Murrieta, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

3 to the California Fire Code specifically for mid-rise buildings, requiring smoke detectors be provided in accordance with the section and connected to an automatic fire alarm system installed to the latest edition of NFPA 72. Any detector activation must trigger the emergency voice alarm signal system and operate equipment needed to stop smoke from circulating through air returns and exhaust ductwork. The section places detectors in specific locations: every mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, unmanned computer equipment, and elevator machinery room, plus all elevator lobbies, with lobby detectors wired to an alarm verification zone or listed as a releasing device; in the main return and exhaust air plenum of each air conditioning system, located downstream of the last duct inlet; at each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving four or more stories, though Group R Division 1 and 2 occupancies may instead use an approved detector in a return air riser carrying no more than 5,000 cubic feet per minute and serving no more than ten air inlets; and in all corridors of Group R Division 1 and 2 occupancies that serve as egress for an occupant load of ten or more persons.

720 requires the waterflow alarm on a one- or two-family dwelling's sprinkler riser to interconnect with the smoke alarms inside the residence, tying sprinkler activation to the home's existing smoke alarm system. Both amendments were adopted by Ordinance 626-25 in 2025.