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08012002 BSC Agenda Item 6
• • City of West University Place*Texas Memo To: Building and Standard Commission From: Neslihan Bilir Tesno,Planning& Development Coordinator/Forester Date: July 30,2002 Re: Staff Recommendation for Docket 02-03 The applicant of Docket 02-03, 3812 Marlowe is requesting a variance to the International Fire Code that requires fire alarm systems to be connected to an 110volt system. The request for variance is to allow a low voltage interconnecting alarm system. Please see memorandum prepared by Terry Stevenson,Fire Chief, City of West University Place. concerning building and fire code regulations. If this variance request is granted staff in conjunction with Steve Ralls,Acting Fire Chief recommends the following conditions: 1) Annual inspection report of the fire alarm system by a licensed Fire Alarm Company or Technician must be submitted to the Fire Department. 2) This variance if granted will be a condition of the Certificate of Occupancy Staff finds that the BSC has the authority to grant this variance if they affirmatively find all of the following: (1) The imposition of the requirement imposes an exceptional hardship upon the applicant. It is the general intent of this section that financial cost, alone, would not ordinarily constitute an exceptional hardship. (2)No reasonable and feasible method or procedure is currently available to comply with the requirement. (3) The imposition of the requirement is unjustified because of good and sufficient cause demonstrated to the BSC. (4) The variance will not introduce or increase any threat to public health or safety. (5) The variance is consistent with the purpose and intent of the ordinance in question. (6) The variance will not cause a nuisance and will not unreasonably interfere with the use of nearby property. (7) The variance will not cause a fraud to be worked upon the public or any individual. (8) The variance will not cause an increase in public expenditures or budgets. (9) The variance will not create an irreconcilable conflict with any other ordinance, law, rule or regulation. 4 • 0 City of West University Place APPLICATION TO BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION STATE OF TEXAS ) ( TO THE HONORABLE LOT NO. /Z BUILDING AND STANDARDS COUNTY OF HARRIS) ( COMMISSION BLOCK NO. 7 ADDITION CotLECre L//nil 3 of #.97'041/11t4.4567445 Now comes . M 717/9 k... appellant / owner of the herein described 249.52— property, and affirms that on the j 5T, day ofi� 3 vC,ii , `he/'s h e applied - . to D CCu"), ' (cerfi--1 cc fie of ocayarly) at 3 S i 2... 1,4,441...owe on a lot SO feet by /Z.v feet, in the District, as shown to scale, with all existing structures on the attached staked survey and the Zoning Map of the City of West University Place, and to use the same as a leSip6,rr,At Ho lktG. The permit, however was denied upon the following grounds: 0 ) x,Le AVAA"f S rS7&' 4 •i�E w/pi Loc.,..) LJ o L.rAae 1.4...1/1-dN ` &fy(ch' IS fon./vh2CT -tea .4 No dew?-L✓.E/A.G gy s'Tctij /4 mairtr rry..'!`-.�-- �,• . F.-.�,.—..l ..wrrriJr...71,41/1�r a�'i� 7�' —___ �ri�.7sa/I/,^f�a—tea= .�—�—� -� _�.. _.__._ IT,Yi.�.r�....'� There, the appellant now appeals in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6, . -�, to t e Building and Standards Commission to grant the heretofore requested permit, variance or exception, and to permit him to use the completed premises as a X''S(Q,FNCe. for the following reasons: D Respectfully Submitted, 7/1-423.472a 7/3- 545-4-too --) Telephone Number JJ 1t )( 3(p131 p e io X 5‘z4-6,, HeQ.S7a�se 7 . 77Ae '�vi C, ie-�S ,Appellant&Owner Address 77,25g-6-Z4-45 AFFIDAVIT STATE OF TEXAS ) ( COUNTY OF HARRIS ) ( w t.1 Ail ` ,being duly sworn,deposes and says: I,the applicant named in this `— a ,li,satinv,hava r &th coi nts hereof, and all statements here contai -d are true and correct. ;00'124, ,, CARLOS A.LANDAVERDE 1 ( * -a►- *; NOTARY PUBLIC 1 iI/"�G 7�r STATE OF TEXAS 1 Applica 01 a�'A of&- My Comm.Exp.5-17-2005 ! •• Subscribed and sworn to before me this I day of Tu Kt 1'0 L`" LG4.-L- d(it,i emic- Notary Public in and for Harris county Texas it„.77---) Uji U2 -,)1 DATE FILED A. \` DOCKET NO. ,,, RECEIPT NO. 1 A' ".A E I E\I A D • t z. ECTi N H LOT LOT LOT 6 5/8" g _ 1.N.END. SCALE l,R.FND. 89'5700' �� L,T 1"= 20` -//— / ' i - t-f- 10,8' I 28.7' y0® ^� E� 9 1 ��SANITARY AND STORM SEWER£SM'T, 1.5 DEEP 6,000 LOT 12 di BASED RECORDING ENG FOUND OF RECORD 1,0' x1,0' ®,uu P " t. 1.5 DEEP AND MAP FROM CITY OF GROUND DRAIN TYPE UNIVERSITY PLACE. ii END FENCE 4). /4-977- 5.O 50 ...:_ o ID iv 8 WI OD FENCE 0 I\\ rb co 9 ° 21.3' tr ' 0. 1 I DEEP A. J ■LOT ci g a `� 1 DEEP 1.-x , ° LOT l ONLY 4 , 4 11 N C N p 40 DEEP co..• END FENCE / 40.0' O �h'• - • 2 5.0'—V 4). 5.0' t POS POST9 kh+ A, hL FIJD. P.lC� I r1 .�' °Lr0l i 50, ' 5/8" N,al(_ I.R.END. HARLotik, 57 "7- ('60 R O.W.) FLOW LINE OF . , . CURBLINE II OR IN TO CURB xtp 0P• All bearings based on recorded plat referenced hereon. This survey was prepared without the benefit of a Title Report and may not display all recorded easements. 1,3 I Lot Twelve (12), in Block Seven (7), of COLLEGEVIEW ADDITION, THIRD SUBDIVISION (3), PROPERTY an addition in Harris County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Volume 572, [DESCRIPTION k { Page 33 of the Deed Records of Harris County, Texas. ...,.....,. .... . ..."- yw. 2 ) 3812 Marlowe Street CUSTOMER Attar BuildersDoe5y Houston, 05 EI n exas 7/0 Texas According to the Federal Insurance Rate Maps, p ublished by the Federal Emergency Manauement Agency, the property - shown hereon lies in ZONE X, Not In the 100 Year Flood Hazard Area; Map No. 482010 0855 J, November 06, 1996. m 1 DATE 02-19-02 SCALE 1",.20` S1-jl_ I do hereby certify that the above property has been surveyed under �d. ,. - �:,".,.: -- -..,,,,, ;� ,.. my supervision, is true and correct, that the corners of the GF No, N/A JOB No. 20021235 property have been set, Ica as o I� ....