17
Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors
Research has shown that all hostile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser ex-
tent. Experiments with typical fires in homes indicate that detectable quantities of smoke
precede detectable levels of heat in most cases. For these reasons, smoke alarms should be
installed outside of each sleeping area and on each storey of the home.
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 alarms.
It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for minimum pro-
tection be installed. Additional areas that should be protected include: the basement; bed-
rooms, 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, uninsu-
lated ceilings, etc. Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-M86 or other
appropriate national standards for installation recommendations.
• 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.
• Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows. Rapid air move-
ment around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the unit.
• Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
• Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38
o
C
(100
o
F) or falls
below 5
o
C (41
o
F).
• Smoke detectors should always be installed in accordance with NFPA 72, the National Fire
Alarm Code. Smoke detectors should always be located in accordance with:
‘Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate
vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional storey of the family living unit, including
basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke
detector also shall be installed in each sleeping room’.’Split level arrangment:Smoke detec-
tors are required where shown. Smoke detectors are optional where a door is not provided
between living room and recreation room’.
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