March 23, 2011
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Comments
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Ken, et al:
System Sensor is currently reviewing the language in our addendum document that ships with each detector. The intent was never to imply that a system connected, regularly maintained and serviced smoke detector must be replaced at 10 years. The reality is that you can find System Sensor smoke detectors that have been installed for well over 10 years operating properly and providing excellent life safety protection. If the detectors are properly maintained and serviced per NFPA guidelines, there is no reason to expect mortality at 10 years. Of course, like any electronic device, a smoke detector has individual components that can fail at any time. System connected smoke detectors have means to indicate such failures to the Fire Alarm Control Panel to ensure that non-functioning devices are identified and replaced immediately.
The intent of the statement in the addendum was simply to provide the same guidance as stated in NFPA72 regarding smoke alarms in one and two family dwellings. It is apparent that the wording could be, and has been, misinterpreted to apply to all detectors in all applications. Our plan is to remove that particular reference or at a minimum, clarify the statement so that the original intent is more clearly communicated.
Todd Alford
Marketing Manager - Commercial Business Unit
System Sensor
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Ken
It's interesting that there is so much confusion over this issue. NFPA 72 in both the 2007 and 2010 editions discusses Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One-and Two Family Dwellings. The same language is used in both editions and i states: "Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer's published instructions, single- and multiple station smoke alarms installed in one- and two family dwellings shell be replaced when they fail to respond to operable tests, but shall not remain in service long then 10 years from date of manufacture." This can be found in 10.4.7 in the 2007 edition. There is NO mention of smoke detectors only ALARMS.
Should manufacturers take advantage of this language so as to lead practitioners to believe that the language also applies to smoke DETECTORS and the reader buys into that then caveat emptor!
Should someone find language in code similar to the foregoing that applies to system DETECTORS and not ALARMS, then please enlighten us all.
Also, the code does not differentiate between photo or ion type of devices - they are equally treated.
Remember that this applies only to single and two family dwellings.
I wish to add the the earlier post for those who may be saying "Gee, when did this requirement come into being?" The present NFPA 72 language was a change to earlier verbiage that originated with the 1999 edition, section 8-3.5 that states: "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 in accordance with 8-3.4 but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of installation." NFPA 101, 1997 edition Chapters are as follows: Chapter 18 - New Apartment Buildings; Chapter 19 - Existing Apartment Buildings; Chapter 21 - One and Two-Family Dwellings.
Compare this with language found in NFPA 72, editions 2002, 2007 and 2010 which state: "Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer's published instructions, single- and multiple station smoke alarms installed in one- and two family dwellings shell be replaced when they fail to respond to operable tests, but shall not remain in service long then 10 years from date of manufacture." Nuanced in the language is a change from when the 10 years starts. It used to be from date of installation and has been modified to say manufacture. But real world is that the requirement is to change out the alarm after 10 years so we don't need to split hairs over the countdown point.
Some changes were made in NFPA 72 to eliminate the requirement for installation of smoke alarms since that should better be part of the Life Safety Code since it is that documents purview for requirements. NFPA 72 is an installation standard and it is this approach that modified the need to be placed elsewhere.
Now that we have established the requirement has (in some form) existed since at least the 1999 edition of NFPA 72 and/or 101, the need for replacement has a minimum of an eleven year history. We can not speak for manufacturers and how they establish requirements, whether these are real or perceived. Regardless, a case could be logically prepared that if replacing smoke alarms is required every ten years then shouldn't the same need be applied to system detectors? Perhaps, BUT they are manufactured and tested to two different standards not the least of which are UL 217 and UL 268.
Those experienced in Fire Detection would more than likely agree that system detectors manufactured and utilized in systems are substantially more robust than smoke alarms for use in single family dwellings. Price alone should point out the differences.
We could enter the debate about ionization versus photo-electric but would not conclusively establish separate requirements for each. Someone pointed out earlier (albeit on another list) that ionization detector use is declining because of regulation. That is most true in the European arena but to a much lesser degree in the United States. The regulation here is minuscule in comparison to other reasons such as the substantial reduction in false alarms when and where photo devices are in use.
From a cost perspective, stop in at the local Big Box stores including Home Depot, Lowes, BJ's, Costco, etc. and examine how many of each type smoke ALARM is on the shelf. Additionally, look at the price - photo is more costly and the best of both worlds - photo/ion is pricier yet. Ion smoke detector manufacturing shipments are declining but one would suspect that is NOT true of ionization smoke alarms.
It would seem that this thread has run its' course. There was a time when every three years was the requirement for household systems to be tested by "a qualified service technician" (NFPA 72, 1996, section2-6.2.2). Few individuals or companies really addressed the opportunity but now we are in this seemingly unsolvable quagmire about manufacturers recommendations for replacement of detectors every ten years. Maybe the manufacturers are more focused on the business opportunities than those of us who actually do the work. Thanks for "listening".
John Drucker - any opinions?
Knowledge is power. How high does you "knowledgeometer" score?
My 2 cents. Have a super and a safe day!
Respectfully,
James M. Mundy, Jr., President
CPP, CDT, CHS V, CSI, CFPS, mSFPE, SET
Asset Protection Associates, LTD
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Ken
John raises a good question that often comes up in conversations between customers and fire alarm sales people/service technicians.
Manufacturers state a smoke alarm shall be replaced after ten years in a one or two family residence because that is required by the NFPA 72 fire alarm code.
NFPA 72 2010, Section 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 manufacturer.”
