When are plug-in detectors permitted in new construction?

In the context of residential wiring and safety codes, plug-in detectors, such as smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, are generally required to be hardwired in new construction for several critical reasons. Hardwired detectors ensure that the devices are interconnected and powered consistently, preventing potential power outages or human error associated with battery replacement, which could lead to unsafe situations.

The requirement for hardwired detectors in new buildings is mainly due to safety regulations and building codes designed to maximize the effectiveness of early warning systems in emergencies. Hardwired systems tend to be more reliable, as they function without the risk of batteries failing, and interconnected devices can alert occupants more effectively throughout a property.

While plug-in detectors may be convenient and possibly acceptable in certain scenarios, they do not meet the stringent standards often mandated for new construction. As a result, their use is not appropriate unless there are exceptional circumstances accompanied by specific approval from local authorities or building inspectors, reinforcing that in standard new construction, plug-in detectors are indeed never permitted under typical safety codes.