2 separate fire alarm branches on same circuit?
Hoping to get some insight into an electrical question. I have a dedicated fire alarm circuit for my house. I would like to split it into two separate alarm groups that would go off separately from one another. My thought is to run a new wire to the second group I want to make to serve as the new red wire for that group. I would leave the other alarms on the original red wire. All alarms would be powered by the same circuit though. The two separate red wires would never connect. Any thoughts on this approach or any other ideas?
*Adding on to my original post- I’m not going to be making the system less safe with this. I’m looking to actually add to my total alarms but have them be in areas that see a lot of dust/other debris like my garage and shop. These areas can trigger false alarms easier and I’m not looking to set off the whole house (have some sensitive animals). I’d add these alarms and a couple new ones in my living room and bedroom so I’d hear if they go off. My normal alarm system, which I added in the first place, would stay intact.
Replies
The purpose of a fire alarm is to tell you to get out.
Why would you want to limit the sensors that tell you this?
A neighbor had a fire start in the attic (stuck ventilation fan) They were in the basement when it happened and had no clue.
Fire department said it is common for this to happen and many times the first clue is when the ceiling gives way dumping fire all over the house below.
A house is not like a multi-story commercial building that needs to notify the fire department of the location of the fire.
I would not modify a fire alarm. That sounds like a huge liability issue. If you alter this and someone were to perish in a fire you could be held responsible.
For several safety and reliability reasons, it is generally not recommended to have two separate fire alarm branches on the same circuit. Fire alarm systems are important for warning residents of potential hazards, and their proper functioning is critical in emergencies. Here are some considerations.
Redundancy and Reliability: Fire alarm systems are typically designed to be redundant to ensure reliability. This redundancy can be compromised if there are two separate branches on the same circuit. If a fault occurs in the common circuit, both branches can be affected simultaneously, potentially causing the entire system to fail. Isolated Circuits: Fire alarm circuits are often designed to be isolated from other building systems to prevent interference and ensure dedicated functionality. Sharing a circuit between two branches runs the risk of one branch impacting the other branch.
To add a separate fire alarm branch on the same circuit, run a new cable into the second group, creating two separate alarm zones. This feature allows for localized alarms without activating the entire home system, improving security in areas prone to false alarms, and improving safety in areas prone to false alarms like the garage and shop.