If you add a bedroom to an existing home do you need to add interconnected smoke alarms to the existing bedrooms?

If there is attic space and or crawl space, then smoke detectors must be installed as a new dwelling would require.
We have been accepting stand alone battery smoke detector in the remote areas if access is not available for interconnection.
I would like to see the building code require "wireless" smoke detectors to the unaccessible areas of the dwellind.
At least the detectors would all signal an alarm together.

"R313.2.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings; the smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard wired.

Exceptions:

1. Interconnection and hard-wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

2. Work involving 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, are exempt from the requirements of this section."

I don't beleive there were any changes to this requirement in all the rewrites of the 2007 FBC

IMHO
Neal Burdick
City of Tampa
Construction Inspector

Since posting my note I found this in the existing building cde but your citation actually makes more sense. I know I did it in my house, even though my addition was not really a designated "bedroom".
It was still likely people might sleep there. (even if it was just while "watching TV")

This is another fine example of code craziness. Why in the world does the FBC-R have provisions for EXISTING requirements when the there is a FBC-E adopted for that purpose? Not to mention that they are sort-of in conflict with each other.

Well at least NFPA didn't get this one messed up! So Bryan since one requires we interconnect and one does not..which one do we follow?

I don't know but at the very minimum it should be hard wired and have battery backup.

agree with Nick , at the very least hard wired with battery backup

I would tend to enforce the most stringent requirment...

I agree with Bryan the more strengent would apply.
I would think they next E-code will be updated to match the Residential Code.

Neal Burdick
City of Tampa

Don't forget that 2007/9 FBC-Residential Section R313 now requires CO detectors for new construction when the occupancy has attached garages or Fuel Code appliances. These are to be located within 10 feet of sleeping rooms and must be in combination smoke detectors...