Critique my Kitchen Wiring Schematic

Jim Port

Some places here a building permit will trigger the need to upgrade the smoke alarms to current standards.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

stickboy1375

Even if it includes 'hardship' on the owner? I cant see how they can force you to rewire part of the house.

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Jim Port

Might be hard to claim hardship when they have money for an addition to be added to the house.

__________________
Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

patented

Guys, there is a provision in the code that says you must interconnect all the smoke alarms when doing a remodel...BUT...there is an exception that says if you have to remove drywall to do so, then you do NOT have to bring all the smoke alarms up to code (being interconnected and hard-wired).

I have actually already discussed this with the inspector, and he is OK with me NOT interconnecting all of the smoke detectors in the house.

stickboy1375

Think of this, you are making someone open up finished areas of a house, that could run in the thousands of dollars if not more, depending on the size of the house and difficulty of the upgrade... anyways... here is what the state of CT has to say about it...



(Amd) R313.1.1 Alterations and additions. When alterations or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire dwelling shall be provided with smoke detectors located as required for new dwellings. The smoke detectors shall have a power source in accordance with Section R313.2.
Exceptions:

1. The smoke detectors may be battery operated and are not required to be interconnected when other remodeling considerations do not require the removal of the appropriate wall and ceiling coverings to facilitate concealed interconnected wiring.

2. Alterations to the exterior surfaces of dwellings including, but not limited to, re-roofing, re-siding, window replacement and the construction of decks without roofs, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

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stickboy1375

Sorry to hikack the thread, we were just discussing requirements... not entirely directing the comments at your scenario.

Since a smoke is NOT required in the kitchen, why not just throw a battery operated smoke in the room off the kitchen? I wouldn't want that thing going off every time I cooked.

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herdfan

I noticed only 2 S3 switches. How many entrances are their to the kitchen. Can't really tell from the diagram.

Also, in keeping with Stickyboy's advice about running the 12/3 in case you need it later, have you thought about under and over cabinet lighting. Real easy to run those wires now vs later.

And he mentioned an instant hot water tap. Great idea. Wife resisted, but now loves hers.

In my sink base where the feed for the D/W comes in, it goes into a box with a receptacle. Leg goes out to the D/W and the disposal and instant hot plugged into the receptacle. Probably not code, but it's a 15-year old house.

stickboy1375

I like to install cords and receptacles for the disconnect means. Otherwise you're suppose to have breaker locks, i've yet to ever see one installed.

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stickboy1375

You know you're not required to have switches by the doors, right? its strictly a design issue. You could use the breakers if you felt so inclined to do so.

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diyer111

Ever thought about pendant lighting over the island for additional lighting options... so you do not have to have all of the recessed lights on when you are preparing a meal and only need an area of lighting? Also, when you put the smoke alarm on the lighting circuit, be sure that you do not install it on a SWITCHED wire.

patented

I have put the switches by the two "main" openings to the kitchen. The other openings are rooms that someone would have already had to have gone through the kitchen to get to.

Also, to go to one of the previous poster's points regarding "hardship," I do have money for the remodel, but not necessarily for a whole-house rewire and re-drywall. Luckily, the exception doesnt relate to "hardship" but rather to opening up walls. Interestingly, if I had an attic above the bedrooms, they would consider that easy enough to make you run the interconnected alarms.

stickboy1375

Pretty much what CT wants, get them where its readily accessible without disturbing the existing wall coverings... which seems fair to me, but still big brother too... that's our government, always making sure were safe as a bug in a rug.

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patented

In an effort to derail my own thread, I saw that First Alert has wireless "interconnected" alarms out now. They can be hardwired or battery operated. Anyone tried these as an alternative to the regular interconnected alarms?

stickboy1375

Yes, I use them often... comes in handy when a inspector insists a office is a bedroom and a smoke wasnt roughed in....

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Rochsolid

Why do you have GFI everywhere? In Canada's they are only required if you are within 1.5m o a sink. Also I would run 12/2 to my counter plugs, 20 amp breakers and split T receptacles