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Interpretation #7555

Original Request

  • Date: August 01, 2015
  • Requested By: Dennis DeSalvo
  • Requester E-Mail: ddesalvo@pascocountyfl.net
  • Code Version: 2014
  • Code: BUILDING
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter:
  • Section: 553.883
  • Topic: Smoke alarm 9 V power

  • Question: Is it the intent of the state of Florida to ban smoke alarms powered with a 9 volt battery. They are still being sold in home improvement stores.

Answer on 08/01/2015 at 2:53 PM

Yes. Although this question is referring to a Florida

Statute number, the requirement is found in the Florida

Building Code - Existing Buildings volume.

Commentary:

Existing Building Code 403.7 ...Effective January 1, 2015, a battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years. The battery requirements of this section do not apply to a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system. While this is in the FBC-EB, it is also in numerous locations to codify statutory changes to Ch. 553.883. See FBC-EB ss. 403.7, 603.2, 703.2, and FBC-R s.R314.44.