Building Officials Association of Florida
Protecting Lives and Property since 1953

Interpretation #7787

Published June 03, 2016

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section
907.2.11.2
Topic
Smoke alarm replacement

Question

As part of the company's service to customers we offer to check smoke alarms with canned smoke. If I find an older, hard wired alarm that no longer functions properly can said alarm be replaced with a new BATTERY OPERATED alarm as long as the battery in said alarm is of the 10 year type as now required? Or must the replacement alarm also be hard wired as well as have a 10 year battery back up? Thank you.

Answer Published 06/03/2016 at 2:47 PM

No. Please see the attached commentary

Commentary

907.2.11.4 states that hard wired alarms are required for new construction. Lacking any more information, if the alarm was hard-wired to begin with, it must have been required at the time is was installed, and must be replaced in-like-kind. FBC,Existing Building section: SECTION 603 FIRE PROTECTION 603.1 General. Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.