HARD WIRED SMOKE DETECTORS

[chicopee]

THIS QUESTION IS PROBABLY FOR AN ARCHITECT. I LIVE IN MA. AND I AM SELLING A DUPLEX HOME. THE FIRE INSPECTOR STATED THAT I NEED HARD WIRED SMOKE DETECTORS IN THE COMMON AREAS BEFORE THE SALE GOES THRU. NOW BY NATURE I AM A DOUBTING THOMAS SO I AM INTERESTED AS TO THE STATUTE HE IS USING. I LEFT A VOICE MAIL TO THE OFFICE OF THE FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTOR BUT HE HAS NOT YET RESPONDED TO MY MESSAGE.
DOES ANYONE KNOW THE ANSWER?

 

[jheidt2543]

This could be correct, but it is really a LOCAL question. You should probably check with the local building department and see if this is a requirement of the building code they have adopted. However, there are now WIRELESS smoke detectors too, so you might want to look into the cost of those vs hardwired ones.

Please use lower case when typing a message.

 

[boo1]

Some times this depend on when the homes were built, IE what the code requirement was. The current requirement is hard wired with battery back up.

 

[chicopee]

To the responders above:
The house is 100 years old and in good shape. It has two enclosed stairwells. It is a so called detachable duplex anotherword it stands by itself with no attachment to other buildings.
The CMR(1995) that I recently checked out states that any detailed in the CMR is for new building(duplex Use group ,R4)construction and so I am wondering if the fire inspector's rec. may not be taken too liberally?
I am sure that the most current CMR will have that same exclusion.
Two certified electricians stated that they have not heard of the requirement imposed by the fire inspector and these people retrofit automatic fire alarm systems.
A recent guideline issued by the fire department bears what this fire inspector is requiring, however, there is no CMR or NFPA reference to any of the content of this guideline and no signature to verify the originator of this guideline--just the city letterhead. One of the examples detailed in this guideline refers to a three living unit structure and none of the examples deal with duplex ( two living unit structure).
So would this house be under the grandfather clause or am I obligated to comply with the fire inspector? recommendation?

 

[ctmtwilliams]

It seems to me that if you want to pass an inspection conducted by local fire inspector you are going to have to do what he asks. I'm sure the inspector will be more than glad to point out the specific code that details his request. Here in California hard wired smoke detectors are required under certin conditions, and there ain't no way around it.

 

[LHA]

PA has recently adopted the UCC. I put in a new furnace two years ago, and they tried to make me do the hard-wired-thing. It is both obnoxious and expensive. I put up enough of a fuss, so they just let me have my battery operateds ($15 a piece). I would guess MA has adopted UCC/ICC, so you might be stuck.

Go to the next Twp. Supervisors meeting and ask. Or even the Planning Commission meeting; the Twp. Engineer will be there most likely and the Eng. will know. Do NOT do what the fire chief says unless you have to, you will go bankrupt.

Aside, I used to manage a CD/Tape store in the Chicopee Mall. It was called Music And... at the time, but I think Strawberry's bought it. Ring any bells?

 

[chicopee]

ctmtwilliams-I dont have a problem with code requirement but I do have one when authority misinterpret codes as it SEEMS in this case.

 

[boo1]

Request code requirement and read them. The inspector may be wrong...

 

[chicopee]

boo1-Good News!!inspector has rescinded his request and only requires battery operated smoke detectors.