DSC POWERSERIES PC1616 - Manual (Page 21)

17
Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors
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. 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 protec-
tion 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, uninsulat-
ed ceilings, etc. Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-02 or other ap-
propriate 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 USA in accordance with Chapter 11 of NFPA
72, the National Fire Alarm Code: 11.5.1.1. 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 base-
ments 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 2 Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 3a Figure 4