907.2.11.8. Smoke
alarm locations in existing buildings constructed before November 6, 1974.
Within each dwelling unit or sleeping unit, a single-station smoke alarm shall
be installed in all of the following locations:
(1) In each sleeping room or each area
directly outside the sleeping room.
(2) On each floor level including the
basement level.
For sleeping units with split levels and without an
intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the
upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower
level is less than 1 full story below the upper level.
907.2.11.8.1. Equipment requirements. The
required equipment for smoke alarms shall consist of the following:
(1) Installation. Smoke alarm devices shall
be listed and installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation
requirements, the provisions of the code, and the provisions of NFPA 72 as
listed in chapter 35.
(2) Power
Source. The equipment shall be operable by power from 1 of the following
primary sources:
(a) The building wiring
provided the wiring is served from a commercial source and is equipped with a
battery backup. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch
other than as required for overcurrent protection.
(b) A non-rechargeable battery able to power
the smoke alarm in the normal condition for a life of 5 years.
(c) A rechargeable battery, with proper
charging, able to power the alarm for a life of 5 years.
(d) A commercial use alarm system with
battery backup listed and approved in accordance with the commercial fire
warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72, as adopted by reference in this
rule.
(3) Audible Alarm
Notification. The activation of the alarm signal shall produce a sound that is
audible in all occupiable dwelling areas.
(4) Testing and Maintenance. The owner of a
dwelling unit, in which required or optional fire detection or fire protection
systems equipment is installed, shall be responsible for the proper operation,
testing, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions included with the equipment. The occupant of rental dwelling units
shall be responsible for the periodic operational testing and periodic cleaning
of the installed equipment within the rental unit in accordance with the
testing instructions provided in the manufacturers instructions for the
equipment. If the system fails, breaks, or is out of service, it shall be
repaired and functional within 30 days.
Exception: Smoke alarms and devices installed in
buildings constructed before November 6, 1974 where an installation was
approved by the appropriate enforcing agency under regulations in effect at the
time of the installation shall be considered to comply with the provisions of
the code.
