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QUESTION: RESIDENTIAL SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIREMENTS
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Ken
I have a question regarding an issue discussed at Jeff Zwirn's webinar that you hosted on the residential smoke detector requirements. If the electrician meets the code requirement with 110v electrical smokes does the alarm installer still have to meet the code as well or can we install a couple of smokes as supplemental coverage? The smoke detectors installed by the alarm company would be monitored but not the electrical smokes.
Thank You,
Tracy A.
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RESPONSE BY JEFF ZWIRN
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It is perfectly code compliant to install a supplemental smoke detection system [such as by installing two or three smoke detectors] but the quantity of smoke detectors has to be commensurate with the size of the home whether you are installing the primary system or a supplemental system; and as always, you shall meet the requirements of NFPA 72.
That being said, there needs to be a code compliant system in the home as the primary system, which as you know is usually installed by electricians. Taking it a step further, to help protect the subscriber, if you see that the system is installed beyond the smoke alarms functional and reliable life expectancy, you should warn the subscriber of this in writing and receive written confirmation from
them that they will have the primary system replaced forthwith. In addition, you should also make contact with the AHJ to help ensure that you are meeting their expectations as well; for permitting and otherwise.
Finally, much of this information is subsumed in my peer reviewed book entitled, The Alarm Science Manual. It is available on Amazon or you can call our offices directly. Subscribers of Ken’s exchange, forum, and webinars receive a discount on the book.
Jeffrey D. Zwirn, President
IDS Research & Development, Incorporated
Tenafly, New Jersey 07670
201-227-2559
www.alarmexpert.com
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STATES WITH MONITORING LICENSE REQUIREMENT
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Ken
What’s the best way to find out which states require licensing for alarm installation, service, and monitoring? Also, if I am only monitoring alarm systems (and not installing or servicing), which states would require me to get a license?
Keith Randall NICET III. Owner/President
Superior Alarm & Electronics High Country
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RESPONSE
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The list of states and licensing laws can be found on our website under Alarm Law Issues, at https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-law-issues. You can [and should] check each state's law.
States that require a monitoring license are:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
Our licensing department can assist you in obtaining the proper license(s) for each state where you do work. Contact Jesse Kirschenbaum, Esq. at (516) 747-6700 ext. 307 or Jesse@Kirschenbaumesq.com.
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COMMENT ON MULTIPLE MONITORING SERVICES FROM AUGUST 5, 2015 ARTICLE
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Ken
I would only respond to the multiple monitoring issue saying my experience is that the responding municipality will frown on multiple dispatches for the same signal. Especially if it involves fire.
Randy at Allcom Solutions
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