I really didn’t mean to hijack this guy’s thread, so if someone wants to split this off that’s fine. I just find it funny how whoever installed this didn’t think about using a round back box for the round detector! And turn the conduit 180 degrees so the lettering doesn’t show! Maybe it was specified to use gray conduit and waterproof boxes (although the detector isn’t rated waterproof so why the box), still think it could of been done a little more professional looking. Too much sloppy work out there - have SOME pride in what you do! Heat the conduit up and put a nice little offset into it instead of using that strap to force the conduit tight. Plus, they’ve compromised the “waterproof” box by drilling holes in the back to attach it to the ceiling - notice the lack of screws in the ears.
As for the Wiremold… agreed, to each his own. I’ve seen it used on some upscale residential retrofits with AHJ approval, specifically for running a smoke detectors in hallways. Usually very short lengths of 2’ or so to bring the wire out of a soffit and to the detector in the middle of the ceiling. But yeah, wouldn’t use it for the entire install, for firewall penetrations, or even vertical runs.
I also question the use of a 194 degree heat detector - I’m assuming it’s in an outside residential corridor. 135 degrees is hot enough - if that ceiling is getting so hot that they have to put in a high temperature heat detector they’ve got problems! Sprinkler heads in low hazard residential environments pop at 155-165 degrees, you always want your automatic detection to activate before the sprinkler system.