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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGN010.0- 2018 Code Smokes and Carbon Monoxide before amendmentsSECTION R314 SMOKE ALARMS R314.1 General. Smoke alarms shall comply with NFPA 72 and Section R314. vSection R314 provides the details of smoke detection and notification to alert occupants of potential problems. When asleep, the occupants of residential buildings will usually be unaware of a fire, and the fire will have an opportunity to spread before being detected. A majority of fire deaths occurring in residential buildings have occurred because of this delay in detection. It is for this reason that the code requires smoke alarms that comply with NFPA 72 and Section R314. R314.1.1 Listings. Smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217 and UL 2034. vSmoke alarms must be listed to UL 217. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, if they are provided, must be listed in accordance with UL 217 and UL 2034. R314.2 Where required. Smoke alarms shall be provided in accordance with this section. vSee the commentary to Section R314.1. R314.2.1 New construction. Smoke alarms shall be provided in dwelling units. vSee the commentary to Section R314.1. R314.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings. Exceptions: 1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck. 2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems. vThis section contains a unique provision in the code, applying the smoke alarm provisions to existing buildings when an addition, alteration or repair is made that will require a permit. See the commentary to Section R105.2 regarding what types of repairs or alterations require a permit. The smoke alarms in these existing buildings are to be installed in the same manner as required for new dwellings. This would not only require their installation in the same locations within the dwelling, but also that they be interconnected and receive their power from the building wiring. The commentary to Section R314.4 contains more discussion of the power source. Two exceptions provide relief from the normal smoke alarm requirements in existing buildings that undergo some types of alteration, repair or addition. The first exception exempts “exterior surface” 11/12/20 repairs from initiating the requirement for smoke alarms being placed in an existing dwelling. This exception exempts work that is done on the exterior only. The final determination of what type of work is included is left to the building official, but this would generally be viewed as covering reroofing, siding repairs or siding replacement and could possibly include some window replacements. The second exception exempts alterations that involve the replacement or repair of plumbing or mechanical systems. This exception would allow replacement of items such as a furnace without expanding the project to include smoke alarms. R314.3 Location. Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room. 2. Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics and 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. 4. Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by this section. v So that all areas have at least some level of protection, and so that sleeping areas are adequately protected, Section R314.3 specifies where smoke alarms are to be installed. The code requires that alarms be located within each sleeping room, as well as outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The device within the bedroom will provide protection should the fire begin within that sleeping room, while the device outside of the room will provide early notification and protection should a problem develop in the area that generally will serve as the egress path for the bedroom. In addition, Item 3 will require installation of at least one smoke alarm on each story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. The code does not require the installation of alarms within crawl spaces or within attics that are not habitable. This provides detection and notification within the areas of general occupancy, but ignores spaces that are not occupied. See Commentary Figure R314.3(1) for an illustration of the required alarm locations. Copyright © 2018 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by (), (-) Order Number #100785230 on Nov 06, 2019 06:09 AM (PST) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER 11/12/20 BUILDING PLANNING 3-120 2018 IRC® CODE and COMMENTARY Where split levels occur in a dwelling and the adjacent levels openly communicate with each other, the alarm may be placed on the upper portion of the split level if it is not more than one full story different in elevation. Commentary Figure R314.3(2) is an example of this provision. This requirement is based on the fact that any fire initiating on the lower portion of the level will send products of combustion up to the upper portion and that a detector there will provide a quick response and early warning. Item 4 prohibits smoke alarms within 3 feet, as measured horizontally, from doors or openings to spaces that contain a tub or shower, except where it would interfere with the location of another smoke alarm required by this section. R314.3.1 Installation near cooking appliances. Smoke alarms shall not be installed in the following locations unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm in a location required by Section R314.3. 1. Ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. 2. Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm-silencing switch shall not be installed less than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. Commentary Figure R314.3(2) SMOKE ALARM LOCATION Commentary Figure R314.3(1) LOCATION OF SMOKE ALARMS Copyright © 2018 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by (), (-) Order Number #100785230 on Nov 06, 2019 06:09 AM (PST) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER. 3. Photoelectric smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 6 feet (1828 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. v Ionization smoke alarms must not be installed within 20 feet, as measured horizontally, of a permanently installed cooking appliance except that, where the alarms are equipped with an alarm-silencing switch, they are permitted to be installed within 10 feet. Photoelectric smoke alarms must not be installed within 6 feet (1828 mm) of a permanently installed cooking appliance. These restrictions do not apply if they would prevent smoke alarm placement in accordance with Section R314.3. R314.4 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit 11/12/20 in accordance with Section R314.3, 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 dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. vSmoke detectors within a dwelling are required to be interconnected so that activation of any of the smoke detectors on any level will activate all detectors in the building and ensure that occupants are alarmed. Section R314.4 will allow listed wireless interconnected alarms to substitute for wired interconnection of the smoke alarms in both new and existing construction. One of the main concerns of the code is occupants who may be asleep and unaware of any developing fire. The code requires that the alarm signal be “clearly audible” in the bedroom area. If smoke alarms are being installed in an existing building, see the commentary to Section R314.2.2, which contains an exception to the requirement for interconnection. R314.5 Combination alarms. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be used in lieu of smoke alarms. vThis section allows listed combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be used in lieu of smoke alarms. R314.6 Power source. Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Exceptions: 1. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power. 2. Smoke alarms installed in accordance with Section R314.2.2 shall be permitted to be battery powered. vSmoke alarms must use AC power as their primary source and battery power as a secondary source to enhance their reliability. For example, during a power outage, the probability of fire is increased because of the use of candles or lanterns for temporary light. Required backup battery power provides for continued performance of the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are commonly designed to emit a recurring signal when batteries are low and need to be replaced. It is also for the reliability issue that the code does not permit the alarms to be on any type of circuit that could be disconnected or turned off, such as a lighting circuit with a switch. The only way to disconnect power to the smoke alarms should be through the electrical panel box by either flipping a circuit breaker or removing the circuit’s fuse. The exceptions acknowledge that the code does not require that smoke alarms in all existing buildings 11/12/20 be served from a commercial power source. Batteryoperated smoke alarms may be the only power source when a commercial power source is not available or when extensive alterations or repairs (see Section R314.2.2) are not being made. Where permanent building wiring can be installed without the removal of interior finishes, this section recognizes the increased reliability that the “hardwired” commercial power source with battery back-up can provide. Therefore, where feasible, permanent wiring is to be installed. R314.7 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of smoke alarms and shall comply with Sections R314.7.1 through R314.7.4. vThe detection and notification system requirements of Sections R314.7 through R314.7.4 provide early warning to occupants of the building in the event of a fire, thereby providing a greater opportunity for everyone in the building to evacuate or relocate to a safe area. Installation of a fire alarm system in accordance with this section is considered a viable alternative to the installation of required smoke alarms. Of all of the provisions for safety features that have been placed within the code over the past few decades other than fire sprinkler system requirements, the provisions for these detection and alarm devices have probably offered the greatest benefit in increasing safety and reducing the loss of life, and these benefits come at a comparatively minor expense. Requiring the system to become a permanent fixture (see Section R314.7.3) of the occupancy and not be leased will prevent the system from being removed due to nonpayment. “Owned by the homeowner” is a good beginning and adds additional language that will ensure system reliability by requiring the owner to have the system electronically monitored and maintained in accordance with the referenced standard. For larger homes, the only possible way to provide detection is through the use of a household fire warning system (see Section R314.7.1). A number of homeowners prefer that their household fire warning systems be monitored by a supervising station. The requirement in Section R314.1.1 for listing of smoke alarms with UL 217, however, prohibits them from being monitored. R314.7.1 General. Fire alarm systems shall comply with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72. Smoke detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 268. vSee the commentary to Section R314.7. R314.7.2 Location. Smoke detectors shall be installed in the 11/12/20 locations specified in Section R314.3. vSee the commentary to Section R314.7. R314.7.3 Permanent fixture. Where a household fire alarm system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the occupancy, owned by the homeowner. vSee the commentary to Section R314.7. R314.7.4 Combination detectors. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be permitted to be installed in fire alarm systems in lieu of smoke detectors, provided that they are listed in accordance with UL 268 and UL 2075. vSee the commentary to Section R314.7. SECTION R315 CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS R315.1 General. Carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Section R315. vCarbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill occupants before they are aware it is in their home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. Sources of CO include unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; backdrafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline-powered equipment; and automobile exhaust from attached garages. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, especially if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected or is leaking. Auto, truck or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads or parking areas can also be a source. Average levels of CO in homes without gas stoves vary from 0.5 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Levels near properly adjusted gas stoves are often 5 to 15 ppm and those near poorly adjusted stoves may be 30 ppm or higher. CO alarms and detectors must not be considered a replacement for the proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. The industry has addressed the issue of reliability by updating the requirements of UL 2034. All CO detectors available today meet the updated requirements, which eliminated the false positive indications that occurred when CO detectors were first brought to market in the 1990s. 11/12/20 For new construction, Section R315.2.1 requires carbon monoxide alarms where dwelling units contain a fuel-fired appliance or have an attached garage with a door at the common wall between the dwelling unit and the garage. For alterations, repairs and additions that require a permit, Section R315.2.2 indicates that the requirements are the same as for new construction. However, Section R315.2.2 exempts carbon monoxide alarms for work related to plumbing and mechanical systems, as well as work related to exterior surfaces, such as the replacement of siding or roofing, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of porches and decks. Section R315.3 requires that CO alarms be located outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The carbon monoxide alarm can be located near the smoke alarm required in the immediate area of the bedrooms by Section R314.3. Section R315.1.1 requires that the alarms be listed in accordance with UL 2034. Alternatively, Sections R315.1.1 and R315.4 allow combination carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms where they are listed in accordance with both UL 2034 and UL 217. For new construction, Section R315.5 requires that carbon monoxide alarms be “hard wired” to the building wiring where the building wiring is from a commercial source, such as a utility company. A battery backup is required so that power is also available when the commercial source is interrupted. For alterations, repairs and additions, the system is permitted to be either battery powered or hard wired. Section R315.1 does not require CO detectors to be hard wired or interconnected like smoke alarms (see Commentary Figure R315.3). R315.1.1 Listings. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034 and UL 217. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.2 Where required. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Sections R315.2.1 and R315.2.2. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.2.1 New construction. For new construction, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in dwelling units where either or both of the following conditions exist. 1. The dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance. 2. The dwelling unit has an attached garage with an opening that communicates with the dwelling unit. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. 11/12/20 R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings. Exceptions: 1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck. 2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.3 Location. Carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.4 Combination alarms. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.5 Interconnectivity. Where more than one carbon monoxide alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R315.3, 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 dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of carbon monoxide alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. Exception: Interconnection of carbon monoxide alarms in existing areas shall not be required where alterations or repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes. vAdded to the 2018 code, this section requires interconnectivity of carbon monoxide alarms in a manner similar to that required for smoke alarms. Where one carbon monoxide alarm is activated, the other locations in the residence will receive early notification of carbon monoxide and allow for early evacuation of the residence, enhancing the level of life safety for the occupants. R315.6 Power source. Carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Exceptions: 11/12/20 1. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power. 2. Carbon monoxide alarms installed in accordance with Section R315.2.2 shall be permitted to be battery powered. vSee the commentary to Section R315.1. R315.7 Carbon monoxide detection systems. Carbon monoxide detection systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms and shall comply with Sections R315.7.1 through R315.7.4. vSection 9.6.5 of NFPA 720 requires that when two or more carbon monoxide alarms are to be installed they be interconnected. The rationale for this requirement is that if a CO device is activated in the basement, the occupants on the second floor on the opposite end of the home may be unable to hear the audible alarm if the devices are not interconnected. NFPA 720 requires CO devices to be installed on every level of a dwelling unit, including basements as well as outside each separate dwelling unit sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Section R315.7.2 indicates that the location requirements for carbon monoxide detectors are the same as those for carbon monoxide alarms and these requirements supersede the locations indicated in NFPA 720. Section R315.7.3 requires a household carbon monoxide detection system to be a permanent fixture owned by the homeowner. Section R315.7.4 requires combination carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to be listed in accordance with UL2075 and UL268 where they are part of a carbon monoxide detection system. R315.7.1 General. Household carbon monoxide detection systems shall comply with NFPA 720. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 2075. vSee the commentary to Section R315.7. R315.7.2 Location. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in the locations specified in Section R315.3. These locations supersede the locations specified in NFPA 720. vSee the commentary to Section R315.7. R315.7.3 Permanent fixture. Where a household carbon monoxide detection system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the occupancy and owned by the homeowner. vSee the commentary to Section R315.7. R315.7.4 Combination detectors. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed in carbon monoxide detection systems in lieu of carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 2075 and UL 268. vSee the commentary to Section R315.7. 11/12/20