Wiring smoke detectors

[kadoka]

I read in some book that smoke detectors must be on a dedicated circuit but can't find anything the 2002 NEC book. They must be wired with ARC fault breakers but can they be wired with the bedroom on the same breaker?

[Rich]

IMO, no matter what the code says, they should be on a dedicated circuit. I don't have my code books at home - but will look and see what I can find when I get back to work on Monday.

[kadoka]

Thanks Rich

Sounds like a plan. A dedicated circuit it is.

[Tom R]

I do believe the code says 'dedicated'.

[N2Deep]

dedicated circuit but not required to be on ARC fault(well at least not here)

[sleepy hollow]

I need to put a new SD in my basement as I am finishing it.

What is the logic for requiring an isolated circuit for such a small device? Just curious.

Also, is this the national code? I live in VA. Anyone know what the code is for Fairfax County?

thanks

[Sparks]

Check with your local AHJ, some towns specifically say NOT to put smokes on arc-fault breakers.

[bkrahmer]

What is the logic I haven't read any NEC rulings or anything, but my assumption is this: Since the SD do not require battery backup by code (dumb!), it would be much easier for a breaker trip to disable your main life-saving equipment, if they were on a circuit with general purpose outlets, for example.

[Tom R]

I agree with bkrahmer's logic.

[sleepy hollow]

So, if I get one with battery backup, will that be Ok on a shared circuit?

[Tom R]

Personally, - - I don't think so, - - but different towns have different rules. Dedicating the circuit is really for your own (family's) safety.

[kadoka]

Sleepy,

Here where I am building, a battery backup is required. They must be both DC and AC powered smoke detectors. Not sure is that is NEC code or just an additional code here locally.

[Sparks]

The flip side of the coin is mainy areas have rules prohibiting smoke detectors from being on a dedicated circuit... Logic being that if a smoke detector is placed on a commonly used circuit that it will be easily noticed if power is interupted and hence power will be restored. If a smoke is wired to a dedicated circuit many people wouldn't even realize if the power was lost due to a tripped or shut off circuit breaker and power would not be restored. Battery back-up is almost always enforced to my knowledge. It's similar to commercial emergency lighting, power to emergency lighting MUST come from the same branch circuit as the general lighting, this is often done incorrectly and installed on a separate circuit. So when a general lighting circuit shorts or what-have-you the emergency lighting does not activate and you have a potential life safety issue. I always wire smokes on branch circuits that are commonly used and would be noticed by homeowner if power was disabled. Food for thought.

[N2Deep]

If you get battery backup models they will beep until you reset the breaker if it trips. And they all beep so I think you would notice it :shock: Its really annoying when you loose power at 3am and the SD beep every few minutes.
They also beep when low on battery so you know when to change them. I think they are getting a bit smarter. At least I hope.

[Sparks]

:lol: Oh that's true for some I guess. Talk to the fire department and ask them how many times they see smokes with dead batteries or the batteries removed :shock: They'll give you an earful. Also, I'm sure I'm not the only one recommending this practice because it is mandated in many towns and cities. Often from input from the Fire Chief. Ask many knowledgable electrical contractors and they'll tell ya the same thing.