Code Q&A

Feb. 21, 2008

What are the NEC requirements for the installation of smoke detectors in dwelling units?

Q. What are the NEC requirements for the installation of smoke detectors in dwelling units?

A.The NEC doesn’t specify the locations of smoke alarms in a dwelling unit. That information is best obtained in the locally adopted building code. An important fact to keep in mind is that the NEC does require smoke alarms located in dwelling units to be AFCI-protected [210.12(B)].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.