� tiamd. or referenced, that the fir_...", �, • n abo x e properly has access to a deducted public roadway and APOLLO SURVEYING it 41 that there are no discrepancies or r i (281) 359-1 925 — FAX (2 t1) 359••3406 enc oachments unless shotivn and / 11 that this survey confo ms to the I Texas Society of Professional 'end t7 ... _, -� �����) hand Surveyors Standards. � 9 l)' - - GEZA VADASZ 1210 Hamblen Rd State 500- Kingwood,TX 77339 STATE OF TEXAS R.P.I.S.No. 1987 ttar • ullders P.O. Box 56246 • Houston, TX 77256-6246 (713) 623-6720 •Fax: (713) 623-6737 July 25,2002 BSC of The City of West University Place 3800 University Boulevard West University Place TX 77005 RE: REQUEST OF VARIANCE TO LOW VOLTAGE ALARM SYSTEM AT 3812 MARLOWE Dear BSC, The Drayton Corporation DBA Attar Builders,was previously approved for the installation of its fire alarm security system in three houses in the City of West University Place.After January 11,2001, Attar Builders started the new construction at 3812 Marlowe,it followed the previous construction procedures with respect to the fire alarm system.Attar Builders was under the understanding that all its subcontractors do comply with the required building codes.To our understanding the Universal Building Code was not enforceable at that time. Attar builders had a potential purchaser to the property and called in for final the building inspection.The inspection failed,because the Fire Marshall indicated that the fire alarm system wiring was not a 110-115 V wire.At this point we have the following comments: a- This was the first time Attar Builders is aware of Fire Marshall Inspection for Final Building Inspection b- Since Attar Builders was approved on previous similar installations,it does not believe it committed any violation. c- Attar Builders did not receive any documents, from the City of West University Place,with regard to the fire Marshall inspection nor the compliance with the with the UBC,as far as the fire alarm system enforcement is concerned. d- Attar builders had three houses wired with the same procedure and have never failed any fire alarm inspection before this. e- Our application with regards to Sec.6.205.Variances,includes the following answers: 1- There was no section number nor a paragraph indicated on the inspectors report.Based on the particular requirement,cited by section and paragraph number from which a variance is sought. 2- Attar Builders is facing a hardship imposed by the requirement,as it lost its potential buyer and is not able to obtain an occupancy approval.Not to mention the financial losses this builder may be facing as long as he is not able to sell this spec.home. 3- The electrical subcontractor will explain his position as far as the effect of the presently installed system versus any proposed condition,alternative method or procedure to be followed in lieu of the requirement. 4- Attar Builders Believe the installed Fire Alarm System is efficient and should have no effect upon the City as a whole and upon nearby residents and properties. 5- If the system to be replaced with hard wire,the estimated cost of complying with requirement is not less than$8,000. 6- Attar Builders is not aware of Other items required by the Building Official or the BSC Please,advise if you have further questions Sincerely, ATTAR BUILDERS • • CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE MEMORANDUM TO: Dennis Mack, Building Official ,�- FROM: Te rry Stevenson, Fire Chief / '— DATE: June 26, 2002 SUBJ: Residential Fire Protection Systems This letter outlines the minimum requirements for residential fire protection systems for new construction in West University Place. 2000 International Residential Code RR317.1 Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room. 2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. 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. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72. { RR317.2 Power source.• In new construction, the required site alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over current protection. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by RR317.1.1. The following sections are from the 2000 International Building Code and are included for information only to show that the requirements are consistent throughout the codes. The 2000 International Residential Code requirements will apply to detached single family dwellings and townhouses. 907.2.10.1.2—Single or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Group R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1, regardless of occupant load at all of the following locations: 1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. 2. In each room used for sleeping purposes. 3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and attics. 907.2.10.2—In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for over current protection. 907.2.10.3 —Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in Group R-2, R-3 or R-4, or within an individual guestroom or suite in Group R-1, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Chapter 8 of NFPA 72 Chapter 8 requires smoke alarms to be installed outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. In new construction, smoke alarms are also required in every sleeping room. Detectors must be 120 vac powered with a battery backup in new construction. Low voltage systems do not meet these requirements and cannot be used as a replacement. Low voltage systems may be installed as an additional system as long as the primary system meets the Building Code requirements. Fire Department inspectors will not sign off on the final inspection for a dwelling that does not meet these requirements. 6 0 ( CQ l A:C1 C3CJ C S 907.2.8—907.2.10.1.3 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 907.2.8 Group R-1. A manual fire alarm system and an that meets the notification requirements of automatic fire detection system shall be installed in Group Section 907.9.2. R-1 occupancies. 1$ 907.2.10 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. Exceptions: Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be "x 1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in installed in accordance with the provisions of this code buildings not over two stories in height where all and the household fire-warning equipment provisions of individual guestrooms and contiguous attic and NFPA 72. crawl spaces are,separated from each other and public or common areas,by at least 1-hour fire 907.2.10.1 Where required.Single-or multiple-station partitions and each individual guestroom has an smoke alarms shall be installed in the locations exit directly to a public way,exit court or yard. described in Sections 9072.10.1.1 through 907.2.10.1.4. I y 2. An automatic fire detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors 907.2.10.1.1 Group R-1.Single-or multiple-station s serving guestrooms and where guestrooms have a smoke alarms shall be installed in all of the follow- 0 means of egress door opening directly to an exteri- ing locations in Group R-1: i_; or exit access that leads directly to the exits. 1. In sleeping areas. r _ 3. A separate fire alarm system is not required in buildings that are equipped throughout with an 2. In every room in the path of the means of . approved supervised automatic sprinkler system egress from the sleeping area to the door lead- 4`;` :- and which have a local fire alarm that meets the ing from the guestroom or suite. notification requirements of Section 907.9.2. 