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16 Locating Detectors and Escape Plan
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.
16.1 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 protection 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-S553-02 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 pre-
vent 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 38ºC (100ºF) or falls below 5ºC (41ºF).
• 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 dis-
tance 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 basements 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 3
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