Hi Jaime,
A hardwired smoke detector is not required in a kitchen unless it is the only space on that particular floor (one detector per floor + inside and outside all bedrooms). Burnt toast will certainly set off an alarm so I typically place a heat sensor (when budget allows) in my kitchen renovations. For clients, the cost of a hardwired alarm is quite reasonable when the life saving potential is taken into account.
Of course your local building department or inspector may still require a hardwired detector for any renovation work. I've also been required to rewire all older detectors in a house if one is added or altered, since detectors need to be interconnected.
If your clients have a security alarm it's an easy and preferred solution to include the smoke detectors with that system.
I hope this helps. I work with the IRC 2003 and 2009 in my practice.
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John Black AIA
Partner
Lapis Design Partners LLC
Honolulu HI
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-23-2013 17:47
From: Jaime Torres Carmona
Subject: Hardwired Smoke Detectors
Hi guys,
I have a question regarding hardwired smoke detectors. For a kitchen remodel we're working with the International Residential Code 2006, which I'm not as familiar with. There's a reference for home alterations in existing houses to provide hardwired smoke detectors if not already installed. In the world of cost effectiveness I've looked into the available exceptions on this rule. Do you know if most jurisdictions actually home owners to provide these? I'd appreciate your feedback.
Curious AIA in Chicago,
Jim