Originally Posted By: jfunderburk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I inspected a new 2 story home today and the smoke detectors were not interconnected. Of course I wrote that up.
It got me to wondering when the IRC requirement (R313.1) came into being that mandated interconnectivity? For example, if I found that issue on a 5 year old home, should it be called out?
Originally Posted By: rpaul This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe,
If you were in NYS, the National Electrical Code is requiring Hardwired inconnected smoke detector on every level and in each sleeping room. If the area is accessible.
This is the new code coming into effect soon possibly on a national level. Right now NYS enforces the 1999 NEC. January 2007 will be the new updates.
I just did an inspection the other day. There was an addition put on it. The contractor was informed of this new standard by the CEO and Electrical Inspector.
Originally Posted By: wdecker This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe;
I make sure that I do NOT inspect for code. However, I also make clear that when dealing with issues of safety, I always measure against current safety standards IN SPITE of what building codes may say or allow.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
R313.2 Interconnection
In new construction, when more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will
activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.
Exception. In existing dwellings, and portions thereof, smoke alarms shall not be required to be interconnected
and hard wired unless:
1. An addition, or interior alterations or repairs to a space or spaces require a permit;
2. One or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings;
3. An unfinished attic, or portion of such attic, permits access to the ceiling or portion of the ceiling of the
story below;
4. An unfinished ceiling in a basement permits wiring of the basement area, or portion thereof; or,
5. An alarm may be installed in a space without the removal of interior surfaces.
Originally Posted By: jhagarty This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
wdecker wrote:
Joe;
I make sure that I do NOT inspect for code. However, I also make clear that when dealing with issues of safety, I always measure against current safety standards IN SPITE of what building codes may say or allow.
Hope this helps;
You are inspecting for code if you are referencing Standards and making recommendations.
Originally Posted By: jfunderburk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Then I’m totally confused.
Do we inspect for code when we point out balusters 8 inches apart and recommend 4 inches, or rails non-existant at > 30 inches off the ground? Do we inspect for code when we point out the lack of AFCI or GFCI and recommend that the issue be corrected by an electrician? Do we inspect for code when we point out flexible dryer ducts in a crawl space and reference IRC requirements for metal ducts??? Do we ispect for code when we call out non-tempered glass in a shower area? How about a mis-installed TPR valve, and recommending correction by a plumber?
I'm having a hard time distinguishing the difference between all those things (and hundreds more I could come up with) and a smoke detector. If someone can enlighten me, it is appreciated.
Originally Posted By: dmacy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In my opinion we dont perform code inspections but we need to know most of the codes.
I try to stay away from new construction inspections and I would think this is where you need to know the recent codes.
Since we are talking smoke detectors I was wondering how they are being tested? I only press the test button. Do you use a smoke test spray or some other method.
Originally Posted By: jfunderburk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
To test it…
1) I made sure the system was't wired to an alarm system.
2) I pushed the test button.
None of the other detectors activated when I pushed the button. I've done this before and had all the other alarms activate when the button was pressed on one.
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe;
That is probable because it was wired to an internal fire alarm system or alert system that is not normally installed in a residence of the standard size.
Most new homes have smoke alarms hard wired and are individually isolated from each other and can be tested individually.
My best recommendation would be to follow NACHI's SOP on code checks and code compliance.
Knowing the code is a plus, but when inspecting older homes, it is best to quote code compliance items that may come into play when the home gets renovated to about 10-15% of the value of the home, where most Towns and City's will recommend that it become Code Compliant.
Most homes in Maine have a smoke alarm directly outside the door of bedrooms, hallways, basementsand sometimes family rooms.
Most detectors are battery operated or hard wired on a dedicated circuit and labled as such in the electrical panel.
Bottom line is, we are Home Inspectors to establish the condition of the Home, and not Code Enforcement like some would like to be.
If Code Enforcement is your element of Inspection, become one, other than that, note what you see and report what is.
Consult with your AHJ, and in most cases, this will tell you what is required in most areas.
Hope this helps, I realize other States may differ.
