Our condo unit has 6 smoke detectors throughout. When smoke in one condo (from cooking or fireplace) sets off smoke detector in one unit, all other units go off. The detectors are connected to the ceiling and have a battery. When the battery is low, it emits a beeping sound. When I have replaced the battery, there are wires that come from the ceiling that are plugged alongside the battery. That leads me to believe the smoke detector was hardwired with a battery backup. Now condo assoc. is saying the smoke detectors must be electrically connected with one another mandated by the fire dept. and that we will be charged $40 for the replacement of our individual smoke detector. My question is, what is the difference in what I have now and something they say will be electrically connected when all of our alarms go off at the same time now. They say it is in case the electricity goes off. But isn't that what the battery backup is for? Thanks.
2007-09-07 08:56:20 · 4 answers · asked by Chloe 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
. Here's the law in Maryland:
"...If a home was constructed between July 1, 1975 and January 1, 1989, at least one electric powered Smoke Alarm, permanently wired, is required to be installed in the sleeping area at the time of construction.
Homes or residential dwellings constructed between January 1, 1989 and July 1, 1990 are required by law to have Smoke Alarms installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the home, including the basement but excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. All Smoke Alarms in these multi-level residential properties must be electric powered and must be interconnected to alarm simultaneously.
For residential properties constructed after July 1, 1990, State law requires that these properties be protected by Smoke Alarms that operate by both electricity and battery."
............. Chances are your alarms are NOT hardwired. But they ARE connected to each other, probably in series. That is probably the wires you see, especially if they're small wires.
Maybe you can have the fire dept. check it out for free. But for a measly $40, I wouldn't give this 'problem' much of MY time.
2007-09-07 09:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by jim bo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whether the smoke detector is wired to alert an agency or the Fire Department. So, if it is the garden variety smoke detector that you buy at Walmart, no, unless the neighbors hear it and call the fire department. Also, if you have an alarm system such as ADT or Brinks, they notify the proper agency as well, as part of their monitoring fees each month. If it is wired to an agency or fire department, they will respond as soon as they get the alarm. Some senior and handicapped assisted living facilities have the capability of reporting it to the fire department or rescue squad, it is one of the perks of living in such a facility, there is simply a button to push and help is on the way.
2016-04-03 09:13:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
someone is double talking.
most modern smoke detectors have a provision to connect to other smoke detectors.
most installations now are AC powered with battery backup.
Most after market are only battery powered.
If the units were never connected, which is most probable, they will need to be connected.
I would research your unit to determine if it has that provision. If so they can pound sand because they would be trying to get u to pay for the wiring.
2007-09-07 13:28:01 · answer #3 · answered by Bill R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is battery operated
2007-09-07 09:04:08 · answer #4 · answered by dennis f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