Cwhyu2
Consultant
Rough in inspection today will keep you informed.
The point to the code is that any acv input in a 'unit' must be controlled by its individual power panel. Running 120vac from a main panel into individual units fails that code. Look at it this way, you want to do some work, you shut off your main breaker, then get electrocuted trying to change out your smoke detector! Logic would tell you, my panel's main breaker is off, everything in my unit is now without power. This isn't a code violation if you're feeding a low-voltage circuit, but typical smoke detectors rely on 120vac (with battery backup).
Multifamily dwellings typically require fire walls and in many circumstances, are treated as stand-alone units. Then, there are some things that only apply to them as multi-family. It can get complicated quickly. WHere I live, electrical and plumbing on a multifamily dwelling can only be done by someone with a license, but in a single family unit, the homeowner can do work, in either case, a permit and inspection is required, though.
Unless there's an amendment to the national code (and that generally can only be more restrictive, not less), it sounds like the inspectors may have the intent correct, but not the implementation.
www.firstalert.com smoke detectors and smoke alarms are two different devices read the whole thread as JW has great imformation on this subject.The smoke detectors are low voltage. The panels I've had (in several homes) have a 24v backup battery. So the detectors run off the 24v, if the power is off for less than several hours, the battery backup will provide protection. I've never seen a 120v smoke detector.
Wireless smoke detectors tend to be part of an alarm system.And then there was wireless.....
They can communicate with each other. Does this mean they are a system?Wireless smoke detectors tend to be part of an alarm system.
Current code requires all of the smoke detectors in a home to be interconnected so that if one goes off, they all go off. I do not know if the code specifies how they are interconnected, but hardwiring them is certainly more reliable than wireless, especially if the power goes off. Many of them also have a battery backup, which would likely quickly discharge if it also had to keep up a wireless network. In a multifamily or closely spaced buildings, wireless could be problematic...you neighbor fries things a bit dark, and their alarm goes off...yours goes off, and if you're close to those next to you, maybe theirs as well. Won't happen if they are hardwired. If you have to 'register' yours, so they can talk to each other, many people never change things from the default as it comes from the factory.
Any alarm system can be tampered with,as I am just the installer and do not have a maintinance contract it is up to the owner of the property to maintain such systems.The OP's code officers requested apartment units be interconnected, so the neighbor's burnt toast will cause detectors to alarm in neighboring units in that scenario as well. Also, they all have to be maintained. Hardwired units can be disabled (some more easily than others).
And, unless the local authorities have modified the national codes (they are allowed to make them more stringent, but not less), what they want is in conflict with the national codes. FIre walls between dwellings are designed to give you plenty of time to discover and get out of your unit should you need to if your neighbor's place goes up.The OP's code officers requested apartment units be interconnected, so the neighbor's burnt toast will cause detectors to alarm in neighboring units in that scenario as well. Also, they all have to be maintained. Hardwired units can be disabled (some more easily than others).
And, unless the local authorities have modified the national codes (they are allowed to make them more stringent, but not less), what they want is in conflict with the national codes. FIre walls between dwellings are designed to give you plenty of time to discover and get out of your unit should you need to if your neighbor's place goes up.