3. In each story within the guestroom or suite, including basements.For guestrooms or suites - 907.2.8.1'Fire detection system.System smoke detec- with split levels and without an intervening r ' tors are not required in guestrooms provided that the door between the adjacent levels, a smoke single-station smoke alarms required by Section alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice 907.2.10 are connected to the emergency electrical sys- for the adjacent lower level provided that the 1 tern and are annunciated by guestroom at a constantly lower level is less than one full story below ,_ attended location from which the fire alarm system is the upper level. capable of being manually activated. 907.2.10.1.2 Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and l k 907.29 Group R-2.A fire alarm system shall be installed Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be in Group R-2 occupancies where: A p P installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R 47, and I-1,regardless of occupant load at all of the foI 1. Any dwelling unit is located three or more stories lowing locations: t_` t above the lowest level of exit discharge; 5 ?4� 2. Any dwelling unit is located more than one story 1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate Q1.° below the highest level.of exit discharge of exits sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of beds" serving the dwelling unit; or rooms. * 2. In each room used for sleeping purposes. 'wife 3. The building contains more than 16 dwelling units. z�.:4ad; 3. In each story within a dwelling unit,including vk Exceptions: ' basements and cellars but not including crawl 1. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwelings3 not over two stories in height where all dwelling or dwelling units with split levels and without units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are an intervening door between the adjacent e separated from each other and public or common els,a smoke alarm installed on the upper . vel - areas by at least 1-hour fire partitions and each shall suffice for the adjacent lower level pray dwelling unit has an exit directly to a public way, vided that the lower level is less than one full exit court or yard. story below the upper level. 2. A separate fire alarm system is not required in 4 1 buildings that are equipped throughout with an 907.2.10.1.3 Group I-1 Single- or multiple-statioxir approved,supervised automatic sprinkler system smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained Sri installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or sleeping areas in occupancies in Group I-1. Singl*r Section 903.3.1.2 and which have a local alarm or multiple-station smoke alarms shall not:: LX 192 2000 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING COD l • • FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 907.2.10.1.4-907.2.11.2 required where the building is equipped throughout 2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required with an automatic fire detection system in accor- to be interconnected where alterations or repairs dance with.Section 907.2.6. regulated by Section 907.2.10.1.4 do not result in 907.2.10.1.4 Additions, alterations or repairs to the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, Group R.Where an addition,alteration or repair to crawl space or basement available which could an individual dwelling unit or guestroom in Group provide access for interconnection without the R requires a permit,smoke alarms shall be installed removal of interior finishes: within that individual dwelling unit or guestroom in accordance with this section. Where one or more 907.210.4 Acceptance testing. When the installation sleeping rooms are added orr created in an existing of the alarm devices is complete, each detector and Group R,smoke alarms shall be installed in accor- interconnecting; wiring for multiple-station alarm dance with this section. ' devices shall be tested in:accordance with the house- Exception: Repairs to the exterior surfaces of hold fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72. occupancies in Group -R are exempt from the 907.211 Special" nniiseineit''buildings. An approved requirements,of this section. automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in 907:210.2 Power source. In new construction, special amusement buildings in accordance with this sec- required smoke alarms` shall receive their primary tion. power from the building wiring where such wiring is Exception: I n areas where ambient conditions will served from a commercial source and shall be equipped cause a smoke detection system to alarm,an approved with a battery backup. Smoke alarms shall emit a sig- alternative type of automatic detector.shall be installed. nal when the batteries are.low.Wiring shall be perma- nent:and without a disconnecting,switch other than as 907.2.11.1 Alarm. Activation of any single smoke required for overcurrent protection. detector, the automatic sprinkler system or any other Exceptions: automatic fire detection device .shall immediately • 1. Smoke alarms are not required to be equipped sound an alarm at the building at a constantly attended with battery backup in Group R-1 where they are location from which emergency action can be initiated, connected to an emergency electrical system. including the capability of manual initiation of require- 2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery ments in Section 907.2.11.2. operated in existing buildings, buildings not 907.211.2 System response:The activation of.two or _ w..:.,se ecLfr a.a,.commercial.power.source and in more smoke detectors a single smoke detector with existing areas where alterations or repairs regu- alarm verification, the automatic sprinkler system or lated by Section 907.2.10.1.4 do not result m the removal `of interior wall or ceiling finishes other approved fire detection device shall automatically: exposing the structure,unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could 1. Cause illumination of the means of egress with provide access for building wiring without the light of not less than 1 foot-candle(11 lux)at the removal of interior finishes. walking surface level; 2. Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and 907.2.103 Interconnection. Where more than one visual distractions; and smoke alarm is required to be installed within an indi- . vidual dwelling unit in Group R-2,R-3 or R-4,or with- 3. Activate an approved directional exit marking in an individual guestroom or suite in Group R-1,the that will become apparent in an emergency. smoke alarms shall"be interconnected in such a manner Such system response shall also include activation that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the of a prerecorded message, clearly audible throughout alarms in the individual unit.The alarm shall be clear- the special amusement building,instructing patrons to ly audible in all b edrooms over background noise ley- proceed to the nearest exit.Alarm signals used in con- els with all intervening doors closed. junction with the prerecorded message shall produce a sound which is distinctive from other sounds used dur- Exceptions: ing normal operation. 