February 7, 2011
******************
*************
Comments
***********
Ken,
I’d like to know more about system sensor requiring smoke detectors to be
replaced at their 10th anniversary. Dan Decker is correct, the prescriptive
replacement requirement from NFPA-72 applies to smoke alarms. However this
does not limit a manufacturer from recommending a replacement of their
product as they see fit. Perhaps Greg can provide some specifics, i.e. what
model and part number of the product instructions that made the statement.
Heres the code language from NFPA-72;
2007 NFPA-72-10.4.7 Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One- and Two- Family
Dwellings. Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer’s published
instructions, single- and multiple station smoke alarms installed in one-
and two-family dwellings shall be replaced when they fail to respond to
operability tests, but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from
the date of manufacture.
2010 NFPA-72-14.4.8 Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One- and Two-Family
Dwellings.
14.4.8.1 Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer’s published
instructions, single- and multiple-station smoke alarms installed in one-
and two-family dwellings shall be replaced when they fail to respond to
operability tests but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from
the date of manufacture.
John Drucker, CET
Fire Protection Subcode Official
Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector
Fire Marshal's Office
Borough of Red Bank, NJ
Not the official position of any agency, association, committee or
otherwise. Obtain required applications, permits, inspections and approvals
from Authority(s) Having Jurisdiction.
*************
Ken,
I tried to research the comment from Greg that System Sensor specs indicate a smoke detectors life span is 10 years. System Sensor has the data sheets and installation instructions posted on their website at http://www.systemsensor.com/products/conv , and I searched the data sheets and installation instructions for the i3 and 100 series of conventional smoke detectors and the 2251BR and 2251B models of analog smoke detectors, and could not find that information.
I’d be happy to retract my statement if Greg could supply a link to the document he is referring to.
My 33 years of experience have created exactly the opposite conclusion as Greg. Generally photoelectric smoke detectors tend to accumulate dust in the detection chamber, and the longer the dust accumulates, the MORE sensitive the detector becomes, eventually leading to a false alarm if the dust builds up to the point where the detector perceives it as smoke. The only reference in codes and standards that I am aware of regarding 10 years for smoke alarms is in the household fire alarm chapter of the National Fire Alarm Code, which states the system owner “ shall be provided with information noting smoke alarms installed in one and two family dwellings shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture”.
Thanks!
Dan
*********
Ken
I believe what Dan Decker said is correct. The NFPA 72 requirment is for smoke ALARMS to be replaced every 10 years. Smoke detectors do not have a similar requirement. Before passing judgment on Dan's remark it might be prudent for manufactures to state why they have the ten year requirement in their literature. So System Sensor, Hociki, et al ...... any comments?
Respectfully,
James M. Mundy, Jr., President
CPP, CDT, CHS V, CSI, CFPS, mSFPE, SET
Asset Protection Associates, LTD
******
Ken
I just had to add my two cents to the whole smoke detector life discussion. I've found that typically ionization smoke detectors are the ones that have a manufacturers recommended life of 10 years, as they contain radioactive material that decays over time and lessens their effectiveness. However, most jurisdictions and building codes are rapidly eliminating the use of ionization detectors in favor of photoelectric detectors, which use IR light to detect the smoke particles. (It should also be noted, just because it is a pet peeve of mine, that ionization detectors are prohibited to be used at elevations above 3K feet, per NFPA 72...) The photoelectric detectors don't have any material (other then regular electronic components) to decay over time, and therefore you will find that most manufacturers (including System Sensor) don't have a recommended life for any of their photoelectric smokes. Now, they do get dirty over time and need to be cleaned, but again, most modern ones actually monitor their own sensitivity and have "drift compensation" to automatically adjust sensitivity based on how dirty they detect themselves to be. And once they have compensated all they can, they will generate a trouble or "clean me" condition so proper maintenance can be performed. (On this note, I have found most manufacturers still suggest cleaning or at least checking the detector annually...)
T.J. Ogilvie, NICET Certified Fire Guy.
Director of Operations
Vantage Voltage, LLC
**************
Ken
With regard to SMOKE DETECTORS which are SYSTEM TYPE and made to be connected to a control panel ((USUALLY UL 268 Listed)))) ((They are designed to DETECT and REPORT abnormal conditions to a control that performs many functions such as NOTIFICATION of occupants, NOTIFICATION of emergency forces and possibly control fire fighting functions like close fire dampers or doors....)) vs SMOKE ALARMS single station or interconnected household type with built in sounders installed in new construction by builders (electricians etc.).((( These are usually UL 217 Listed.))) (New construction REQUIRES interconnect so that when one sounds ALL must sound.) These are designed to DETECT and NOTIFY occupants of the condition.
Since each of these devices carry a UL LISTING you must bear in mind that the MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS are an integral part of the listing and MUST ADHERED TO in order to maintain the integrity of the listing. If the manufacturer says 10 years, THAT IS THE REQUIREMENT. If the manufacturer says 15 years, so be it. HOWEVER NFPA 72 requires that SMOKE DETECTORS be subjected to a sensitivity test using the MANUFACTURERS RECOMENDED TOOL. This is a scientific sensitivity test, not to be compared with canned smoke, or just pushing a test button. ((One indicator of end of life if one is not specified is INCREASED SENSITIVITY to the point of instability. This includes transient false alarms.
If any of the above is totally foreign to you, and you are doing fire alarm systems I recommend that you take NICET II and III or FAIM from NTS (ESA) and learn about the craft you are working in.
Burglar alarms are an art, you against the burglar. Fire systems are a SCIENCE of engineering proportion. When a burglar alarm doesn't work people lose money. When a fire system malfunctions people could die.
Joel Kent
FBN Security Co LLC
Windsor CT