PowerSeries Neo Installation Guide
Locating Detectors and Escape Plan
The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended
that local fire codes and regulations be consulted 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. Smoke
alarms should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each storey of the
home.
It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for
minimum protection 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 or other appropriate national standards for
installation recommendations.
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Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the
dead air space in these locations may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.
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Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as doorways, fans or windows.
Rapid air movement around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the
unit.
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Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
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Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38ºC
(100ºF) or falls below 5ºC (41ºF).
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Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with
Chapter 29 of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code.
Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of
occupancy, approved single- and multiple-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 6.4 m (21 ft) of
any door to a sleeping room, the distance 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).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3a
Figure 4
Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it
becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a family escape plan be developed
and rehearsed.
1.
Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2.
Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house.
Since many fires occur at night, special attention should be given to the
escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3.
Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior
door.
Consider the following when making your escape plans:
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Ensure all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are
not painted shut, and the locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
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If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or han-
dicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure
that those who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear the fire warning
signal.
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If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should
be provided as well as training in its use.
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Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from
exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not
block exits.
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Each person should know the predetermined assembly point where everyone
can be accounted for (e.g., across the street or at a neighbor's house). Once
everyone is out of the building, call the fire department.
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A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not attempt to fight the fire, and
do not gather belongings as this can waste valuable time. Once outside, do
not re-enter the house. Wait for the fire department.
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Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an
emergency arise, everyone will know what to do. Revise the plan as con-
ditions change, such as the number of people in the home, or if there are
changes to the building’s construction.
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Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly
tests. If you are unsure about system operation, contact your installer.
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We recommend that you contact your local fire department and request fur-
ther information on fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your
local fire prevention officer conduct an in-house fire safety inspection.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Figure 5
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and very toxic, it also moves
freely in the air. CO detectors can measure the concentration and sound a loud
alarm before a potentially harmful level is reached. The human body is most
vulnerable to the effects of CO gas during sleeping hours; therefore, CO
detectors should be located in or as near as possible to sleeping areas of the
home. For maximum protection, a CO alarm should be located outside primary
sleeping areas or on each level of your home. Figure 5 indicates the suggested
locations in the home.
Do NOT place the CO alarm in the following areas:
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Where the temperature may drop below -10ºC or exceed 40ºC
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Near paint thinner fumes
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Within 5 feet (1.5m) of open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and
fireplaces
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In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys
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In close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the
detector
PLEASE REFER TO THE CO DETECTOR INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
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