Smoke Detectors & Lighting Circuit Sharing

[obj]

Hows's it going guys,if I could,would like to ask a few questions regarding smoke detector installs?

Doing some electrical work around the house (adding recs, running new lines,etc.) and little stumped about some smoke detector circuit requirements and connections.

I'm not too sure if would be better running the detectors on a separate 15A breaker (14/2) or tying into 15A lighting circuit breaker (14/2).

Also running 14/3 interconnected between the detectors.

The lighting circuit feeds the basement lights (garage & shop).
It powers 6- 4ft 32W T8's and couple of led bulb bases

I don't think it would be over doing it on the circuit, but wanted to check.

My last question if you don't mind is about connecting the lighting circuit and smoke detectors separate 14/2 runs together.

I have an homeline panel with Square D breakers that have space for 2 Cu wires under the screw\plate.

Not sure if it makes a difference, but should I connect it using the above connection or run a single 14/2 from it and wire it up in the box down circuit?

Pretty sure either connection style should work, but is one way proper and safer?

Hopefully it doesn't require a AFCI or GFCI breaker....but I think it might..could go broke if you need a few too many of those things!

Thanks for taking the time to help me out, it is appreciated!



Sometimes I would rather ask the questions then be that as*hole that messes up and burns the house down

 

[nsula_country]

When we built our house in 2011 we installed 5 smoke detectors. Dedicated 20 amp circuit, 12/2 wire, 12/3 interconnect. Everything else in the house was 20 amp so had the wire and breakers. Overkill, probably. IF needed to use circuit for something else, future proofed.

Maybe it was OCD to not have a 15 amp circuit in 2 panels full of 20's!

Maybe i misread your statement about 2 wires under the breaker screw. NO. Do not double land to the breaker. Use a home run and split in a junction box.

I am almost 100% certain that you will need to use a AFCI, POS breaker.

CT

 

[PCustoms]

Maybe i misread your statement about 2 wires under the breaker screw. NO. Do not double land to the breaker.

Square D breakers are rated for this. Safe to do it.

 

[Bert_]

I'd run it with the lights. The smoke detectors draw almost nothing and if the smoke detector circuit quits working you will know right away because the lights also won't work

 

[6768rogues]

The code in NY used to require detectors to be on the bedroom lighting circuit so when going to bed the circuit would be tested.

 

[ddawg16]

They have to be wired to building electrical such that the only means to turn off is via the breaker.

In other words, you can't have them on a light switch. But they can share a lighting ckt.

 

[nsula_country]

The code in NY used to require detectors to be on the bedroom lighting circuit so when going to bed the circuit would be tested.

"Most" AC detectors have battery backup...

CT

 

[Bert_]

"Most" AC detectors have battery backup...

CT

Agreed, but why run down the battery because the circuit is off for whatever reason when you would notice a bunch of lights not working right away.

 

[snyder]

The major rule is that ALL the interconnected smokes are on the same feed circuit.

 

[nsula_country]

Agreed, but why run down the battery because the circuit is off for whatever reason when you would notice a bunch of lights not working right away.

Good idea. Especially with AFCI breakers now.

They have a pilot light for AC mains on. Some even beep when mains circuit is off. If the circuit goes off the batteries will go down. When batteries go down, they beep... A LOT!

CT

 

[johnnyradiant]

Here they've bounced back and forth over the years about dedicated breaker or shared. Currently they want detectors shared with lights so you are less likely to not be relying on battery back-up if you don't have to.

 

[grantw]

I just had 5 detectors installed at the new house. The hall lights and plugs are shared with the smokes / CO on 12/3. The hall lights are the giveaway for the smokes of the house.

The electrician said he always puts the smokes on a circuit that would be noticed if it wasn't working. He does the same to the kitchen lights and the fridge. If the kitchen lights don't work, it's a good indication the fridge is out too.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Mine are on the same circuit as the lights on the inside stairways. That way you can't forget them before bed.