A.5.3.1.3 Fire Protection

A. Fire/smoke detection, alarm, and communication systems must comply with the Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, for the entire project.

1. The 2006 NFPA 101, paragraph 31.3.4.5.1, states that “approved single station smoke alarms shall be installed outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on all levels of the dwelling unit, including basements”, and the regulation in 24 CFR 200.76 requires that smoke detectors must also be installed inside each sleeping area.

2. Accordingly, smoke detectors must be installed:

   • Inside all bedrooms;

Outside every sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms,; and

On all levels of the dwelling unit, including basements.

3. For Section 223(f) & 223(a)(7) projects, installation of required smoke detectors is a Critical repair.

4. The regulation does not specify whether the required smoke detectors must be hard wired or battery powered. However, Section 3.3.9.1 of NFPA 101 permits a battery-operated device.

   • For substantial rehabilitation projects, regardless of the scope of work, hard-wired (for power) smoke detectors with interconnectivity are required.

• Considering the difficulty, time, and expense of feeding electrical wiring through the walls of existing buildings, battery-operated smoke detectors are acceptable in Section 223(f) and 223(a)(7) projects.

• If battery powered, the smoke detectors must have power cells with the following characteristics:

  • 1. The cells must have a ten-year life.
  • 2. The cells must be tamper resistant.
  • 3. The cells cannot be used in any other toy or appliance.
  • 4. The smoke detector may have a manual (but not automatic) silencing device to clear unwanted alarms such as cooking smoke.
  • 5. Smoke detectors as described above must appear to meet the intent of the smoke alarm requirements in Section 9.6.2.10 of NFPA 101.

• B. Any new construction must have a sprinkler system as required by NFPA 101.

C. For substantial rehabilitation, Level 3 Alterations must comply with NFPA 101 fire protection provisions for new construction.

D. New additions must be separated from existing structures, even if the entire facility is included under one mortgage. Separation must equal or exceed:

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1. Two-hour rated firewall;

2. One and one half (1 ½) hour protected openings; and

3. Class B labeled fire doors;

E. New construction of additions in substantial rehabilitation projects must comply with standards for new construction.