1. Smoke alarms that are permitted to be solely bat- The wiring to the auxiliary devices and equipment tery operated in accordance with Section used to accomplish the above fire safety functions shall 907.2.10.2 are not required to be interconnected. be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72. 2000 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® 193 BUILDING PLANNING • R c ., de,,4., c.c.( • R314.6-R317.1.1 tread having a 71/2-inch (190 mm) minimum tread width at SECTION R316 12 inches.(305 mm)from the narrow edge.All treads shall be GUARDS identical, and the rise shall be no more than 91/2 inches R316.1 Guards required. Porches, balconies or.raised floor (241 mm).A minimum headroom of 6 feet,6 inches(1982 mm) shall be provided. surfaces located more than 30 inches(762 mm)above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches R314.6 Circular stairways. Circular stairways shall have a (914 mm)in height.Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more tread depth at a point not more than 12 inches(305 mm)from than 30 inches(762 mm)'above the floor or grade below shall the side where the treads are narrower of not less than 11 inches have guards not less than 34 inches(861.mm)in height mea- (279 mm)and the minimum depth of_any,tread shall not be less sured vertically from the nosing of the treads. than 6 inches(152 mm).Tread depth at any walking line,mea- R316.2 Guard opening limitations.Required guards on open sured a consistent distance from a side of the stairway,shall be sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches uniform as specified in Section R314.2. shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not • allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm)•in diameter. R314.7 Illumination.All stairs shall be provided with illumi- Required guards shall not be constructed with horizontal rails nation in accordance with Section R303.4. or*other.ornamental pattern that results in a ladder effect. R314.8 Under stair protection. Enclosed accessible space Exception: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway under stairs shall have walls,under 1/2-inch surface and any soffits are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches protected on the enclosed side with /2-inch(12.7 mm)gypsum (152 mm)cannot pass through. board. R314.9 Bulkhead enclosure stairways. Stairways serving SECTION R317 bulkhead enclosures not part of the required building egress SMOKE ALARMS and providing access from the outside grade level to the base- ment shall be exempt from the requirements'of Sections R312, R317.1 Single-and meItipl`e-stataon"smoke alarms.Single- R314 and R315 when the maximum height from the basement and multiple-station smoke alarms shall,he_installed in the finished floor level to grade adjacent to the stairway is covered following locations: by a bulkhead enclosure with hinged doors or other approved .1. In each sleeping room. ' means. 2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity.of the bedrooms. 3. On each additional story of the dwelling,including base- ments and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.In dwellings-or dwelling units with SECTION R315 split levels and without an intervening door between the HANDRAILS adjacent levels,a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for theadjacent lower level provided that the R315.1 Handrails.Handrails having minimum and maximum lower level is less than one full story below the upper heights of 34 inches and 38 inches(864 mm and 965 mm),re- level. spectively,measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed shall be provided on at least one side of stairways.All required within an individual dwelling unit thealarm devices shall be in- handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs with terconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm two or more risers from a point directly above the top riser of a will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.The alarm flight to a point directly above the lowest riser of the flight. shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise ' Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safe- levels with all intervening doors closed. ty terminals.Handrails adjacent to a wall,shall have a space of not less than 1.5 inch es(38 mm)between the wall and the hand- All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance rail. with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72. Exceptions: R317.1.1 Alterations,repairs and additions.When interi- or alterations,repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, 1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn. or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings,the individual dwelling unit shall be pro- 2. The use of a volute,turnout or starting easing shall be vided with smoke alarms located as required for new dwell- allowed over the lowest tread. ings; the smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard wired. R315.2 Handrail grip size.The handgrip portion of handrails shall have a circular cross section of 11/4 inches(32 mm)mini- Exceptions: mum to 25/8 inches(67 mm)maximum.Other handrail shapes 1. Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required that provide an equivalent grasping surface are permissible. to be interconnected and hard wired where the alter- Edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 inch(3.2 mm). ations or repairs do not result in the removal of 2000 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE' 49 R3 i7.2-R319.1 . BUILDING PLANNING interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the struc- ported by blocking or tongue-and-groove joints.The smoke-i ture,unless there is an attic,crawl space,or basement developed rating shall not be limited. available which could provide access for hard wiring R318.2.3 Attics and crawlspaces.Within attics and crawl- and interconnection without the removal of interior spaces where entry is made only for service of utilities,foam finishes. plastics shall be protected against ignition by 11/2-inch-thick 2. Repairs to the exterior surfaces of dwellings are (38 mm) mineral fiber insulation, 1/4-inch-thick (6.4 nun) exempt from the requirements of this section. wood structural panels, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) particleboard, R317.2 