advocating" for anything
> but "doing it right"...

If you consider installing unsupervised smoke detectors into an alarm
system (which is contrary to code) "doing it right", I can understand
why you would say that.  If you don't mind that the system won't
respond to a fire if the AC power goes out, go right ahead and advocate
such "rightness".

> He's simply pointing out that NFPA does allow interconnection
> of smoke alarms to a home security system...

No, that is not "simply" what he is pointing out.  He is "simply"
advocating using an unacceptable means of wiring smoke detectors to an
alarm control panel -- a means that will not pass inspection and may
cause an unsuspecting DIYer to suffer unnecessary expense should they
follow his "simple" ideas.

> I've read his original response...

How nice.

> and followed this thread with interest.  Your whole argument
> hinges on an interpretation of code that no AHJ (in his right
> mind) would support...

Actually, I pointed out that code requires that the devices used in a
fire alarm system must be listed for the purpose.  I also pointed out
that the device he advocates using does not comply with NFPA72
requirements for connecting smoke detectors to an alarm control panel.
Perhaps you know of a sane AHJ who agrees with you and Mr. Olson that
an alarm system with connected smoke detectors isn't a fire alarm and
that it isn't required to comply with code.

> There is nothing in any North American code...

There is no North American Code.  There is NFPA72 and NFPA70 (aka NEC).

> or standard that would prohibit someone from interconnecting
> their smoke alarms to an auto dialler or home security system.

I didn't discuss auto-dialers.  The code does not refer to "home
security systems".  It does, however, require that smoke detectors and
all of the wiring to them, when connected to an alarm system, be
supervised.  Care to explain how one can supervise the 110VAC wiring
and the 110VAC smokes connected with this relay?

> All I see is that _you're_ the one "ignoring" plain facts...

Kindly explain away the plain fact that the deivce with which Mr. Olson
and you seem so enamored can be supervised.  Please state the plain
fact about how it will function during a power interruption.

> "Mr. Olson" recommended against using AC smoke alarms
> in one of his very first responses...

He also _wrongly_ claimed that it's perfectly ok to use them with an
alarm panel.  He also _wrongly_ claimed that DIY fire alarms are not
legally fire alarms.  He also _wrongly_ claimed that he has some idea
what he's talking about.

> "Mr. Olson" provided the relevent text from the very "code"...

He provided a snippet of code while ignoring the tenor of code which
clearly states that he's wrong.

> you keep waving in front of everyone that supports his argument...

Um, this is USENET -- not TV.  It's a text medium.

> yet you continue to cling to rhetoric that's unsubstantiated and
> appears to spring from your own "personal animus"...

I cited code which controverts Mr. Olson's and your position.  Your
turn.  :)

Regards,
Robert L Bass
Fire Alarm Technician Extraordinaire :^)
www.BassBurglarAlarms.com