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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Question:

Are smoke and monoxide detectors required in commercial buildings?

Maurice House

A

Answer:

Hey Maurice thanks for your question. The NEC does not require that smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors be installed but does provide rules that address how they are installed. The 2015 edition of the International Building Code has rules about fire alarm systems in 907.2 rules about carbon monoxide detection in 915.1. NFPA 72, the National Fire alarm and Signaling Code and NFPA 720 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment also have rules about their installation.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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