Power source. In new construction, the required 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) hardboard, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) gypsum smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the build- board,or corrosion resistant steel having a base metal thicic- ing wiring when such wiring is served.from:.a commercial ness'of 0.016 inch(0A06 mm). source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive R318.2.4 Foam-filled doors.Foam-filled doors are exempt power from a battery.Wiring shall be permanent and without a from the requirements of Section R318.1. disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.Smoke alarms shall:be.permitted.to be battery open- more than Siding backer board.thickness plastic board of not ated when installed in buildings without commercial power or more than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) thickness may be used as in buildings that undergo alterations,repairs or additions regu- siding backer board when separated from interior spaces by lated by Section R317.1.1. not less than 2 inches(51 mm)of mineral fiber insulation or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or installed over existing exterior wall finish in conjunction with re-siding, providing the plastic board does not have a potential heat of SECTION R318 more than 2,000 Btu per square foot(22 720 kJ/m2)when FOAM PLASTIC tested in accordance with NFPA 259. R318.1 General.The provisions of this section shall govern R318.2.6Interiortrim.Foamplastictrimdefinedaspicture the requirements and uses of foam plastic insulation. molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails, ceiling beams, door trim and window trim may be installed,provided: R318.1.1 Surface burning characteristics.Except where 1. The minimum density is 20 pounds per cubic foot otherwise noted in Section R318.2,all foam plastic or foam (3.14 kg/m3). plastic cores in manufactured assemblies used in building 2. The maximum thickness of the trim is 0.5 inch,' construction shall have a flame-spread rating of not more (12.7 mm) and the maximum width is 4 inches. than 75 and shall have a smoke-developed rating of not more (102 mm). than 450 when tested in the maximum thickness intended for 3. The trim constitutes no more than 10 percent of the area use in accordance with ASTM E 84. of any wall or ceiling. R318.1.2 Thermal barrier. Foam plastic, except where 4. The flame-spread rating does not exceed 75 when otherwise noted, shall be separated from the interior of a tested per ASTM E 84.The smoke-developed rating is building by minimum 1/2 inch(12.7 mm)gypsum board or not limited. an approved finish material equivalentto athermarbarnerto R318.3 Specific approval. Plastic foam not meeting the re- limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface quirements of Sections R318.1 and R318.2 may be specifically to no more than 250°F(121°C)after 15 minutes of fire expo- approved on the basis of one of the following approved tests: sure to the ASTM E 119 standard time temperature curve. ASTM E 84,FM 4880,UL 1040,ASTM E 152,or UL 1715,or The gypsum board shall be installed using a mechanical fire tests related to actual end-use configurations.The specific fastening system in accordance with Section R702.3.5. approval may be based on the end use quantity,location and Reliance on adhesives to ensure that the gypsum board will similar considerations where such tests would not be applicable remain in place when exposed to fire shall be prohibited. or.practical. R318.2 Specific requirements. The following requirements R318.4 Interior finish.Foam plastics that are used as interior shall apply to all uses of foam plastic unless specifically finish shall also meet the flame-spread requirements for approved in accordance with Section R318.3 or by other interior finish. sections of the code. R318.5 Termite damage.The use of foam plastics in areas of R318.2.1 Masonry or concrete construction.Foam plas- "very heavy"termite infestation probability shall be in accor- tics may be used without the thermal barrier described in dance with Section R324.4. Section R318.1 when the foam plastic is protected by a mini- mum 1-inch (25.4 mm)thickness of masonry or concrete. SECTION R319 R318.2.2 Roofing. Foam plastic may be used in a roof- FLAME SPREAD AND SMOKE DENSITY covering assembly without the thermal barrier when the R319.1 Wall and ceiling.Wall and ceiling finishes shall have a foam is separated from the interior of the building by wood structural panel sheathing in accordance with Section R803, flame spread classification of not greater than 200. not less than 15/32 inch(11.9 mm)in thickness bonded with Exception: Flame-spread requirements for finishes shall exterior glue and identified as Exposure 1, with edge sup- not apply to trim defined as picture molds, chair rails, 50 2000 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE National Fire Codes ® On* Copyright CO NFPA, All Rights Reseed Page 1 of 7 • Chapter 8 Fire Warning Equipment for Dwelling Units 8-1* Primary Function. Fire warning equipment for dwelling units shall provide a reliable means to notify the occupants of a dwelling unit of the presence of a threatening fire and the need to escape to a place of safety before such escape might be impeded by untenable conditions in the normal path of egress. 871...1.* Limitations. 8-1..1.1. Life safety from fire in residential occupancies shall be based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or too young, or physically or mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue shall be necessary. ;..: 8-1.1.2* The performance of fire warning equipment for dwelling units discussed in Chapter.8 shall depend on such equipment being properly selected, installed, operated, tested, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this code and with the manufacturer's instructions provided with •- the equipment. 8-1.2 Performance Criteria. Sufficient initiating devices shall be installed within the dwelling unit so that their operation provides adequate egress time before the occurrence of untenable conditions at any point along the normal path of egress for all design fire scenarios specified in applicable codes and any . supplementary fire scenarios specified by the authority having jurisdiction. 8-1.2.2* Fire warning equipment for dwelling units shall provide a sound that is audible in all occupiable dwelling areas. Audible fire alarm signals shall meet the performance requirements of 4-3.4. If the dwelling unit is occupied by people with hearing deficiencies, visible appliances shall be provided in all dwelling areas to meet the requirements of Section 44. : -.