Appendix 1: Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors
Appendix 1: Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors and CO
Detectors
The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local fire codes and regulations be con-
sulted when locating and installing smoke and CO alarms.
Smoke Detectors
Research has shown that all hostile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser extent. Experiments with typical
fires in homes indicate that detectable quantities of smoke precede detectable levels of heat in most cases. For these reas-
ons, smoke alarms should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each storey of the home. The following inform-
ation is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local fire codes and regulations be consulted when locating
and installing smoke alarms. It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for minimum pro-
tection be installed. Additional areas that should be protected include: the basement; bedrooms, especially where smokers
sleep; dining rooms; furnace and utility rooms; and any hallways not protected by the required units. On smooth ceilings,
detectors may be spaced 9.1m (30 feet) apart as a guide. Other spacing may be required depending on ceiling height, air
movement, the presence of joists, uninsulated ceilings, etc. Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-02
or other appropriate national standards for installation recommendations.
l
Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the dead air space in these locations may pre-
vent the unit from detecting smoke.
l
Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows. Rapid air movement around the detector
may prevent smoke from entering the unit.
l
Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
l
Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38°C (100°F) or falls below 5°C (41°F).
Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with Chapter 29 of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm
Code: 29.5.1.1.
Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single- and mul-
tiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
1.
In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms.
2.
Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room, with the dis-
tance measured along a path of travel.
3.
On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements.
4.
On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements and excluding crawl
spaces and unfinished attics.
5.
In the living area(s) of a guest suite.
6.
In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility).
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