KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** comments on Protect yourself when installing deficient system in residence July 9, 2026 ********************* comments on Protect yourself when installing deficient system in residence from article on June 12, 2026 ********************* Ken: Regarding Ronald’s question where homeowner did not want a full fire alarm system, I’m wondering if the local building codes do not insist on smoke ALARMS in all areas and the work Ronald is wanting to recommend is augmenting the existing smoke ALARMS? *Smoke ALARMS" are the $9.99 devices you can get at the hardware store with a $10.00 rebate and are usually initially installed by the home builder. We have had homeowners attempt to get us to remove the smoke ALARMS (and install ONLY a Central Station smoke detector) and when we go to the City / AHJ – they will NOT sign off on this modification to the existing local building code. Wandering minds are wondering ……….. Respectfully, Joseph Pfefer, President & Founder Jade Alarm Co ************************ another comment *********************** Ken, I serve on NFPA 72 Chapter 29 Household Committee. This topic is one that is misunderstood around the country. NFPA 72(25) 29.3 applies here. The key is the following: 29.3.3.1 The requirements of 29.7.1 & 29.8.1 shall be met in their entirety with the installation of smoke alarms or smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms or carbon monoxide detectors 29.3.3.2 The installation of additional smoke, heat, fire, or carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be permitted 29.3.3.3 The installation of additional smoke, heat, fire, or carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall comply with the requirements of this chapter 29.3.3.4 The duplication of devices meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be considered supplemental as defined in 3.3.312 29.3.3.5 The installation of supplementary devices shall comply with this chapter In order for a residence to be occupied it has to meet the requirement for Fire detection either with a smoke alarm system or a smoke detection system(where allowed. Not all jurisdictions allow for this) once occupancy has been granted either smoke alarms or smoke detectors can be added to either type system. However, if smoke alarms were used to meet occupancy you cannot go in and take them down and replace with a smoke detector but can add as many smoke detectors as the homeowner wants. George Bish 980-521-8051 ********************* Response ********************* Residential fire alarms, which generally means smoke alarm or smoke or heat detectors, are covered by NFPA and codified in most if not most building codes. Enforcement is generally limited to new construction when a Certificate of Occupancy is required or sometimes when there is a renovation requiring a Certificate of Completion or new Certificate of Occupancy. Some states require the seller of residential property to attest by affidavit that there are fire detection devices as required by local code. But, ultimately the final word goes to the Fire Marshal or building inspectors, and they can run the gamut from lackadaisical to hard nose; that's why some alarm companies don't know about or care about local Fire Marshal approval and some are very careful with there recommendations, design and installation of residential fire alarm systems. No matter your jurisdiction, use the Residential Fire All in One and protect yourself. Add to that protection by using the Disclaimer Notice. ******************* STANDARD FORMS Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements. click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at ww.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth ****************************** Getting on our Email List / Email Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. You can read articles and order alarm contracts on our web site www.alarmcontracts.com ************************** Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC Attorneys at Law 200 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530 516 747 6700 x 301 ken@kirschenbaumesq.com www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