-a 8-1..2.3* Newly installed fire warning equipment for dwelling units (including self-contained devices) shall produce the audible emergency signal described in ANSI S3.41,Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal,whenever the intended response is to evacuate the building. The same audible signal shall be — permitted to be used for other devices as long as the desired response is immediate evacuation. Exception: Fire warning equipment that is installed in accordance with provisions of this chapter in other than dwelling units, unless required by another chapter. 8-1.2.4* Location of initiating devices shall consider conditions such as high or low temperature, humidity, or sources of smoke that can lead to nuisance alarms. http://www(nfpe.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&sub=1&default=fals 06/25/2002 National Fire Codes ® Onli. Copyright©NFPA, All Rights Relied Page 2 of 7 8-1.3 Verification Methods. The following methods of verifying compliance with the performance criteria of 8.-_1.2 shall be permitted. Other methods permitted by the authority having jurisdiction shall be accepted if appropriate. 8-1.3.1 Calculation of detector activation times for all fire scenarios shall demonstrate that sufficient time is provided to allow for successful escape of all occupants. 8-1.3.2 Calculation of sound distribution or light intensity levels, or both, shall demonstrate compliance with the performance criteria of 8-1.2.2. 8-1.3.3 Timing the signal to determine that it meets the required temporal pattern shall be permitted. 8-1.4 Acceptable Solutions. Equipment and installations that comply with 8-1.4.1 through 8-1.4.4 shall be considered one way of meeting the performance criteria of 8 71.2. Other means judged by the authority having jurisdiction as providing equivalent performance shall be permitted. 8-1,44*. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms located in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, for the applicable occupancy classification of the building shall be considered in compliance with these requirements. -. 8-1.4.1.1. New Hotels and Dormitories. 8-1.4.1..1.1 Detection. 8-1.4.1.1.2 A corridor smoke detection system in accordance with Section 7-6 of NFPA_10/.shall be provided. (101:16-3.4.4.1) Exception: Buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system - installed in accordance with 16-3.5.1 of NFPA 10.1. (101:16-3.4.4.1) 8-1.4.1.1.3 An approved, single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA_ 1()1 in every guest room and every living area and sleeping room within a guest suite. (101:16- 3.4.4.2) 8-1.4.1.2 Existing Hotels and Dormitories. 8-1.4.1.2.1. Detection. 8-1.4.1.2.2 An approved, single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA... 101 in every guest room and every living area and sleeping room within a guest suite. (101:17- 3.4.4.2) Exception No. 1: These alarms shall not be required to be interconnected. (101:17-3.4.4.2) http://www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&sub=1&default=fals 06/25/2002 National Fire Codes ® Onlie Copyright © NFPA, All Rights Relied Page 3 of 7 Exception No. 2: Single-station smoke alarms without a secondary (standby)power source shall be permitted. (101:17-3.4.4.2) 8-1.4.1.3 New Apartment Buildings. 8-1.4.1.3.1 Detection. 8-1.4.1.3.2 Approved, single-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA /01 outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on all levels of the dwelling unit including basements. (101:18-3.4.4.1) 8-1.4.1.3.3 Approved, single-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA 101 in every sleeping room. (101:18-3.4.4.2) Exception: In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 18-3.5 of NFPA !01. (101:18-3.4.4.2) 8-1.4.1.4 Existing Apartment Buildings. 8-1.4.1.4.1 Detection. 8-1.4.1.4.2 y Approved, single-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA 101_outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on all levels of the dwelling unit including basements. (101:19-3.4.4.1) Exception No. 1: The single-station smoke alarm shall not be required where the building is equipped throughout with an existing total automatic smoke detection system. (101:19-3.4.4.1) Exception No. 2: Single-station smoke alarms without a secondary (standby)power source shall be permitted. (101:19-3.4.4.1) 8-1.4.1.4.3 In buildings using Option 2, a complete automatic fire detection system in accordance with 7-6.1.4 of NFPA 101 shall be required. (101:19-3.4.4.2) 8-1.4.1.5 Lodging or Rooming Houses. 8-1.4.1.5.1 Detection. 8-1.4.1.5.2 Approved single-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA /01 in every sleeping room. Exception No. 1: These detectors shall not be required to be interconnected. (101:20-3.3.4) Exception No. 2: Existing battery powered smoke alarms, rather than house electric powered - smoke alarms, shall be permitted where the facility has demonstrated to the authority having jurisdiction that the testing, maintenance, and battery replacement programs will ensure reliability of power to the smoke alarms. (101:30-3.3.4) 8-1.4.1.6 One- and Two-Family Dwellings. 8-1.4.1.6.1 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. http://www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&sub=1&default=fals 06/25/2002 �. National Fire Codes ® Onli� Copyright CO NFPA, All Rights Resed Page 4 of 7 8-1.4.1.6.2 Approved, single-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with 7-6.2.10 of NFPA 10/ in the following locations: (1) All sleeping rooms Exception: Smoke alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing construction. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms (3) On each additional story of the dwelling unit including basements (101:21-3.3.1) Exception No. 1: Dwelling units protected by an approved smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 7-6 of N,:PA.._101, having an approved means of occupant notification. Exception No. 2: In existing construction, approved smoke alarms powered by batteries shall be permitted. 8-1.4.2: Initiating devices shall be located in areas where ambient conditions are within the limits specified by the manufacturer, and smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall not be closer than 3 ft (1 m) from the door to a bathroom or kitchen. Smoke alarms or smoke detectors that are located within 20 ft (6.1 m) of a cooking appliance and are equipped with an alarm silencing means or are of the photoelectric type shall be considered acceptable. 8-1.4.3 Smoke alarms conforming to the requirements of ANSI/UL 217, Standard for Safety Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms, or smoke detectors conforming to ANSI/UL 268, Standard for Safety Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems, shall be considered acceptable. Visible signaling appliances shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/UL 1971, Signaling Devices for Hearing Impaired. Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be capable of detecting abnormal quantities of smoke and shall alarm prior to a gray smoke level of 4 percent per ft (0.58 dB/m optical density) that can occur in a dwelling unit. Visible notification appliances located on the ceiling over the bed and within 16 ft of a sleeping occupant shall have a light output rating of at least 177 cd. Where a visible notification appliance in a sleeping room is mounted more than 24 in. (610 mm) below the ceiling and within 16 ft of the pillow, a minimum rating of 110 cd shall be — permitted. 8-1.4.4 - Smoke detectors shall be connected to central controls for power, signal processing, and activation of notification appliances. Smoke alarms shall not be interconnected in numbers that exceed the - manufacturer's recommendations, but in no case shall more than 18 initiating devices be -w interconnected (of which 12 can be smoke alarms) where the interconnecting means is not supervised, nor more than 64 initiating devices be interconnected (of which 42 can be smoke alarms) where the interconnecting means is supervised. 8-2 Optional Functions. .- The following optional functions of fire warning equipment for dwelling units shall be permitted: (1) Notification of the fire department, either directly or through an alarm monitoring service (2) Monitoring of other safety systems, such as fire sprinklers for proper operating conditions (3) Notification of occupants or others of potentially dangerous conditions, such as the presence ;m of fuel gases or toxic gases such as carbon monoxide -- http://www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&sub=1&default=fals 06/25/2002 National Fire Codes ® On, Copyright©NFPA, All Rights Reseed Page 5 of 7 (4) Notification of occupants or others of the activation of intrusion(burglar alarm) sensors (5) Any other function, safety related or not, that may share components or wiring 8-2.1. Performance Criteria. 8-2.1..1.* If designed and installed to perform additional functions, fire warning equipment for dwelling units shall operate reliably and without compromise to its primary functions. 8-2.1.2 Fire signals shall take precedence over any other signal or functions, even if a non-fire signal is activated first. 8-2.1.3 Signals shall be distinctive so that a fire signal can be easily distinguished from signals that require different actions by the occupants. 8-2.1.4 Faults in other systems or components shall not affect the operation of the fire warning system. 8-2.2 Verification Methods. 8-2.2..1 The following methods of verifying compliance with the performance criteria of 8-2.1 shall be ;w permitted. Other methods permitted by the authority having jurisdiction shall be accepted if appropriate. 8-2.2.2 Equipment designed and installed such that the required operation is obtained shall be considered acceptable. 8-2.3 Acceptable Solutions. 8-2.3.1. Equipment and installations that comply with the following shall be considered one way of meeting the performance criteria of 8-2.1. Other means judged by the authority having jurisdiction as providing equivalent performance shall be permitted. 8-2.3.2 Fire warning equipment for dwelling units listed for the functions and combinations stated shall be considered acceptable when judged by the authority having jurisdiction as providing equivalent performance. 8-3 Reliability. 8-3.1 Fire warning systems located in dwelling units and having all of the following features shall be •° considered to have a functional reliability of 95 percent: (1) Utilizes a control panel (2) Has at least two independent sources of operating power http://www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&sub=1&default=fals 06/25/2002 • National Fire Codes ® On,- Copyright©NFPA, All Rights Reed Page 6 of 7 (3) Monitors all initiating and notification circuits for integrity (4) Transmits alarm signals to a constantly attended, remote monitoring location (5) Is tested regularly by the homeowner and at least every 3 years by a qualified service technician 8-3.2 Fire warning systems for dwelling units with all of the features of 8-3.1 except (4) or systems that use low-power wireless transmission from initiating devices within the dwelling units shall be considered to have a functional reliability of 90 percent. 8-3.3 Fire warning systems for dwelling units comprised of interconnected smoke alarms where the interconnecting means is monitored for integrity shall be considered to have a functional reliability of 88 percent. If the interconnecting means is not supervised or the alarms are not interconnected, such systems shall be considered to have a functional reliability of 85 percent. 8-3.4* Fire warning equipment for dwelling units shall be provided with a convenient means for testing its operability by the homeowner. 8-3.5 Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, smoke alarms installed in accordance with Chapters 18, 19, or 21 of NFPA 101,Life Safety Code, shall be replaced when they fail to respond to tests conducted in accordance with 8-3.4 but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of installation. 8-4 Performance Criteria. 8-4.1. The two independent power sources shall consist of a primary source that uses the commercial light and power source and a secondary source that consists of a rechargeable battery or standby generator that can operate the system for at least 24 hours in the normal condition followed by 4 minutes of alarm. --•. 8-4.2 All monitored circuits shall indicate with a distinctive trouble signal the occurrence of a single fault (open or unintentional ground), whether or not such fault affects the system's operation. Circuits interconnecting multiple station alarms shall not be required to be monitored provided a fault does not prevent an alarm signal from the detector that senses the abnormal condition. 8-4.3 Supervising Stations. 8-4.3.1 Means to transmit alarm signals to a constantly attended,remote monitoring location shall perform as described in Clapter.._5 except that the DACT serving the protected premises only requires a single telephone line and only requires a call to a single DACR number. DACT test signals shall be transmitted at least monthly. Such systems shall not be required to be certificated or placarded. 84.3.2* .. ..... ..... ....... Remote monitoring locations shall be permitted to verify residential alarm signals prior to reporting http;//www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-4842Mrc„h-1 R.-dpfa„1+—c0 1, nK 1,)c nry, National Fire Codes ® Onl Copyright © NFPA, All Rights Relied Page 7 of 7 them to the fire service provided that the verification process does not delay the reporting by more than 90 seconds. 