NEC code and Smoke Detectors

diverdaveman

I'm rewiring my house and according to the code I must install a smoke detector in each bedroom. Does the code explain where in the bedroom(s) to install them (next to entrance? so many feet from entrance?, etc)? Also, can I put all my smoke detectors on one breaker?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

gregzoll

They can be anywhere in the room (wall, ceiling), just do not put them next to heating vents where the airflow can interferre with them, or clog.

Speedy Petey

Also, do not place them closer than roughly 12" of a wall/ceiling corner. Smoke will "roll" the corners and not get to a smoke if it is 3" in the corner.

To clarify, this is NOT in the NEC. Smokes are covered in the building codes. Actual placement and requirements are dictated there. Some want a dedicated circuit, some want them on a lighting circuit, some don't care.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

ron schenker

Here in Ontario they must be hardwired, and interconnected on a seperate 15 amp breaker. There also must be a carbon monoxide detector on each floor. It's a good idea to have battery backup as well in the event of a power outage.

Clutchcargo

You need 1 smoke detector on each level + each bedroom gets one (that's not included in the 1 per level). Smokes don't need a dedicated circuit but they must all be on the same circuit and interconnected. Here in Massachusetts we also need CO detectors in the bedrooms.

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Speedy Petey

This is what I mean about different areas having different requirements.
The ONLY safe bet is to ask locally.

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

diverdaveman

I'm going tomorrow to our local government office to find out if there are any amendments to the NEC for our county. I'll post what I find out.

Thanks for the help,
Dave

gregzoll

Most cities have their codes online.

Speedy Petey

Yup. You can try here:
http://www.generalcode.com/webcode2.html

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Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

gregzoll

A even better one http://www.municode.com/Resources/OnlineLibrary.asp

RippySkippy

Our code is this:

Interconnected hard wired 15 amp.

In the bed room min of 24 inches from any wall, and must be mounted in the highest part of the ceiling (for those with trays)

One in the common area outside the bedroom.

One near the top of the stairwell if it's not the common place near the bed room.

One in the utility room, again inter-connected.