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  1. #1
    Jerome W. Young's Avatar
    Jerome W. Young Guest

    Default smoke detector installed next to light

    Anyone see any concerns here other than with the fool who installed it this way. WHat problems canthis promote?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    That should not affect the way the smoke detector operates in any significant way.

    Stupid? Sure, but it's not like it is a beam or something else blocking the path of the smoke.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    All the manufacturer's I'm aware of recommend against the installation of smoke alarms closer than 12" to "fluorescent lights", and since CFs are increasingly being installed in place of incandescent bulbs...

    The example below is from the manual for FirstAlert brand model SA87B / SA97B alarms, but all instructions have a similar list of locatons to avoid:

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    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
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  4. #4
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    I agree it is a dumb location ...
    Other than that, you could check your local Code. In Chicago, the smoke detector has to be located within 12" of the wall/ceiling intersection whether it is on the wall or on the ceiling

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  5. #5
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Markus,

    Do you have a link to the Chicago requirements?

    Thanks

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Michael, in the City's infinite wisdom there is no public link to look up the Chicago Code. You have to buy the books from one City publisher. I will look up the Code sections tomorrow and post to you along with the various violation numbers.
    Markus

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  7. #7
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Markus,

    Looks like they are now on-line - subscription only, of course....

    Chicago Codes

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Yes, I forgot about the subscription deal. I prefer the book. Till tomorrow.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  9. #9
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Michael, here's the Code info. If you decide to cite the Code, remember that each section pertains to different areas.

    07 Code page 126; 13-64-120 to 160 pertains to new construction
    07 Code page 829 13-196-100 to 160 pertains to minimum requirements for existing buildings.
    Violation #'s 197019, 029, 039, 049, (059, 069, 079)

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  10. #10
    Steve Lowery's Avatar
    Steve Lowery Guest

    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Looks to be the same color as the walls & ceiling. Did someone paint it ?


  11. #11
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Jerome, it hit me last night. Did you check if the unit is battery operated? I suspect they hardwired it to the light. This could create additional problems with the installation.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  12. #12
    Jim Zborowski's Avatar
    Jim Zborowski Guest

    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Interresting concept. So......the unit is only AC powered when the light is on.

    Kind of reminds me of high school electronics class. Had a freind asked me to help him since the radio he put in his school bus wouldn't work. Turns out it did work.............every time the turn signal blinked.


  13. #13
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    Default Re: smoke detector installed next to light

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Zborowski View Post
    Turns out it did work.............every time the turn signal blinked.
    Jim,

    That would definitely be called an 'intermittent' problem.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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