Smoke detectors are an important part of a monitored alarm system. Smoke detector system may be installed by your alarm company or by an electrician. Electricians install 120VAC smoke detectors. Alarm company typically install 12VDC monitored smoke detectors.

The 120VAC smoke detectors are lopped together an a single circuit so if one smoke detector is tripped all detectors will sound. It is not connected to a monitored system or external sirens. The power comes from your circuit breaker and the backup battery is inside each of the individual detectors.

12VDC monitored smoke detectors installed by Urban Alarm are connected to the alarm control panel. They are powered by the alarm panel and a single large 12VDC battery that provides backup power to the alarm panel and all the devices connected to the alarm panel.

Up until recently the 120VAC detectors were required to meet most code requirements (for more information on fire and electrical code). 12VDC monitored smoke detectors were not an option for code and inspections. However effective with the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 version, hard-wired 12VDC smoke detectors are now accepted to meet code and inspections. Unfortunately it can take time for states and country to catch up to the most recent code. Many, including DC and Maryland, and Virginia, are officially on older code standards which require the 120VAC detectors.

The good news is, in practice, DC, Maryland, and Virginia do allow 12VDC monitored smoke detectors to meet code and inspections. In some cases you may need a variance during the permit process but we have found jurisdictions willing to provide these so long as the installation meets the 2009 code requirement. 

12VDC Monitored Smoke Detectors have many advantages over 120VAC detectors:

It is possible to install and monitor a relay on the 120VAC smoke detector loop. In this configuration any of the smoke detectors tripping will result in a fire alarm transmission to the monitoring center (and a fire department dispatch). But we will only know if a sensor goes off -- we will not know which one or why. Nor will the health of the system and device be monitored.

What about Wireless Smoke Detectors?

Up until the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) all low voltage smoke detectors are required to be hard-wired. The 2012 IRC code allows wireless smoke detectors. But jurisdictions are not quick to adopt this brand new standard. Over the next year they will be reviewing code updates and the matter of wireless smoke detectors will clearly be up for discussion. Contact our office for the latest on this mater and we will update the blog as soon as we have more information.

Keep in mind the NFPA recommends replacing your smoke detectors every 5 years. Most manufacturers documentation recommend replacing detectors at least every 7 years. Smoke detectors should be tested regularly and inspected / cleaned by an alarm company annually.