2
AGENCY ALARM PLACEMENT RECOMMENDA
TIONS
Invensys Controls Americas recommends complete coverage protection achieved by
installing a smoke alarm in every room of your home.
The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) minimum
requirement, as stated in Standard 72, Chapter 2, reads as follows:
“2-2.1.1.1 Smoke detectors shall be installed
outside of each separate sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on
each additional story of the family living unit
including basements and excluding crawl
spaces and unfinished attics. In new construc-
tion a smoke detector also shall be
installed in each sleeping room.”
Chapter 2 also reads as follows:
“2-2.2.1 In new construction, where more than one smoke detector is required by 2-
2.1, they shall be so arranged that operation of any smoke detector shall cause the
alarm in all smoke detectors within the dwelling to sound.”
“2.5.2.1 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 household-
er consider the use of additional smoke detectors for those areas for increased pro-
tection. 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.”
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection
Association’s Standard 72, NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
THIS STANDARD MEANS YOU SHOULD INSTALL AND USE A SMOKE ALARM IN
EVERY ROOM AND AREA OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD OR
BUILDING FOR BEST PROTECTION.
The NFPA, 1993 Edition, Appendix A further states:
“The required number of smoke detectors may 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 house holder
consider the use of additional smoke detectors for those areas for increased protec-
tion. The additional areas include: basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room,
utility room, and hallways not protected by the required smoke detectors.”
Also, as required by the California State Fire Marshal:
“Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: a smoke detector
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside the bedrooms),
and heat or smoke detectors in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens,
hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements and
attached garages.
Important Smoke Alarm Placement
and Exception Information
• Install a smoke alarm as close to the center of the
ceiling as possible. If this is not practical, mount no
closer than 4 inches from a wall or corner. Also, if
local codes allow, install smoke alarms on walls,
between 4 and 12 inches from ceiling/wall
intersections.
• Install a minimum of two smoke alarms in every
home, no matter how small the home. New con-
struction codes require a minimum of two intercon-
nected smoke alarms in newly built homes.
• Install a smoke alarm in each room that is divided by a partial wall (either coming
down from the ceiling at least 24 inches, or coming up from the floor).
• Install smoke alarms on peaked, cathedral, or gabled ceilings 3 feet from the
highest point (measured horizontally).
•
Install a smoke alarm in lived-in attics or attics which house electrical equipment
like furnaces, air conditioners, or heaters.
SMOKE ALARM
COMBO SMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
Key
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
4 IN
(0.1m )
4 IN
(0.1m )
MINIMUM
12 IN
(0.3 m )
MAXIMUM
CEILING
SIDE
WALL
ACCEPTABLE HERE
NEVER HERE
TOP OF DETECTOR
ACCEPTABLE HERE
KITCHEN
DINING
ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING
ROOM
DINING
ROOM
BASEMENT
HALL
/
TV ROOM
DINING
ROOM
KITCHEN
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
For best protection, install a smoke alarm in EVERY room.
In addition, we recom-
mend that all smoke alarms be interconnected.
Different Types of Smoke Alarms
Ionization alarms are generally more effective at detecting fast, flaming fires that
consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires
may include flammable liquids or paper burning in a waste container.
Photoelectric alarms are generally more effective at detecting slow, smoldering
fires that smolder for hours before bursting into flame. Sources of these fires may
include cigaretts burning in couches or bedding.
However, both types of
alarms provide adequate detection of both types of fires.
If you desire the earliest detction of both smoldering fires and fast flaming fires,
you should install smoke alarms that combine both photoelectric and ionization
sensing technologies in one unit.
