Chapter 12
12.0 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.
12.1 Smoke Detectors
Research has shown that all hostile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser extent. Exper-
iments 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 or other appropriate national standards for
installation recommendations.
l 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.
l 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.
l Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
l Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38ºC (100ºF) or falls below
5ºC (41ºF).
l Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with Chapter 29 of NFPA 72,
the National Fire Alarm Code.
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 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 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 3a
Figure 4
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