[Achilles]

I've been scouring through the NEC 2011. Can anyone post the section of the code that allows me to install residential smoke detectors on a shared circuit?

I can not find where the code addresses smoke detectors outside for fire alarm systems 760

 

[macmikeman]

I've been scouring through the NEC 2011. Can anyone post the section of the code that allows me to install residential smoke detectors on a shared circuit?

I can not find where the code addresses smoke detectors outside for fire alarm systems 760

NEC does not address smoke detectors, other building codes do. NEC covers wiring methods employed in powering and connecting smoke detectors together such as no nm above drop ceilings in other than dwellings and the like.

 

[Achilles]

NEC 760.41 (B): The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall supply no other loads ..... This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.

I'm "assuming" 760 only applies to fire alarm panels, but I can not find any where in the code that allows me to install smoke detectors on say a bedroom AFCI circuit.

 

[macmikeman]

NEC 760.41 (B): The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall supply no other loads ..... This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.

I'm "assuming" 760 only applies to fire alarm panels, but I can not find any where in the code that allows me to install smoke detectors on say a bedroom AFCI circuit.

You won't find it. And therefore it is allowed. I do it almost daily.

 

[Achilles]

So a residential smoke detector is simply considered an outlet and wired in accordance to NEC 210?

 

[AK_sparky]

No help to you in the states, but in Canada:

32-110 Installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units
(see Appendices B and G)
32-110
The following requirements apply to the installation of permanently connected smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units:
(a) smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms shall be supplied from a lighting circuit, or from a circuit that supplies a mix of lighting and receptacles, and in any case shall not be installed
(i) where prohibited by Rules 26-720 to 26-724; and
(ii) where the circuit is protected by a GFCI or AFCI;


I'm surprised it's not similar south of the border.

 

[480sparky]

NEC 760.41 (B): The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall supply no other loads ..... This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.

I'm "assuming" 760 only applies to fire alarm panels, but I can not find any where in the code that allows me to install smoke detectors on say a bedroom AFCI circuit.

Resi smoke detectors are not fire alarms. 760 does not apply to them.

 

[macmikeman]

So a residential smoke detector is simply considered an outlet and wired in accordance to NEC?

fify





Correct.

 

[backstay]

So a residential smoke detector is simply considered an outlet and wired in accordance to NEC 210?

Yes.

 

[Achilles]

Thank you all for your time

 

[janagyjr]

Heh, I've been putting the line-voltage ones on a dedicated circuit.

 

[480sparky]

Heh, I've been putting the line-voltage ones on a dedicated circuit.

I always use the master BR circuit. That way, if there's a problem with the smokies, the HO is likely to want to fix it.

 

[wildleg]

i always use the master br lighting circuit. That way, if there's a problem with the smokies, the ho is likely to want to fix it.

fify

 

[janagyjr]

On the flip side of this, though, the installation instructions that come with the ones I've installed say that they cannot be on a circuit with more than 1000' of wire between the last detector on the circuit and the breaker (the one's I've installed will set all of them off if one of them goes off).

 

[480sparky]

fify

No. BR circuit. I don't separate lights & receps.

Besides, people can 'survive' if the lights go out (and may actually prefer this). But if his 60" flat screen or her plug-in heater quits working, they're gonna be calling me.

 

[wildleg]

No. BR circuit. I don't separate lights & receps.

Besides, people can 'survive' if the lights go out (and may actually prefer this). But if his 60" flat screen or her plug-in heater quits working, they're gonna be calling me.

really ? I don't do too much resi, but the little I've done I separated them. hmmm.

 

[backstay]

really ? I don't do too much resi, but the little I've done I separated them. hmmm.

Why, just one more arcfault breaker to fail.

 

[Pete m.]

really ? I don't do too much resi, but the little I've done I separated them. hmmm.

It's rare that I ever see them separated.

Pete

 

[480sparky]

really ? I don't do too much resi, but the little I've done I separated them. hmmm.

I only separate 'em if it's a job spec.

 

[janagyjr]

Why, just one more arcfault breaker to fail.

AFAIK, the lighting circuit doesn't have to be AFCI'd so I'm not sure why you'd say that.