WHERE TO LOCATE SMOKE DETECTORS
WHEN AN ALTERATION OR RENOVATION WORK IS PERFORMED
Install battery operated smoke detectors in the following areas. Smoke detectors are to be located on every level of the residence; basement, first floor, second floor, (excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics) and in every separate sleeping area, between sleeping areas and living areas such as the kitchen, garage, basement or utility room. In homes with only one sleeping area on one floor, a detector is to be put in the hallway outside each sleeping area. In single floor homes with two separate sleeping areas, two detectors are required, outside each sleeping area. In multi-level homes, detectors to be located outside sleeping areas and at every finished level of the home. Basement level detectors to be located at the bottoms of basement stairs. See figures below as examples.
WHEN AN ADDITION IS CONSTRUCTED
If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition(s) is 5 percent or more, but less than 25 percent of the floor area of the largest floor of the existing building, hardwired, interconnected smoke detectors with battery back-up meeting the requirements of NFPA 72, except as otherwise provided in the building or fire protection Subcode, shall be installed and maintained in each story in the dwelling unit, including basements.
If the cumulative area of all floors of the addition(s) is 23 percent or more of the floor area of the largest floor of the building, smoke detectors complying with the building Subcode shall be installed throughout addition and the existing building. See figures below as examples.
WHERE NOT TO LOCATE SMOKE DETECTORS
To avoid false alarms and/or improper operation, avoid installation of smoke detectors in the following areas:
Kitchens – smoke from cooking may cause nuisance alarms.
Bathrooms – excessive steam from a shower may cause nuisance alarms.
Within three feet of air ducts, fans, etc. where air movement may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
Near furnaces of any type of air movement and normal combustion products may cause a nuisance alarm.
The "Dead Air" space where the ceiling meets the wall, as shown below.
The peak of an "A" frame type of ceiling, the dead air space at the top may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SMOKE DETECTOR LOCATION
National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard No. 74-1984, titled "Household Fire Warning Equipment." This publication may be obtained by writing to the Publication Sales Department, National Fire Protection Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
WHERE TO LOCATE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
CO Detectors shall be located per the requirements of NFPA 720, "Recommended Practice for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment."
CO detectors shall be located outside of and within ten feet of all sleeping areas. Each detector should be located on the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit.
