Smoke Detector Installation Locations and Positioning Requirements

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Where to install a smoke detector and its location are just as important as having this life-saving device installed. Placing a smoke detector in the wrong location could delay your response to smoke or even prevent you from sounding an alarm.

Although you should install smoke detectors following the guidelines of device manufacturers and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards, your local jurisdiction may have a different idea. This idea is usually LESS smoke detectors; Chicago is one of the examples.

Since we are talking about your life, following a minimum requirement is not enough; For literally a few dollars more, you can get maximum protection.

Proper placement of a smoke alarm according to IRC (International Residential Code), IBC (International Building Code) and NFPA:

New construction:

  • Smoke detectors must be hardwired (electrical panel power supply) and require a battery backup. Your jurisdiction may require a dedicated circuit for this purpose; If not required, make sure your smoke detector is not installed in a circuit / connected to the wall switch controlled ceiling light or outlet receptacle. Putting a smoke alarm on a GFCI-protected electrical circuit is also not a good idea.
  • Do not use rechargeable type batteries for smoke detectors, the correct choice is a good quality alkaline type battery. Smoke alarms will signal when batteries are low; Replace the battery with a new one as soon as you hear that repeated sound.
  • Smoke detectors are required in each sleeping area and adjoining bedroom. As I mentioned before, some jurisdictions require less: Chicago is one of the examples where smoke detectors are not required inside the bedroom / sleeping area. Instead, you should install a smoke alarm within 15 ‘of the bedroom entrance. In larger homes / apartments, where rooms are located more than 30 feet apart, it may be necessary to install two or more smoke detectors.
  • At least one is required on each floor of the house and in the basement. Cramped spaces and uninhabitable attics do not require the installation of a smoke detector. However, in the event that your attic or crawl space contains a furnace, water heater, or any appliance that could become a source of fire (gas, oil, electrical), install a smoke alarm as well (required by some jurisdictions and highly recommended if required).
  • Smoke detectors must be interconnected – one activated smoke detector activates all of them. Not all types of smoke detectors have the extremely important “networking” feature: smoke that forms in one section of the house would automatically activate the closest device and all of them at the same time.

Existing construction:

During the remodel, no electrical wiring upgrade is required to interconnect existing smoke alarms, unless the wall finishes are being removed to expose the wall frame. However, even without rewiring, you can achieve maximum protection by using an interconnected wireless smoke alarm detector system.

  • The smoke alarm must be clearly audible in all bedrooms above background noise levels with all intermediate doors closed. This is why regular smoke detector siren testing is so important, just like any mechanical / electronic device they sometimes fail.
  • Indoor interior staircases also require a smoke detector, and one must be installed in the ceiling of the upper deck. Stairs act as chimneys and smoke rising from the lower deck would activate the device and give you an early warning.

Smoke Detector Location – Rules apply to all locations described above.

This is extremely important and at the same time quite simple, unfortunately very often it is done completely wrong. It’s probably because we don’t like to read manuals and often assume we know what we’re doing.

  • When installing a smoke alarm on the ceiling (preferred location / may be required in some jurisdictions), place it as close to the center as possible, never closer than 4 “(10 cm) from the side wall or corner.
  • If for some reason ceiling installation is impractical and wall installations are permitted, you can install smoke detectors on the wall with their top edge a minimum of 4 “(10 cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5 cm) below the ceiling. .

Before mounting a smoke detector on the ceiling or wall, consider checking your home’s insulation. Older homes may lack a roof (if open to the attic) or exterior wall insulation. This would allow the transfer of extreme heat or cold from the outside into the home, creating a thermal barrier and preventing smoke from reaching or triggering the alarm. If this is the case (you can simply touch the wall or ceiling during very hot or cold days), mount a smoke detector on an inside wall of the house.

  • Install smoke detectors in rooms with cathedral-style, sloped, pointed, gabled ceilings 3 ‘or less from the highest point (measured horizontally).
  • Install smoke detectors in every section of the room / area that has been divided by a partial wall. The wall may be falling from the ceiling (at least 24 “) or from the floor.
  • Install smoke detectors in a tray ceiling (also called a coffered ceiling) at the highest part of the ceiling or on the sloped part of the ceiling within 12 “(30.5 cm) vertically down from the highest point .

DO NOT install smoke detectors in the following areas to minimize the possibility of false alarms:

  1. Areas where combustion particles are present (combustion particles: the by-products of the combustion process)
    • garages
    • poorly ventilated kitchens
    • near furnaces and water heaters; I would not agree with this, because the presence of these particles would be a sign of problems in the combustion process

    If you decided to install one in those areas, the photoelectric type smoke alarm might be less of a nuisance.

  2. Humid or very humid areas such as bathrooms. Humidity levels after taking a hot shower can result in a false alarm.
  3. Within 3 ‘of the forced air heating or cooling system supply air vents, in an area of ​​direct air flow, near the fan locations throughout the home. High airflow could blow smoke away or away from the detector and prevent it from responding correctly or at all.
  4. Near fluorescent lights, where electronic “noise” can cause nuisance alarms.
  5. Dusty areas, where dust particles could cause a smoke alarm failure or false alarm.
  6. In areas where the air temperature can drop below 40 ° F (4 ° C) or rise above 100 ° F (38 ° C)
  7. Avoid areas near doors and windows while installing a smoke alarm.

If you’ve got that far, I hope you have more than a general idea of ​​where to install smoke detectors in your home and what is the optimal smoke alarm location.

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