Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Placed?
Smoke Detector Placement
Fire can spread extremely fast. In just minutes, a building can be fully engulfed in flames. Smoke detectors are critical to give people inside homes and commercial buildings early warnings so they have time to get out. Proper smoke detector placement is also key when it comes to keeping your home or business safe.
Residential Smoke Detector Placements
At a minimum, The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that smoke detectors be placed:
- Inside every sleeping room
- Outside every sleeping room
- On every level of your home, including the basement
Additionally, the NFPA recommends the installation of smoke alarms near the stairways leading to different levels of your home and at least 10 feet from cooking appliances. The NFPA also suggests interconnecting all smoke alarms, so when one alarm sounds, they all sound. This can be done with hard-wiring or wireless technology. It’s recommended that you test your smoke alarms at least once a month and replace them every 10 years. Dead batteries caused one-quarter (26%) of the smoke alarm failures
There are two types of smoke alarms that are used in residential homes – ionization and photoelectric. For the best protection, a combination ionization-photoelectric warning, known as a dual-sensor smoke alarm, is recommended. Make sure the detector is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which sets strict testing and safety requirements.
Commercial Smoke Detector Placements
In commercial buildings, the location of smoke detectors are set by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ is defined as the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, and for approving equipment, materials, installation, or a procedure.
Fire codes and standards are based on the codes and standards of the NFPA. However, there can be many differences between AHJs in how the codes are enforced and what codes are enforced. Many times, fire alarm systems require the approval of multiple jurisdictions (local, state, and joint commission). There are also federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and inspections to be considered, and OSHA inspectors can override the local AHJ.
Smoke Detector Testing & Maintenance
Once your smoke detectors are installed, it’s critical to test them regularly and maintain them.
For residential smoke detectors, the NFPA recommends that you:
- Test smoke detectors every month.
- Change the smoke detector batteries every year.
- Replace your smoke detectors every ten years.
For commercial buildings, inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements will also be set by the AHJ. In order to test industrial smoke detectors, you must be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) or licensed by the state.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives
According to data from the NFPA, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes without smoke detectors or without working smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are one of the most critical parts of a home safety system.
At FSS Technologies, our fire alarm system designers and installers are NICET certified. We understand the nuances of installing fire alarms in most jurisdictions. If your home or business needs a fire safety system, contact us for a free consultation.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How Video Doorbells Work
A video doorbell is a system that allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell by way of a video connection. If your video doorbell has a two-way audio system, you also can talk to the person at the front door, whether you’re home or not. How you connect your system and how you…
Big Name Home Security Gimmicks
We talk about choosing between a national home security company and a local company, DIY Security systems’ weaknesses, and video doorbells. Choosing a security system can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you and your family’s security is at stake. So how do you choose a home security system? Do Your Homework It’s critical to do…
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
What is a Fire Suppression System? The goal of a fire suppression system, also known as a fixed extinguishing system, is simple, reduce the risk of a fire and extinguish it by using a substance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a fire suppression system has detection tools that can sense the early…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Fire Systems for the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare facilities face uniquely complex life safety challenges and fire hazards. Unlike other commercial properties, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers must safeguard patients and protect equipment that’s both expensive and essential to life safety, and maintain 24/7 operations with no downtime. With vulnerable lives at stake, the healthcare industry must adhere to strict fire…
How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe
In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier…
Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems
Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…
Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired
What are Visual Fire Alarms? If a fire breaks out, occupants of a building may have as little as two minutes to get out before the fire becomes life-threatening. Fire alarms provide an early warning notification and alert people to evacuate, but what if you are deaf or hearing impaired? How do you know there…
How Commercial Security Monitoring Benefits Your Business During Quarantine
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
Do You Know How Your Alarm System Communicates?
What is alarm monitoring? One of the most sought-after features for residential and commercial security systems is 24/7 alarm monitoring. Monitored security systems are connected to a central monitoring facility with staff who review tripped alarms, verify emergencies, and contact relevant emergency services. Monitors generally reach at least two phone numbers connected to a residence…