Smoke Detectors Requirements

Attention: As of April 7, 2003, carbon monoxide alarms are required in all one and two family dwellings, these alarms can be battery, plug in or hardwired type. The alarms shall be placed in the common area in the vicinity of all bedrooms.

5.23-6.3 Definitions

The words and terms used in this subcode shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Any term not defined herein which is defined in any of the other subcodes of the Uniform Construction Code shall have the meaning as defined in that subcode. Where a term is defined in this subcode and is also defined in another subcode, then the term shall have the meaning as defined herein wherever it is used in this subcode.

"Addition" means an increase in the footprint area of a building or an increase in the average height of the highest roof surface or the number of stories of a building.

"Alteration" means the rearrangement of any space by the construction of walls or partitions or by a change in ceiling height, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the extension or rearrangement of any system, the installation of any additional equipment or fixtures and any work which reduces the load bearing capacity of or which imposes additional loads on a primary structural component.

"Reconstruction" means any project where the extent and nature of the work is such that the work area cannot be occupied while the work is in progress and where a new certificate of occupancy is required before the work area can be reoccupied. Reconstruction may include repair, renovations, alteration or any combination thereof. Reconstruction shall not include projects comprised only of floor finish replacement, painting or wallpapering, or the replacement of equipment or furnishings. Asbestos hazard abatement and lead hazard abatement projects shall not be classified as reconstruction solely because occupancy of the work area is not permitted.

"Rehabilitation" means the repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure.

"Renovation" means the removal and replacement or covering of existing interior or exterior finish, trim, doors, windows, or other materials with new materials that serve the same purpose and do not change the configuration of space. Renovation shall include the replacement of equipment or fixtures.

"Repair" means the restoration to a good or sound condition of materials, systems and/or components that are worn, deteriorated or broken using materials or components identical to or closely similar to the existing.

5:23-6.4 Repairs

(a) Repairs, as defined in NJ.A.C. 5:23-63, shall comply with the requirements of this section. There is no limit to the amount of repair work which may be undertaken.

(f) In buildings of Groups R-3, R-4, and R-5 and in dwelling units of Group R-2, smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained on each level of the structure, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and located on or near the ceiling. Battery-operated units shall be permitted. (Fire)

5:23-6.5 Renovations

(a) Renovations, as defined in NJ.A.C. 5:23-63, shall comply with the requirements of this section

5:23-6.6 Alterations

(a) Alterations, as defined in NJ.A.C. 5:23-63, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

5:23-6.7 Reconstruction

(a) Reconstruction, as defined in NJ.A.C. 5:23-63, shall comply with the requirements of this section.

5:23-6.27 Basic Requirements-Use Groups R-3 & R-5

(a) Smoke Detection within Dwelling Units: Smoke detectors that meet the specifications of the building subcode shall be installed. The smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations indicated in the building subcode and placed within those locations in accordance with NFPA 72. (Fire)

5:23-6:32 Additions

(a) Any addition to a building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the Uniform Construction code applicable to new construction.

(f) Whenever an addition is made to a detached, single family dwelling of Group R-3 or R-5, smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the following:

1. If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition(s) is 25% or more of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building, smoke detectors complying with the building subcode shall be installed throughout the addition and the existing building.

2. If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition(s) is 5% or more, but, less then 25%, of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building, hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors with battery back-up meeting the requirements of NFPA 72, except as otherwise provided in the building or fire protection subcode, shall be installed and maintained in each story in the dwelling unit, including basements. (Fire)

Section R317 Smoke Alarms

R317.1: Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations:

1. In each sleeping room.

2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and inhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling 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 one full story below the upper level.

When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.

All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72.

R317.1.1 Deleted

R317.2 Power Source

In new construction, the required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from the battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.