Are duct smoke detectors required for my building? If so, do they need to be connected to the building’s alarm system?
The requirement for the installation of duct smoke detectors is a mechanical code requirement and a fire code requirement. Generally, the mechanical code requires that duct detectors be installed on the supply and return sides of HVAC units if the aggregate (cumulative) capacity of the system exceeds a capacity of 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). Duct detectors, if present, are required by the fire code to be connected to the building’s alarm system.

In buildings that are not required to be equipped with an alarm system, the fire code requires that the activation of a duct smoke detector activate a visible and audible signal in an approved location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal in an approved location and shall be specifically identified as air duct detector trouble.

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1. What codes and standards does my project have to be in compliance with?
2. I’ve heard that thumb-turn style door locks are illegal. Is this true? If so, what kinds of locks can I have in order to be in compliance with the code but also provide protection from theft?
3. How far from the road and from existing buildings can my building be?
4. Are duct smoke detectors required for my building? If so, do they need to be connected to the building’s alarm system?
5. I’m constructing a new building. Does my building need to be equipped with sprinklers?
6. I’m moving my offices into a currently empty tenant space within a two-story office building? Does my space need a fire alarm system?
7. What can really happen to me if I refuse to comply with the fire code?
8. Why does the fire district require that the exterior horn/strobe on my sprinklered building sound on all alarms as opposed to just water flow?
9. My project is unique and cannot be effectively built using the prescriptive requirements set forth within the code. What can I do?
10. I have been a fire protection contractor for over 20 years. Why do I have to change the way I’ve been doing things just for your jurisdiction?
11. What are impact fees and will they apply to my project?