Linwood said:
Though it is worth remembering that much of code comes from lives lost to teach someone a lesson a long time ago.
"Code" is a collection of "do not do X" often without the "why". Sometimes the "why" is obsolete, sometimes it is politics hidden in regulations, but sometimes it is niche cases learned the hard way.
Sure. What I meant is that code is very very slow to adapt as technology evolves. For example, the crap A/C power + 1 common wire for simultaneous sounding as the "common" residential wiring is an extreme limiter. Understandable that it is
one mode necessary to support a very large number of existing installations. However, there should be a newer, more capable, wired standard for use in new construction.
Without it, we are left with RF-based products like Nest that add all their smarts through a proprietary cloud/app/whatever that may, or may not (more likely), provide an interface to other automation components. And still doesn't address the problem of batteries scattered around.
The use of commercial detectors/panels is a tough path for residential. The low-end commercial (non-addressable) gets some of the desired features (centralized battery, crude zones, etc). Addressable requires high-end commercial equipment. All this is simply because the industry is protecting a high-margin environment where mediocre last-century technology still demands a premium price.
This is the 21st century. Fully addressable detectors with centralized battery and interface to other automation systems should be the norm for new construction. And it shouldn't cost the obscene amount that high-end commercial does.
