What is the maximum number of heat alarms that may be interconnected in dwellings if the interconnecting means is not supervised?

The maximum number of heat alarms that may be interconnected in dwellings, when the interconnecting means is not supervised, is 18. This limit is established to ensure that the interconnected system can function effectively without overwhelming the power supply or compromising the system's reliability. Interconnecting heat alarms allows them to signal each other, which is crucial for providing warnings in larger areas of a dwelling.

This number of 18 is based on guidelines that aim to balance safety and operational effectiveness. Interconnection facilitates a quicker response to heat detection across multiple locations in a home, enhancing overall fire safety. Exceeding this limit could lead to issues such as false alarms or reduced functionality due to increased load on the wiring system.

Understanding these numbers is important for ensuring proper installation and functionality of heat alarm systems within residential settings, aligning with safety codes and standards in place.