Smoke & CO Alarms in California
In my search to add wired smoke and smoke/CO alarms I found a 10 year battery requirement, yet Home Depot was selling a 4 pack of Kidde Smoke alarms and a single Kidde Smoke/CO Combo Detector that did not have a 10 year battery. This confused me so I started searching to make sure I bought code compliant devices.
These devices are AC powered, have AA battery backup, and are interconnected via the third wire (Red) in the 14/3 Romex. This interconnect means everyone can be shocked out of bed simultaneously if an alert occurs.
After some searching I found that replaceable batteries are allowed in hardwires smoke and/or CO alarms.
This is specified in California code CRC Section R314.6
The code is copied below:
R314.6 Power Source
Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
- Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing buildings where no construction is taking place.
- Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source.
- Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
- Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated where repairs or alterations are limited to the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck.
- Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated when work is limited to the installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems or the installation, alteration or repair of electrical systems which do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure.
Here is the source of that: found it here: https://up.codes/viewer/san-diego/ca-residential-code-2022/chapter/3/building-planning#R314.6
