On Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 10:57:03 AM UTC-5, G. Morgan wrote:
wrote:

I have a condo and it has the original smoke detectors, FireX. Probably about 20 years old. they don't take batteries, that's probably why they have not received much attention. The are hardwired to AC with a signal wire to the other 2 detectors. Don't believe they are on a separate circuit, should they be ?

It would be nice to have them on separate circuits, but not a code
requirement.

Should they be replaced ?

Yes, they *must* be replaced @ 10 years old per NFPA code. Monitored
detectors are exempt because they get inspected at least annually and
usually have replaceable sensing chambers. Stand-alone detectors *must*
be replaced every 10 years.

You'll see two types for sale, photoelectric and ionization. Get
photoelectric types. They will detect smoldering fires faster and reduce
false alarms.

Recommendations !?

Replace them with AC/DC type smokes (a backup battery) or just DC ones.
Also get ones with an "interlock" feature, when one trips - they all
sound. Now is a good time to bring it up to current code.

Place one outside of each sleeping area, for instance if there are 3
bedrooms upstairs and you can place one in the hall 15' (max range from
corners & walls) from one side of the hall and no more than 15' from the
other wall, one in the middle of the hall will suffice (the hall is 30'
long or less). If the hall is longer, place one no less than 15' from
one wall - then go up to 30' to the next one, etc.. For instance if the
hall is 40' long place you need two detectors, placed 10' off each wall
for uniform coverage.

If there is a master bedroom on the 1st floor, one needs to be placed
outside of the MBR door. If there are two bedrooms downstairs on each
side of the condo and they are more than 30' apart you need one outside
EACH bedroom - else place one in between the two bedrooms if the doors
are within 15' of each other.

Also, a detector must be inside of each and every bedroom.


He can do what he wants, however there is no requirement that
it be brought up to current code for new construction, at least
here in NJ, which is pretty tough when it comes to code.
Here a smoke detector inspection is required for a
certifcate of occupancy and what is required is far more basic. For
example, a smoke detector immediately outside a bedroom, as was
code years ago, is still compliant. As is using one for two bedrooms, if
those bedrooms are next to each other. etc.

I'd suggest he check what's required in his state and then decide.