501.3. 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 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.
501.3.1. Equipment Requirements. The required
equipment for smoke alarms consist of the following:
(1) Installation. Smoke alarm devices shall
be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code, the
manufacturers installation requirements, and the provisions of NFPA 72 as
listed in chapter 16.
(2) Power
Source. The equipment shall be operable by power from 1 of the following
primary sources.
(a) The building wiring
provided that such 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 that is
capable of operating 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 and shall
be automatically recharged by an AC circuit of the commercial light and power
source.
(d) A household or
commercial use alarm system with battery backup listed and approved in
accordance with the household and 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.
