To: |
All Installers of Smoke Detectors |
From: |
Chief Dennis M. Annear |
Effective January 1, 2008 the requirements for the installation of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors has changed for all new one and two family dwellings or those undergoing substantial renovation.
Smoke Detectors:
1. All detectors must at a minimum be of the photo-electric type detector. A combination photoelectric/ionization detector may be used if it is not within 20 feet of a kitchen or a bathroom equipped with a tub, shower, jacuzzi or steam room. Note: the 20 feet is true lengths measured from the centerline of the smoke detector to the nearest edge, front face of the doorway separating the kitchen or bath from the area in which the smoke detector is located or in an open floor plan to the nearest edge of fixed smoke producing appliance (stove, oven broiler, etc.)
2. Common areas of two family dwellings require a smoke detector in all common basements, hallways or stairways. These shall be connected with a “listed compatible heat detector” containing a sounding device on each level of each dwelling.
3. New attached or integral garages now require a heat detector listed for the ambient environment be installed and connected to the dwellings smoke detectors or connected to a sounding device, located in the dwelling-proper and within 20’ of the nearest door to the garage in the dwelling-proper.
4. All alarm sounding appliances shall have a minimum rating of 85dBA @ 10’ and 75dBA at the pillow level in the sleeping areas.
5. When system is complete a 100% acceptance test in accordance with 780CMR5313 and NFPA 72 must be done and documented on attached form.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
1. Carbon monoxide detection shall either be listed 120V devices or shall be part of a listed low voltage combination system.
2. All detectors must be US2034 listed.
3. Not required to be interconnected to the required household fire alarms system but, where interconnection is desired, such carbon monoxide detectors shall be compatible with all interconnected fire detection devices and fire alarms shall have precedence over carbon monoxide alarms.
4. One carbon monoxide detector shall be installed on each story of a dwelling unit including basements and cellars. Detectors on floors with sleeping rooms must be within 10’ of each bedroom door.
. All alarm-sounding appliances shall have a minimum rating of 85dBA at 10 feet.
This memo is for information only and is not to be considered the code for acceptance. Questions should be confirmed by referring to the applicable codes 780CMR5313, NFPA 72, 527CMR12.00 and 31.00 as well as 248CMR.
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