Does an attic fan need an override switch for a smoke alarm?

[AABob]

I wanted to install an vent fan to cool down the attic. This is 100% attic air. No air sucked in from the living space. The house is in Massachussetts.

Contractor says this fan needs an automatic shut-off in case there's a smoke or fire condition. I have not heard of this requirement. Is this true?

Thanks, AABob

[dpb]

Best answer is to check w/ your local building department to see if it is actually local code or not.

In general it wouldn't be a bad thing to do but I'm not sure the "automatic" part is widely required other than commercial or multi-family dwellings, though.

CA now (and perhaps others by now as well) has the requirement in house/wildlands interface zone that soffet vents be auto-closing style for fire protection during wildfires. Don't know what their code says about the powered ventilation fan itself.

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[jamesgangnc]

I would guess not in the code in Mass. But that's the place to call. Certainly not a bad idea if the cost is not outrageous.

[John Grabowski]

*I have seen this in commercial buildings, but never in residential units. Usually a manual shut-off switch near the fan is required for servicing purposes. The best place to get an answer for this is your local building department.