Yesterday I was visited by an inspector from our Town building
department for the purpose of inspecting a recently installed new
furnace. (Presumably the installer has filed a building permit with
the Town.) The inspector said that he was also required to verify the
existence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, in accordance with New
York State and Town code.

From my understanding of the code (below), it is OK to keep my two
battery operated smoke alarms I currently have in my bedrooms but I
must add a hard wired smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in the
basement, where the furnace is located.

Does anyone know of an inexpensive dual or combination smoke and
carbon monoxide alarm which simply plugs into a wall outlet? (hard-
wired interpreted to mean NON-switchable)

Thanks.
Digger

================================================== ======
NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Single - and multiple-station smoke alarms are required to be located
as required for new dwelings when a permit is required for interior
alterations. These devices are interconnected and hard wired by a 110
volt electrical circuit and each detector has a battery for backup.
Exception 1 to section 317.1.1 provides that in those areas where
there is no way to wire the devices without removing interior wall or
ceiling finishes, battery powered detectors, which will not be
interconnected, are permitted.

On Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:27:58 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Since when has installing a new furnace (I presume you replaced one,
but your OP doesn't explicitly say so) been considered an alteration
to the dwelling? I live in NYS, too, and did not have to do this when
we replaced our furnace in 2003.

On Dec 28, 8:03 am, KLS wrote:
On Thu, 27 Dec2007 20:27:58 -0800(PST), "

wrote:
NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Since when has installing a new furnace (I presume you replaced one,
but your OP doesn't explicitly say so) been considered an alteration
to the dwelling? I live in NYS, too, and did not have to do this when
we replaced our furnace in 2003.

Three reasons (IMHO) WHY this occurred:
(1) Some towns more aggressively enforce code adherence and the need
for obtaining a building permit (any time there are wiring or plumbing
improvements).
(2) The furnace installer is "gun shy" re building permits in this
Town.
(3) Pressure being exercised by the local fire department.

While I'm in sympathy with the need for adequate fire protection, I'm
looking for the simplest possible "fix."

KLS wrote:
On Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:27:58 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Since when has installing a new furnace (I presume you replaced one,
but your OP doesn't explicitly say so) been considered an alteration
to the dwelling? I live in NYS, too, and did not have to do this when
we replaced our furnace in 2003.

I'm sure it varies, but any electrical, gas or HVAC around here requires a
permit. I'm sure it could argued that a direct swap out (where you
disconnected and reconnected from the same place the old system was
connected) doesn't count, but are there any HVAC installs that don't
involve a little change to gas supply lines, electrical supply, etc?

In article
,
" wrote:

Yesterday I was visited by an inspector from our Town building
department for the purpose of inspecting a recently installed new
furnace. (Presumably the installer has filed a building permit with
the Town.) The inspector said that he was also required to verify the
existence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, in accordance with New
York State and Town code.

From my understanding of the code (below), it is OK to keep my two
battery operated smoke alarms I currently have in my bedrooms but I
must add a hard wired smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in the
basement, where the furnace is located.

Does anyone know of an inexpensive dual or combination smoke and
carbon monoxide alarm which simply plugs into a wall outlet? (hard-
wired interpreted to mean NON-switchable)

Thanks.
Digger

================================================== ======
NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Single - and multiple-station smoke alarms are required to be located
as required for new dwelings when a permit is required for interior
alterations. These devices are interconnected and hard wired by a 110
volt electrical circuit and each detector has a battery for backup.
Exception 1 to section 317.1.1 provides that in those areas where
there is no way to wire the devices without removing interior wall or
ceiling finishes, battery powered detectors, which will not be
interconnected, are permitted.

Check with your favorite hardware store to see what's available.

wrote in message
...
Yesterday I was visited by an inspector from our Town building
department for the purpose of inspecting a recently installed new
furnace. (Presumably the installer has filed a building permit with
the Town.) The inspector said that he was also required to verify the
existence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, in accordance with New
York State and Town code.

From my understanding of the code (below), it is OK to keep my two
battery operated smoke alarms I currently have in my bedrooms but I
must add a hard wired smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in the
basement, where the furnace is located.

Does anyone know of an inexpensive dual or combination smoke and
carbon monoxide alarm which simply plugs into a wall outlet? (hard-
wired interpreted to mean NON-switchable)

Thanks.
Digger

================================================== ======
NYS residents must instal smoke alarms which are interconnected and
hard-wired, when there are alterations to the dweling.

Single - and multiple-station smoke alarms are required to be located
as required for new dwelings when a permit is required for interior
alterations. These devices are interconnected and hard wired by a 110
volt electrical circuit and each detector has a battery for backup.
Exception 1 to section 317.1.1 provides that in those areas where
there is no way to wire the devices without removing interior wall or
ceiling finishes, battery powered detectors, which will not be
interconnected, are permitted.


A hard wired device is not a plug-in. You must wire it as a permanent
installation on the ceiling. It is too easy to simply unplug that type of
alarm if it goes off from cooking or something else that is not fire
related. Smoke alarms must be on the ceiling to be effective.