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AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEAT
<br />AND SMOKE ALARMS
<br />NFPA Appendix A-2-5.2.2: While Chapter 2 does not require heat detectors as
<br />part of the basic protection scheme, it is recommended that the householder
<br />consider the use of additional heat detectors...The additional areas lending
<br />themselves to protection with heat detectors are: kitchen, dining room, attic
<br />(finished or unfinished), furnace room, utility room, basement and integral or
<br />attached garages. For bedrooms, the installation of a smoke detector is
<br />preferable to the installation of a heat detector.
<br />The following recommendations reference location and usage of Smoke
<br />Alarms. Heat Alarms are intended as supplemental safety devices.
<br />Do not rely solely on Heat Alarms to alert you to fire.
<br />NFPA 72 (National Fire Code)
<br />Smoke Alarms shall be installed in each separate sleeping room, outside each
<br />sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional
<br />story of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl spaces
<br />and unfinished attics.
<br />In new construction, Alarms shall be so arranged that operation of any one
<br />Alarm shall cause the operation of all Alarms within the dwelling.
<br />Smoke Detection-Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number
<br />of Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
<br />areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke
<br />Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the
<br />use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection.
<br />The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace
<br />room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
<br />The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or
<br />garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally
<br />experience conditions that can result in improper operation.
<br />California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
<br />Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
<br />equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm
<br />installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
<br />and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
<br />kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
<br />rooms, basements, and attached garages.
<br />Additional local building and regulatory codes may apply in your area.
<br />Always check compliance requirements before beginning any installation.
<br />Specific requirements for Heat or Smoke Alarm installation vary from state to
<br />state and from region to region. Check with your local Fire Department for
<br />current requirements in your area. If you install AC or AC/DC units, it is recom-
<br />mended they be interconnected for added protection. Interconnect Smoke and
<br />Heat Alarms for added protection.
<br />RECOMMENDED PLACEMENT, Continued
<br />NFPA Standard 72 Appendix A-2-5.2.2.2 part c-d
<br />(c) The Spacing of Detectors: Where a room is too large for protection
<br />by a single detector, several detectors should be used. It is important
<br />that they be properly located so all parts of the room are covered.
<br />(d) Where the Distance Between Detectors Should Be Further Reduced:
<br />The distance between detectors is based on data obtained from the
<br />spread of heat across a smooth ceiling. Where the ceiling is not smooth,
<br />the placement of the detector should be tailored to the situation.
<br />For instance, with open wood joists, heat travels freely down the joist
<br />channels so that the maximum distance between detectors [50 ft (15 m)]
<br />may be permitted to be used. However, heat has trouble spreading
<br />across the joists, so the distance in this direction should be 1/2 the
<br />distance allowed between detectors, as shown in the illustration above
<br />(“Heat Alarms Recommended in New Home Construction”) and the
<br />distance to the wall is reduced to 12-1/2 ft. (3.8 m). Since 1/2 x 50 ft.
<br />(15 m) is 25 ft. (7.6 m), the distance between detectors across open
<br />wood joists should not exceed 25 ft. (7.6 m), as shown in “Heat Alarms
<br />Recommended in New Home Construction,” and the distance to the wall
<br />is reduced [1/2 x 25 ft. (7.6 m)] to 12.5 ft. (3.8 m). Paragraph 2-5.2.2.4
<br />requires that detectors be mounted on the bottom of the joists and not
<br />up in joist channels.
<br />Walls, partitions, doorways, ceiling beams, and open joists interrupt the
<br />normal flow of heat, thus creating new areas to be protected.
<br />LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR HEAT ALARMS
<br />This unit works best when it’s clean and nothing interferes with the sensor. If
<br />exposed to dirt, grease, extreme temperatures not caused by fire (especially in
<br />attics where daily temperatures can exceed the 135º F (57º C) alarm level or
<br />high humidity, it may sound “unwanted” alarms. If Heat Alarms are installed
<br />where heat can’t reach them–like in “dead air spaces” or near fans–they may
<br />not be able to provide an early enough warning in case of fire.
<br />For best performance, do not install the Heat Alarm:
<br />In a location where it could be easily triggered when
<br />using your remote to operate your TV, VCR, or other
<br />remote controlled appliances.
<br />• Where temperatures are regularly below –20º F (–29º C) or above 115º F
<br />(46º C), including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, or porches.
<br />• Do not install a Heat Alarm directly over the stove or range. Clean a
<br />laundry room unit frequently to keep it free of dirt or lint.
<br />• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow
<br />heat away from the unit, preventing it from reaching the sensing chamber.
<br />• In “dead air” spaces. Install units according to “Avoiding Dead Air Spaces”.
<br />• Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
<br />“noise” can interfere with the sensor.
<br />SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
<br />The following recommendations reference location and usage of Smoke
<br />Alarms. Heat Alarms are only intended as supplemental safety devices.
<br />Do not rely solely on Heat Alarms to alert you to fire.
<br />This unit alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire detection
<br />systems in places housing many people—like apartment buildings,
<br />condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-term health
<br />care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group homes of any
<br />kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not a suitable
<br />substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses, industrial
<br />facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-residential
<br />buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems.
<br />Depending on the building codes in your area, this unit may be used to
<br />provide additional protection in these facilities.
<br />For your reference: The following is information on Smoke Alarm usage
<br />in various residences and institutions.
<br />The following information applies to all five types of buildings listed below:
<br />In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC
<br />powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can
<br />be used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to
<br />NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local
<br />building codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection
<br />requirements in buildings not defined as “households.”
<br />1. Single-Family Residence:
<br />Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be
<br />installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom
<br />hallway.
<br />2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
<br />Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
<br />individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system
<br />already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like
<br />lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas
<br />may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
<br />ordinances/regulations.
<br />3. Institutions:
<br />Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke
<br />Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms,
<br />provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection
<br />requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this
<br />Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all
<br />residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
<br />4. Hotels and Motels:
<br />Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use
<br />inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection
<br />system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas
<br />like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas
<br />may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
<br />ordinances/regulations.
<br />5. Warehouses/Commercial Buildings:
<br />DO NOT use this Alarm in warehouses, industrial or commercial buildings,
<br />special-purpose non-residential buildings, RVs, boats, or airplanes. This Alarm
<br />is specifically designed for residential use, and may not provide adequate
<br />protection in non-residential applications.
<br />AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
<br />“Dead air” spaces may prevent heat from reaching the Heat Alarm. To avoid
<br />dead air spaces, follow installation instructions in the “Recommended
<br />Locations for Heat Alarms” (refer to NFPA72 for details).
<br />For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Heat Alarms
<br />should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from
<br />the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.
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<br />1402 W Meriday Ln -
<br />201816051/10/2024
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