When multiple smoke alarms are required in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit, they must be what?

When multiple smoke alarms are required in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit, they must be interconnected. This means that when one smoke alarm detects smoke or triggers an alarm, all interconnected smoke alarms throughout the unit will also activate. The purpose of this requirement is to enhance early warning for the occupants, allowing them to respond more effectively to potential fire hazards.

Interconnected smoke alarms provide a crucial layer of safety, especially in larger spaces or designs where the sound of a single alarm may not be audible throughout the entire dwelling. By ensuring that all alarms work in unison, the likelihood of occupants being alerted to a fire situation increases significantly, thereby improving safety and potentially saving lives.

Standalone units, whether they are separate, independent, or simply not interconnected, do not offer the same level of alerting capability as interconnected systems. Each unit operates on its own without coordinating with others, which could lead to situations where occupants are not made aware of a fire if it occurs in a different part of the dwelling. Therefore, interconnected smoke alarms are a critical safety measure mandated in many building codes and regulations.