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Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms must be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms is not required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm must be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs, or construction of any kind.
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. V, § 26)
Smoke alarms must receive their primary power from the building wiring and must be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup must be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms must emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring must be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are allowed to be solely battery powered in areas of buildings erected for or converted to residential use before June 1, 1984, where interior work requiring a permit has not taken place since June 1, 2020.
2. Smoke alarms are allowed to be solely battery powered in areas of buildings erected for or converted to residential use before June 1, 1984, undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available that could provide access for installing wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
On and after January 1, 2022, where smoke alarms that are solely battery powered are allowed by the exceptions to Section 14X-5-504.8.1 or 14X-5-504.8.3, such smoke alarms must be powered by self-contained, non-removable, long term batteries
Exceptions:
1. In owner-occupied dwelling units, fully functioning smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2023 and marked with a date of manufacture no more than 10 years before the date of use.
2. In all occupancies other than owner-occupied dwelling units, fully functioning smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2022 and marked with a date of manufacture no more than 10 years before the date of use.
3. A smoke alarm that uses either a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal or wireless local area networking capability to send and receive notifications using the Internet.
A single-station smoke alarm must be installed on the uppermost ceiling of every exit stairway.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings of Type I or IIA construction.
2. Where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system have been installed as a substitute for smoke alarms and the system provides required occupant notification.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be provided in existing structures in accordance with Sections 14X-5-504.9.1 through 14X-5-504.9.3. Installation must be in accordance with Section 915.4 of the Chicago Building Code.
Exceptions:
1. Carbon monoxide alarms are allowed to be solely battery operated where the code that was in effect at the time of installation did not require hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors to be provided.
2. A carbon monoxide detection system in accordance with Section 915.5 of the Chicago Building Code is an acceptable alternative to carbon monoxide alarms.
3. A carbon monoxide alarm is not required by this section in any occupancy or at any location where a carbon monoxide alarm is not required by Section 915 of the Chicago Building Code.
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