Elk M1G with smokes on multiple zones.

[newalarm]

I was looking to have three zones for the smokes on the M1G.

I have a garage separate from main house, and a basement we are looking to rent out as separate unit, under our living space. What are the problems of having separate zones? I bought 4-wire System Sensor 4WT-B with EOLR-1 to terminate each run.

I know it is not recommended, but I would like smokes in garage because of the faster reaction time and the potential loss of valuable tools and cars. I have worked around smokes in garages before, welding and what not, and only once set them off. I usually protect them during really dirty/smoking work.

Thanks.

 

[newalarm]

From reading past posts, I guess there is no issue with having separate zones. I thought i read something about the interrupted power being a problem...

Does anyone have experience with a workshop/garage environment? System Sensor recommends just a regular smoke that you protect when doing activity that could create false alarm. Has anyone ever done a momentary switch to turn off alarms or other solutions?

 

[wuench]

Garage, Attic, Kitchen = Rate of Rise Heat Sensors, not smokes.

 

[Del91574]

Here we go....

Smoke detectors in garage and workshop space are going to false alarm, it's not if, it's when. If you had them before, consider yourself lucky. Larger addressable panels have sensitivity settings that can be modified based on multiple criteria, such as schedules and occupied/unoccupied status, or bypassing individual detectors for hot work.

Analog conventional detectors have none of this abilities. Also, it's against all design criteria.

In the case of multiple 4 wire fire zones on a panel, think about what happens during a fire reset via normal means....assuming you installed it correct with power supervision relays, you do a reset, you just put every smoke on SAUX into trouble. In the case of a monitored system, now you introduced a pile of unnecessary signals and traffic on the system, which may also cause further issues with the proper monitoring of the system (unrelated signals being sent when an alarm is reset). Then you start thinking of workarounds....tasks, rules, reset buttons, etc. Now that's making the system more difficult to use and increasing the possibility for user error.

Basically comes into a very bad idea IMO, unless you're running unpowered detectors (heats) for the detached building.

 

[newalarm]

Just to clarify, when you reset the power to the smokes, it puts all smokes into trouble, and the panel then conveys that information to the monitoring company? The M1G will have trouble or this situation can cause problems?

For the garage, does anyone know the reaction time of smokes vs heat detectors?

 

[wuench]

It may be against code to place smoke detectors in places like your garage and kitchen. In many municipalities if you false alarm and the monitoring company sends the fire department out you will be fined.

 

[Del91574]

It may be against code to place smoke detectors in places like your garage and kitchen. In many municipalities if you false alarm and the monitoring company sends the fire department out you will be fined.

Actually it is against code...placing detectors in kitchen(s) and garages are specifically outlined within the installation documents as well as noted in code, with the latest revisions of code clearly spelling out the kitchen mandate.

As far as garage....it's not IF you're going to false, it's WHEN.

 

[newalarm]

Alright, I will modify my install and follow your wise advice. my only concern with thermals is that by the time it gets that hot, the fire is well on its way. A smoke could save some time getting fire department there, and help reduce damage.

 

[Del91574]

135* or 15* ROR is adequate, and in actuality, most sprinkler systems use the same values....and those perform better than smoke alarms (proven data) for detection and suppression. The only thing that a thermal can't pick up quickly would be a smouldering fire.

 

[newalarm]

I guess smoldering fire was my concern.

What ROR would i put in a furnace room? It is oil burning furnace. And would it be installed right above the furnace?

I have gas water heater in separate room. Would that be a similar ROR device?

thanks

 

[Del91574]

Depends on the ambient and if the ROR has a possiblity to trip when the unit cycles. Usually, heat detectors are selected to be 15-20* above ambient temperature in normal living spaces.