ELECTRICAL CODE CLARIFICATION
700 N. TRYON STREET CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
(704) 336-2831
SUBJECT:
Smoke Detectors In Existing Dwellings
CODE REFERENCE:
Policy
SUBMITTED BY:
Electrical Department
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately
PROBLEM:
Determining when smoke detectors are required in existing
dwellings.
SOLUTION:
The interpretation given by the Building Code Council
requires that smoke detector’s be installed in existing
dwelling’s if a building permit is taken out for construction on
a residence, other than repairs to exterior surfaces.
* Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be
interconnected and hardwired where the alterations or repairs
do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes,
unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available
which could provide access for hardwiring and interconnection
without the removal of interior finishes.
APPROVED BY: GERALD HARVELL ELECTRICAL CPM
OCT/2008
9.3