8-4.4 Low-power wireless systems shall comply with the performance criteria of Section 3-10. --- 8-4.5 Smoke alarms shall be powered from the commercial light and power source along with a secondary battery source that is capable of operating the device for at least 7 days in the normal condition followed by 4 minutes of alarm. Alternatively, smoke alarms shall be powered by a non- replaceable primary battery that is capable of operating the device for at least 10 years followed by 4 minutes of alarm, followed by 7 days of trouble. 8-4.6 Smoke alarms powered by a primary battery capable of operating the device for at least 1 year in the normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm, followed by at least 7 days of trouble, shall be used only if specifically permitted. 8-4.7 Verification Methods. The following methods of verifying compliance with the performance criteria of Section 8-4 shall be permitted. Other methods permitted by the authority having jurisdiction shall be accepted if appropriate. 8-4.7.1 Engineering analysis such as fault tree analysis (FTA) or failure modes and effects criticality analysis (FMECA) shall be acceptable methods of determining equipment reliability. 8-4.7.2 Equipment designed and installed such that the required operation is obtained shall be considered acceptable. :- 8-4.8 Acceptable Solutions. 8-4.8.1 Equipment and installations that comply with 8-4.8..2 shall be considered one way of meeting the performance criteria of Section 8-4. Other means judged by the authority having jurisdiction as providing equivalent performance shall be permitted. 8-4.8.2 Equipment listed and approved to standards that verify the required performance such as ANSI/UL 985, Standard for Safety Household Fire Warning Control Units; ANSI/UL 217, Standard for Safety Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms; or ANSI/UL 268, Standard for Safety Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems, shall be considered acceptable. NEXT CHAPTER http://www.nfpa.org/codesonline/document.asp?actio.../codes-48428&suh=1&defa„lt=fa1c nti7sI?nn? FAQ on NFPA 72 • • Page 3 of 4 Fnvicutcu Niciii1aca C1.1 JuLA_AJI uai,i uic auFci UULica w a i,clICicii station. In this latter arrangement, either the listed fire alarm service-local company, or the listed central station must provide the runner service. Typically, the listed central station provides the four elements at the supervising station and subcontracts one or more of the elements at the protected premises. Most commonly, the central station subcontracts part of the installation—notably the installation of waterfiow alarm and sprinkler supervisory devices. The central station subcontracts these to a sprinkler system contractor. The central station does provide all the other elements at the protected premises. Many fire alarm system installers connect protected premises fire alarm systems to a location remote from the protected premises that monitors signals. Relatively few such arrangements meet the requirements of Section 5-2 and should not be,called "central station service.",Only Only service that incorporates:all eight elements ntrat of ce station service a 3 a ni''UlSe thesys�`tem In accordance wit #ale r'`egwrere f nts of :g.00 *: `,S4('74lt* 5`al1ti S °central station service Q: Is there a requirement:to reduce the spacing for smoke detectors for high ceilings? \ Smoke detectors:are evaluated by testing fabSpri ceilings'that are aobut 16 feet hj jh: However the Code.permits a spacing of 3Q feet to be•used as a guide_When a ceiling over 1(}is encountered, Section 5-1.4.5 of NFPA 72 requires the system designer to consider the effects of stratification. This section applies to both smoke and heat detectors.Table 5-2.4.1.2 requires heat detector spacing to be corrected for high ceilings, and can be used as a guide for smoke detectors. Additionally,where ceilings are over 16 feet, the designer should consider alternate methods of detection, such as projected beam smoke detectors. This type of detection is not only easier to install and more sensitive, but also would reduce maintenance liability. Q: What qualifications must service personnel possess in order to test and maintain fire alarm systems? A: Section 7-1.2.2 of NFPA 72 requires service personnel to be qualified and experienced in the serving of fire alarm systems. This section provides examples but does not limit the user to any specific requirements. The examples are as follows: • Factory trained and certified. • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies fire alarm certified. • International Municipal Signal Association fire alarm certified. • Certified by a state or local authority. • Trained and qualified personnel employed by an organization listed by a national testing laboratory for the servicing of fire alarm systems. Similar requirements exist in Chapter 1 for system designers and installers. 0: Where must smoke alarms be installed in dwellings? A: Chapter 8 of NFPA 72 requires smoke alarms to be installed outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. In new construction, smoke alarms are also required in every sleeping room. Detectors must be 120 vac powered with battery backup in new construction, but may be battery powered in existing construction. Q: Do dwelling smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years? Does this apply to commercial stvste,m nowered detectnrs? httrs•//xxrxnxxm nfrva nrrr/fnllnc/TntArrvrr.totinnc/T-+A(Y7')/T.A(Y7') i int i�nnn FAQ on NFPA 72 • • Page 4 of A: Section 8-3.5 of NFPA 72 now requires all single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms to be replaced every ten years. This is because buildup of grease and dust insect infestations, and normal failure rates dictate replacement. This requirement does not appl to system powered smoke detectors that are commonly found in commercialflndustrial establishments because they are sensitivity tested to the requirements of Chapter 7 of NFPA 72. *Information on PDF files. Topof_Page NFPA-(National-Fire Protection-Association) t-BatterymarcirParcauincy,MA02269=91ot-USA Telephone:(617)770-3000 Fax:(617)770-0700 Home I Codes and Standards I Research and Reports I Public Education I Professional Development Member Sections I NFPA Journal I International News About NFPA I Regional News I Join NFPA I Calendar I Press Room I Career Center I Buyer's Guide Contact Us I Helo I Site Map E � ,`s ?�� a x.ten' "?. .r '`� '� Tat{a�ua�� s c�c�tr�`v"� '�^'��,���-'�'wr'�'� � ,�, �m�4 3^x rrc'"r�sue• `���� .� `*'i`'', ©1999=2002,NWPA Re o to` r blems*to v�ret3master(�of a o p. rt. p 0 P • • httn•//wzwwu nfna nra/(rwir.e/TntarnratatinrIc/G A(Y7')/G'n rY77 ,,. _