4
ESL 560N Series
Selecting a Location
Selecting a suitable location is critical to the operation of smoke alarms.
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 72. See Figure 6.
A-11-8.3.a Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms in Existing
Construction.
The major threat from fire in a family living unit occurs at night when
everyone is asleep. The principal threat to persons in sleeping areas
comes from fires in the remainder of the unit. Therefore, a smoke
alarm(s) is best located between the bedroom areas and the rest of the
unit. In units with only one bedroom area on one floor, the smoke
alarm(s) should be located as shown in Figure 6 A.
In family living units with more than one bedroom area or with more
than one floor, more than one smoke alarm is required, as shown in
Figure 6 B.
In addition to smoke alarms outside of the sleeping areas, the installa-
tion of a smoke alarm on each additional story of the family living unit,
including the basement, is required. These installations are shown in
Figure 6 C. The living area smoke alarm should be installed in the living
room or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations. The
basement smoke alarm should be installed in close proximity to the
stairway leading to the floor above. Where installed on an open-joisted
ceiling, the alarm should be placed on the bottom of the joists. The
alarm should be positioned relative to the stairway to intercept smoke
coming from a fire in the basement before the smoke enters the
stairway.
Where to Locate the Required Smoke Alarms in New Construction.
All of the smoke alarms specified for existing construction are required
and, in addition, a smoke alarm is required in each bedroom.
Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable?
The required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable early
warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas
protected by the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it is recom-
mended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke alarms
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 alarms. The installation of
smoke alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is
not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation.
Since regulations pertaining to smoke alarm/detector installation vary
from state to state, contact the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Where public safety is primary, the AHJ may be a federal, state, local, or
other regional department or individual such as a fire chief, fire marshal,
chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor or health department, building
official, electrical inspector, or others having statutory authority. For
insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau,
or other insurance company representative may be the AHJ. In some
cases, the property owner or their designated agent assumes the role of
the AHJ. At government installations, the commanding officer or
department official may be the AHJ.
In addition to NFPA 72, use the following location guidelines to
optimize performance and reduce the chance of false alarms from the
alarm:
• Locate ceiling-mounted smoke alarms in the center of a room or
hallway at least 4 inches (10cm) from any walls or partitions.
•
Locate wall-mounted smoke alarms so the top of the alarm is 4 to 12
inches (10 to 31cm) below the ceiling.
•
Locate in a suitable environment as follows:
- Temperature between 40°F (4.4°C) and 100°F (37.8°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 alarm.
•
Mount smoke alarms on a firm permanent surface.
•
Locate away from large metallic objects when listed with a
transmitter.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that
purpose.
WARNING! LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE
ALARMS
Wireless smoke alarms are very reliable, but may not work under all
conditions. No fire alarm provides total protection of life or property.
Smoke alarms are not a substitute for life insurance.
Smoke alarms require a source of power to work.
This smoke alarm will not operate and the alarm will not sound if
batteries are dead or not installed properly.
Smoke alarms may not be heard. A sound sleeper or someone who
has taken drugs or alcohol may not awaken if the alarm is installed
outside a bedroom. Closed or partially closed doors and distance can
block sound. This alarm is not designed for the hearing impaired.
Smoke alarms may not always activate and provide warning
early enough. Smoke alarms only activate when enough smoke reaches
the alarm. If a fire starts in a chimney, wall, roof, on the other side of
closed doors, or on a different level of the property, enough smoke may
not reach the alarm for it to alarm.
Smoke alarms are a significant help in reducing loss, injury and even
death. However, no matter how good a detection device is, nothing
works perfectly under every circumstance and we must warn you that
you cannot expect a smoke alarm to ensure that you will never suffer
any damage or injury.
