Applications of the Smoke Alarm Interconnect Module with Smoke Alarms

UL Listed
(Single and/or Multiple Station Smoke Alarm accessory)

Listed
California Fire Marshal
(CSFM 7300-1628:100)
 

Smoke Alarm Interconnect Module

Model TR-SAI
Interconnect Smoke Detectors without adding new wiring

Types of smoke detectors
for residential use are:

• Ionization smoke detector
• Photoelectric smoke detector
• Heat detector.

these can be power by:

• 120VAC (sometimes labeled 110VAC or 115VAC)
• 120VAC with Battery Back Up

Those powered by 120VAC are usually available as:

• Single Station Units those that are not interconnectable);
• Multiple Station Units (those that are interconnectable)

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
The photoelectric detector is designed to detect the smoke that results from an actual fire, and is less likely to be tripped by cigarette or cooking smoke, and is usually specified for somewhat more specialized purposes.

Heat Detectors
These work usually by a small piece of special metal melting at 110F or so. They are much better at avoiding false trips. But they usually take much longer to trip than a smoke detector, and should usually only be considered for triggering sprinkler devices (where the consequences of a false trip are quite severe). Heat detectors should not be used as primary fire detection.

120VAC vs. Battery Power
Most building codes mandate 120VAC smoke detectors for new construction. This is because the statistics show that in houses equipped with smoke detectors, a lot more people were getting killed in houses with battery-only detectors that had dead batteries than were getting killed in houses where the 120VAC power was out. And, during a fire, a failure of the 120VAC power is unlikely, even in a fire started by an electrical fault, until well after the fire has really engulfed the home. The best choice would be 120VAC with battery back up.

Single Station Detector or Multi Station Detector
Thus far our discussion has led us to conclude that for residences in general, we would choose the Ionization Smoke Detectors, powered by 120VAC with battery back up. Now we need to decide whether they need to be interconnected or not (Multi-Station or Single Station). Virtually all Codes have an "Audibility Requirement" for the smoke alarms. This is to insure that the occupants hear the alarm. This is especially true in multiple family residences such as apartment, condos, etc., where the noise from TV's, radios, air conditioners, and other appliances, can be substantial. The best way to insure the audibility requirement, in light of the background noise that can exist in multiple family housing, is with Interconnected Multi Station Smoke Detectors. Therefore Codes usually require that the detectors be interconnected so that if one triggers, they all sound the alarm. This is usually done by an additional (third) wire between the units.
The need for interconnected smoke detectors to satisfy the Audibility Requirements is greatly diminished when the 120VAC power is out. Since when the power goes, so go the attendant background noises caused by TV's, radios, air conditioners, and other appliances.

Interconnecting Multi Station Smoke or Fire Detectors
When it becomes necessary to interconnect smoke detectors, adding the third wire between the units is not always an easy thing to do, and can be prohibitively expensive.
The Model TR-SAI, Smoke Alarm Interconnect Module allows you to interconnect 120VAC, multi-station Smoke Alarms without adding a third between them, while at the same time facilitating the implementation of a Supplemental Fire Alarm System and Monitoring (connect your smoke detectors into your alarm panel).

The Model TR-SAI is mounted with each 120VAC multi-station smoke detector. The installation is shown in the diagram below.

These modules are designed to be hard wired into the electrical outlet box behind the smoke detector. They are solidly encased in a rock hard epoxy compound, measure 2.4 x 2 x 0.5 inch, weighs less than 6 oz., and come with 2-sided tape on the bottom for quick and easy installation. The electrical connections are made via 3 leads. Two are for direct connection to the 120V AC power, and the third connects to the Smoke Detectors third (interconnect) wire. Interconnect up to 12 smoke detectors (limited to 12 Smoke Detectors and 6 Heat Sensors by NFPA Standard 72), using the Model TR-SAI Modules.

Interconnecting New Additions
Use the Model TR-SAI to interconnect a smoke or fire detector in a room that has been added to existing interconnected units by installing a Model TR-SAI with the unit in the addition, and with any one of the existing units.

Supplemental Fire Alarm System
When using the Model TR-SAI Module to interconnect Smoke Detectors, you can create an ADA and HUD approved Supplemental Fire Alarm System for those with hearing impediments that may make it difficult to hear a conventional fire alarm with normal household noises from televisions, radios, etc., by plugging-in the Model RX-BZM , Buzzer Modules (set to the same code as the Model TR-SAI's) at any electrical outlet in living quarters or where an alarm is required (Hallways, Stairways, Bathrooms, Common areas, etc.). The Buzzer will sound (90db "beeping") whenever any of the Smoke Detectors are activated by smoke, since this alarm signal is present on the electrical wiring throughout the building. You may add on additional Strobes, Horns, or other Fire Appliances as required, using the Model RX-RAM , Model RX-RCM , or Model RX-CCO . The Supplemental Fire Alarm System can be triggered by hand using a Model TX-PBT , Pushbutton Transmitter.

Monitoring with a conventional Alarm Panel
You can connect your Smoke and Fire Alarm System into a conventional Alarm Panel for remote monitoring when you use at least one Model TR-SAI for interconnection. Use a Model RX-RCM , or Model RX-CCO ,   to hook up to the Alarm Panel.

3 Phase Power Distribution
The Model TR-SAI can be used to interconnect smoke detectors in a 3 phase power distribution system by installing a   3-Phase Coupler-Repeater   at a distribution panel. Follow the instructions at   Installation Tips   for 3 phase installation.

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