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Guidelines for Locating 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 out-
side 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, uninsulated
ceilings, etc. Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-M86 or other appro-
priate 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 movement
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 vi-
cinity of the bedrooms and on each additional storey of the family living unit, including base-
ments and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke detector
also shall be installed in each sleeping room’.’Split level arrangement: Smoke detectors are re-
quired where shown. Smoke detectors are optional where a door is not provided between liv-
ing room and recreation room’.
Figure 3a