INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
FLORIDA CHAPTER SUNCOAST DIVISION
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September 11, 2008
TECO WESTERN DIVISION

17 Suncoast Division Members and guests in attendance


1. AT 1:30 PM President Paul Cameron wrapped the gavel to commence the Suncoast Division General meeting. The Pledge to the Flag was followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of those who perished on September 11, 2001.

Introductions followed. The Chair recognized guests from Hubbell Inc: Daniel Spada and Nelson Bonilla. Also recognized was Kevin Bouton with Leviton Manufacturing.

2. The minutes were reviewed by the Division. Minor corrections were noted and the August Minute were approved. A motion made by Nelson Montgomery and as second was made by Robert Barbee. All were in favor.


3. Secretary Christlieb made his report. On file with the Secretary are the following items as noted.
Inspection checklist for Solar Photovoltaic systems ; rough draft of excerpts to the Florida Building Code four basic levels of alterations and corresponding requirement for smoke alarms .

Discussion concerning smoke alarms and when required took place. Discussion on how to read this chart also took place and enforcement. Discussion took place about existing smoke alarms and construction types. Discussion also led to interpretation issues and that the initial intent was not to install or wire into an existing portion of the house. Only to the new renovation work area. References are also made to the 2004 Florida Building Code. Question asked is what is the most stringent of the law. Discretion also took place that some insurance providers are giving a discount for interconnected smoke alarms.


Copy of Electrical room protection article; Electrical l Code Upgrades could save thousands article, Article by UL concerning Photovoltaic Products; NFPA Journal article discussing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters.

October 14 TAC meeting was addressed. Division members discussed plans for attendance.
Nelson Montgomery will be involved at this meeting and made some recommendations for submitting questions and comments





4. No report by The Treasurer. The Division remains solvent.
Education Committee had nothing to report. Membership had nothing to report. Janelle’s Committee had nothing to report.

5. OLD BUSINESS: The 2010 Seminar was discussed. Nelson submitted a current list of duties and assigned members. Decisions on class setup are also in progress. Nelson further discussed the various duties and some of the areas where help is needed.


Discussion on set up for the 2010 meeting Problem to be addressed is set up of classes and the new layout of the Sheraton

The 2010 Florida Chapter meeting will be held at eh Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, in downtown Tampa. Located on the river. By the time the seminar commences, the riverwalk should be completed. Parking was discussed and there may be some challenges. Discussion to encourage attendees to arrive downtown in groups, by carpooling. Parking costs have been negotiated. Also noted, there is parking with in a block of the Sheraton Hotel.

6. NEW BUSINESS: Generac would like to set up a presentation for the Suncoast Division. Discussion on the ECF presentation. . Neal Burdick discussed an upcoming seminar to be presented by the Bay Area Electrical Apprentice.

7. Ken Lambert with GCA made a smoke alarm presentation.

On file with the Secretary is a copy of 9B-3.0472 referencing Carbon Monoxide Protection. Copy of Building Officials Association of Florida Today volume 1 Issue 9.


Discussion on Janelle’s law and placement of smoke alarms. Ken conveyed that conversations ensue with many new scenarios and questions. GCA is a manufacturer representative for BRK, which is the commercial division of First Alert. Ken discussed Janelle’s law, implemented July 1, 2008. Sources of carbon monoxide are fossil fuel burning appliances. Department of Energy reported 6% of Florida homes have gas heaters .Largest source of carbon monoxide is a generator being used.

CO 2 is lighter than air .CO 2 detectors placement in combination with smoke alarms was discussed. The monitoring of CO in the atmosphere is to detect a rise of 10%. This is a general detecting limit. The constant monitoring is to detect patterns. ANSI and UL requirements were briefly discussed.

CO Poisoning was also discussed. The intent of the CO 2 detectors is to help prevent a person from getting sick due to exposure of CO2. BRK features and types available were discussed. Discussed is a latching feature to help emergency responders determine the source of CO2. This latching feature can be release via a reset button on the detector.

Installation tips were discussed. Ken submitted recommendations and installation criteria that are in compliance with NFPA 720.

Mobile homes were discussed. Installation is recommended for inside walls only. Uninsulated walls and roofs can affect the detector operation.

Places not to install , areas where extremely dusty or dirty , garages , kitchens , within five feet of cooking appliances; humid areas such as baths , saunas or where a vaporizer may be located . Turbulent vented areas with or fresh air return; open or direct sunlight. Recommend to always consult the manufacturer’s specifications for product installation.

Hearing impaired devices are available. Submitted to the Secretary are additional BRK information and installion guidelines. BRK catalog is on file.

Noted for interconnection, a maximum of 12 smoke alarms or up to 18 combination alarms.

Photoelectric smoke alarms were discussed versus ionization. There is some discussion that photoelectric may be a quicker response time. UL did a test with these types of devices.

BRK wireless smoke alarms were discussed. Onelink system was discussed and available for demonstration. An existing smoke alarm can be replaced and this will allow smoke alarms to communicate with each other.
Product features were discussed including decibel ratings for individuals with hearing challenges. Latching and installation discussed.

Voice annunciation was inquired due to some children not waking to the sound of an alarm. Voice warning is available.

The One link system is ETL listed. Noted the BRK fire extinguisher is good for up to 3 years.
Discussion about current Janelle’s Law and smoke alarm placement took place. Ken reviewed some questions from the Florida Chapter IAEI forum.



The Chair thanked Ken Lambert with GCA for his presentation.


8. A motion was made to adjourn by Nelson Montgomery ands a second promptly voiced. The gavel wrapped and all were favor.