One of the main reasons for this requirement is that unlike other use groups, residential smoke alarms or smoke detectors are not required to be tested for sensitivity. Since residential smoke alarms and detectors are not required to be, (and in actual practice never are), tested for sensitivity, the NFPA committees voted that they should be replaced on a regular basis, and ten years was determined to be a reasonable time period. That doesn’t mean the detector is bad after 10 years, it means that you don’t know if it is good. .Even if the user tests their smoke alarms/detectors regularly by means of a test button or blowing smoke at them, that does not assure them that the detector still has the proper sensitivity to smoke to sound an alarm soon enough to save their lives.
Of course, code enforcement officials do not go around to people’s homes and check the age of their smoke detectors, but it is the responsible thing for those of us who sell and install fire detection equipment to inform our customers of the existence and the wisdom of this code requirement. From a marketing standpoint, it gives us a good reason to re-contact residential customers when their smoke detectors approach the 10-year limit.
John Evans, SET, President
Able Security & Fire Systems
NICET IV Fire Alarm Certified
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Ken
Good answer that should resolve the issue.
I would bet that one of our competitors is stirring the pot as it keeps coming up,
Isaac Papier
Honeywell Life Safety
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Ken
I would ask your readers to refer to NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 2010 edition
Table 14.4.5 15i Smoke detectors sensitivity testing in other than one and two family dwellings (the requirements of 14.4.5.3 shall apply)
Table 14.4.5 15j Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms (The requirements for monthly testing in accordance with 14.4.6 shall also apply)
I would also ask your readers to read 14.4.5.3 through 14.4.6 as well as A.29.7.2.
If the readers will read the applicable sections of the code it should clear up a lot of the issues.
I would also recommend that any company installing Fire Alarm Systems purchase a copy of the applicable edition(s) of NFPA 72 that have been adopted by their AHJs and get to know the contents and use it as a reference book.
Ken This information can be released to your readers.
John Garner
NICET Certification Number 95920
Fire Protection Engineering Technology
Fire Alarm Systems
Level IV
Electronic Specialty Company
Dunbar, WV
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Forum Members,
I have since received the System Sensor document “Limitations of Fire Alarm
Systems”. Interestingly the content of this document is not part of the
actual installation and maintenance instructions but rather a separate sheet
that is apparently placed in the box of System Sensor’s products. The
document is sufficiently vague as to not include the name of who produced it
or what product it applies to. From a technical prospective one could deduce
that it applies to all fire alarm systems. Seems like a bit of a quandary,
is this a legitimate document ?, is System Sensor the lawful owner ?, is
there an editorial error wherein smoke detectors and alarms are grouped
together inconsistent with that provided for in NFPA-72 ?
In all fairness I contacted System Sensor as follows and await their reply;
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System Sensor Inquiry - March 6, 2011
Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems
I'd appreciate if you could confirm. As you are aware if a manufacturer
makes such a statement then it falls within that provided for in the IFC and
NFPA-72;
2006 IFC 907.20 Inspection, testing and maintenance. (N.J.A.C.
5:70-3,907.20)
The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire
detection systems shall be in accordance with this section and Chapter 10 of
NFPA 72.
2002 NFPA-72 10.2.1.1 Performance Verification. Inspection, testing, and
maintenance programs shall satisfy the requirements of this Code, shall
conform to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, and shall verify
correct operation of the fire alarm system.
2002 NFPA-72 10.4.5.2 Maintenance. Maintenance of household fire alarm
systems shall be conducted according to manufacturer’s instructions.
At issue is the 10 Year replacement requirement referenced by NFPA-72 which
applies to 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."
I just want to be absolutely sure that the manufacturer concurs when we
start issuing the violation notices on thousands of residential smoke
DETECTORS manufactured by System Sensor. Keep in mind that residential isn't
limited to one and two family dwellings but hotels, motels, multiple
dwellings, boarding and rooming....all places that utilize system type smoke
detectors.
Sincerely,
John Drucker, CET
Fire Protection Subcode Official
Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector
Borough of Red Bank, NJ
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Ken:-
Let’s suppose that nine or ten years go by and then a customer has a fire, loss of life and an allegation that the smoke detectors didn’t work. Survivors hire an attorney who reads a smoke detector or smoke alarm instruction that says the detectors should be replaced every seven years. There will be a huge lawsuit!
Correct me if I am wrong but in the eyes of the law we are the experts. Code requirements, AHJ’s and all the rest notwithstanding, we have an obligation to inform and serve our customers to the best of our abilities.
If we have any reason to believe that smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, should be replaced after a specified number of years, we have an obligation to those customers where we have installed them.
Rather than debate the replacement of smoke detectors to death in this forum, every installing/servicing dealer needs to take the high road. And in my humble opinion the high road should be to OFFER, in writing, guidance to the customer. “Mr. Customer, I am writing to advise you that the manufacturer of the smoke detectors that we installed for you in <insert year> recommends that they be replaced every seven <or whatever is specified> years. We would be pleased to perform this work for you for an estimated cost of $xxx.xx. Please sign and return this letter adjacent to the word “ACCEPT” as your authorization to perform this work and we will schedule it as soon as possible. In the event that you do not want us to replace these detectors for you please sign this letter adjacent to the word “DECLINED” and return it to us. Should you have any questions………”
Then followup with the customers who don’t accept – either get the sign off or carefully document every contact made in your efforts to get the signoff so there can be no doubt when you walk into court that the customer was advised.
Damar Currie
Damar Security Systems
Sarnia Ontario Canada
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Ken,
I forwarded the System Sensor product insert that recommends residential smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years. UL confirmed that they have reviewed the document and consider it part of the product listing. Consequently, since the National Fire Alarm Code requires that equipment be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers published instructions (10.3.2 in the 2010 edition), if you use System Sensor smoke detectors in a residence they are to be replaced every 10 years. Apparently I’ve got to go eat some crow, hope it tastes a bit like chicken!
Thanks!
Daniel G. Decker, CFPS, CPP, SET
Safety Systems, Inc.