2
ESL 500 Series
In addition to smoke detectors outside of the sleeping areas, the
installation of a smoke detector on each additional story of the family
living unit, including the basement, is required. These installations
are shown in Figure 2 C. The living area smoke detector should be
installed in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level, or
in both locations. The basement smoke detector should be installed in
close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where
installed on an open-joisted ceiling, the detector should be placed on
the bottom of the joists. The detector should be positioned relative to
the stairway to intercept smoke coming from a fire in the basement
before the smoke enters the stairway.
A-8-1.2.1.b Where to Locate the Required Smoke Detectors in New
Construction. All of the smoke detectors specified in A-8-1.2.1.a for
existing construction are required and, in addition, a smoke detector
is required in each bedroom.
A-8-1.2.1.c Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable?
The required number of smoke detectors might not provide reliable
early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the
areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this reason, it is
recommended that the householder consider the use of additional
smoke detectors for those areas for increased protection. The
additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in
kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally
recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions
that can result in improper operation.
Important: Regulations pertaining to smoke detector installations
vary from state to state. For more information, contact your local fire
department or local authority having jurisdiction.
In addition to NFPA 72, use the following location guidelines to
optimize performance and reduce the chance of false alarms from the
detector:
•
Locate ceiling-mounted smoke detectors in the center of a room
or hallway at least 4 inches (10cm) from any walls or partitions.
•
Locate wall-mounted smoke detectors so the top of the detector
is 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30cm) below the ceiling.
•
Do not locate detectors in or near bathrooms or kitchens.
•
Locate in a suitable environment as follows:
- Temperature between 32°F (0°C) and 100°F (37°C)
- Humidity between 0 and 95% non-condensing
•
Locate away from air conditioners, heating registers, and any
other ventilation source that may interfere with smoke entering
the detector.
•
Mount smoke detectors on a firm permanent surface.
Installing the Detector
All wiring must conform to the National Electric Code (NEC)
and/or local codes having jurisdiction. Use 12 to 24 AWG wire
to install the detector.
1.
If you are using the detector/base lock, remove the detector
knockout and break off the tab on the mounting base. See
Figure 3.
2.
Remove the red plastic cover from the detector. The
detector is shipped with a cover for protection against
construction site dust.
3.
Run system wiring to the detector location and mount
electrical boxes if necessary.
4.
Line up and attach the gasket (if the detector comes with a
gasket) and mounting base to the electrical box, wall or
ceiling using the screws provided. Use the wall anchors if
necessary. See Figure 5.
5.
Strip the system wires and connect them to the appropriate
terminals on the detector. See Figure 6.
6.
Attach the detector to the mounting base as follows:
- Line up the raised tab on the side of the detector with the
arrow on the mounting base. See Figure 4.
- Insert the smoke detector into the base and turn
clockwise approximately 15 degrees. It should snap
firmly into place.
7.
Apply power.
8.
Test the detector. See Smoke Testing the Alarm.
Smoke Testing the Detector
Smoke detectors should be tested in place annually using smoke
or canned aerosol simulated smoke. Follow the instructions on
the canned smoke or use the following steps to test the detector
with smoke:
1.
Hold a smoldering punk or cotton wick close to the smoke
entry openings.
2.
Gently direct the smoke into the detector for 20 seconds or
until an alarm is indicated.
Be sure to extinguish the smoke source after testing! The
detector LED should stay on and an alarm should be indicated at
the control panel. Use the system reset switch to reset the
detector.
Figure 3. Detector/base lock
Figure 4. Mounting
