Where to install a smoke detector and its placement it is as important as having this life-saving device installed at all. Placement of a smoke detector in the wrong location could delay its response to smoke or even prevent sound the alarm at all.
Although, you must install smoke detectors along the lines device manufacturers guidance, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), your local jurisdiction might have a different idea. This idea is usually LESS smoke detectors - Chicago is one of the examples.
Since it is your life we're talking about, after only a minimum requirement is not enough - for literally a few dollars more, you can achieve maximum protection.
correct placement of a smoke detector based on IRC (International Residential Code), IBC (International Building Code) and NFPA:
New construction:
- smoke detectors must be hard-wired (power from the electrical panel) and require battery backup. Your jurisdiction may require a dedicated circuit for this purpose - if this is not required, make sure that the smoke detector was not installed on a circuit / tapped for the ceiling light controlled wall outlet or switch. Put a smoke alarm on a GFCI protected electrical circuit, it is also not a good idea.
- Do not use rechargeable batteries for smoke detectors, good quality Alkaline type battery is the right choice. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low - replace the battery with a new one as soon as you hear the sound repetition.
- The smoke detectors are required in every sleeping area and adjoining bedroom. As I mentioned before, some jurisdictions require less - Chicago is one of the examples where smoke detectors are not required in the bedroom / room. Instead, you must install a smoke alarm within 15 'from the entrance bedroom. In larger homes / apartments, where there are more than 30 'apart from bedrooms, two or more smoke detectors may have to be installed.
- At least one is required on each floor of the house and in the basement. Crawlspaces and attics uninhabitable does not require a smoke detector system. However, in the case where your attic or crawl space contains a furnace, water heater, or any device that could become a source of fire (gas, oil, electric), have a smoke detector installed as well (required by some jurisdictions and if highly recommended not required).
- The smoke detectors must be connected - a triggered smoke detector operates everything. Not all types of smoke detectors have the function of "interconnection", which is extremely important - smoke developing in a section of the house could activate the device closest and automatically all at the same time.
existing construction:
While remodeling, renovation of electrical cables links existing smoke detectors is not needed unless wall coatings have been removed exposing the wall framing. However, even without any new wiring you can still get maximum protection by using a smoke alarm detection system without interconnecting wires.
- The smoke alarm must be clearly audible in all bedrooms over the background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. That's why regular testing of the smoke detector siren is so important - just like any mechanical / electronic device - sometimes fail.
- Attached internal stairs also require a smoke detector, and one must be installed on the top floor ceiling. Stairways act like chimneys and smoke rising from the lower level would activate the device giving a warning.
smoke detector placement - rules apply to all the positions described above.
This is extremely important and at the same time very simple, unfortunately very often done completely wrong. It 's probably because we do not like to read manuals and often assume that we know what we're doing.
- When installing a smoke detector on the ceiling (preferable location / might need in some jurisdictions), place it as close to the center as possible, never closer than 4 "(10cm) to the side wall or in a corner.
- If for any reason, the ceiling installation is not practical and are allowed in wall installations, you can install smoke detectors on the wall with the top edge to a minimum of 4 "(10cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5 cm) below the ceiling.
Before placing a smoke detector on the ceiling or wall, consider checking the 'home insulation. old houses may be missing a ceiling (if open to the attic) or external wall insulation. This would allow for extreme heat or cold transfer from the outside into the house, creating a thermal barrier, and prevent smoke from reaching / activate the alarm. If this is the case (you can just touch the wall or ceiling during very hot or cold days), install a smoke alarm on an inside wall of the house.
- Install smoke detectors in rooms with cathedral, sloped, peaked, gabled ceilings at or within 3 'from the highest point (measured horizontally).
- Install smoke detectors in each of the room / area section which was divided by a partial wall. The wall could be coming down from the ceiling (at least 24 ") or from the floor.
- Install smoke detectors on a tray-shaped ceiling (also called the coffered ceiling) on the top portion of ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 "(30.5 cm) vertically from the highest point.
NOT install smoke detectors in the following areas to minimize the possibility of false alarms:
- areas where combustion particles are present (combustion of the particles - the burning process by-products)
- garage
- poorly ventilated kitchens
- close to furnaces and water heaters - I do not agree with this, because the presence of these particles would be a sign of the combustion process problems
- damp or very humid areas such as bathrooms. Humidity levels after taking a hot shower could cause a false alarm.
- Within 3 'by forced air heating and / or cooling system air supply vents, in direct neighborhood of the air flow, close to all the places of the home fans. airflow high could blow smoke or move away from preventing detector to respond properly or at all.
- Near fluorescent lights, where electronic "noise" can cause false alarms.
- dusty areas, where dust particles may cause the smoke detector failure or false alarm
- In areas where the air temperature can drop below (4 ° C) 40 ° F or rise above 100 ° F (38 ° C)
- Avoid areas near the doors and windows during the installation of a smoke detector
If you have so far, I hope you have more than a general idea of where to install smoke detectors in your home, and what is the optimal smoke detector positioning.
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