Section 408.30446. Smoke alarm locations.

Rule 446.  Sections 907.2.11.5 and 907.2.11.5.1 are added to the code as follows: 907.2.11.5.                       Smoke  alarm  locations   in  existing  buildings  constructed  before

November 6, 1974. Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, a single-station smoke alarm shall be installed in all of the following locations:

(1)     In each sleeping room or each area directly outside the sleeping room.

(2)     On each floor level including the basement level.

For sleeping 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 1 full story below the upper level.

907.2.11.5.1. Equipment requirements. The required equipment for smoke alarms shall consist of the following:

(1)       Installation. Smoke alarm devices shall be listed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements, the provisions of the code, and the provisions of NFPA

72 as listed in chapter 35.

(2)        Power Source. The equipment shall be operable by power from 1 of the following primary sources:

(a)     The building wiring provided the wiring is served from a commercial source and is equipped with a battery backup. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

(b)        A non-rechargeable battery able to power the smoke alarm in the normal condition for a life of 5 years.

(c)     A rechargeable battery, with proper charging, able to power the alarm for a life of 5 years.

(d)       A commercial use alarm system with battery backup listed and approved in accordance with the commercial fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72, as adopted by reference in this rule.

(3)     Audible Alarm Notification. The activation of the alarm signal shall produce a sound that is audible in all occupiable dwelling areas.

(4)      Testing and Maintenance. The owner of a dwelling unit, in which required or optional fire detection or fire protection systems equipment is installed, shall be responsible for the proper operation, testing, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions included with the equipment. The occupant of rental dwelling units shall be responsible for the periodic operational testing and periodic cleaning of the installed equipment within the rental unit in accordance with the testing instructions provided in the manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment. If the system fails, breaks, or is out of service, it shall be repaired and functional within 30 days.

Exception: Smoke alarms and devices installed in buildings constructed before November 6,

1974 where an installation was approved by the appropriate enforcing agency under regulations in effect at the time of the installation shall be considered to comply with the provisions of the code.

History: 1981 AACS; 1985 AACS; 2005 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2014 AACS.