Picky, Picky, Picky

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

little george

Member
So the contractor said to me "How many smoke detectors do I need in a single family home with four bedrooms?" I said to him, "None" Smoke detectors are not required in a single family home. (See definition of a smoke detector in NFPA 72) Had he asked me how many smoke alarms do I need I would have said one in each bedroom, one in the hall and one at the base of each stairway leading to the next level of the home. Big difference beteween a smoke detector and a smoke alarm. If the contractor were installing a fire alarm system, he probably would use smoke detectors in the same locations as he did his smoke alarms.
 
Re: Picky, Picky, Picky

Originally posted by ryan_618:
Why do you need one at the base of each stairway? Sounds to me like you would have given him the wrong answer.
Click to expand...
Maybe he lives near me, the FDs want one at the base of each stair before you can sell a dwelling.

No smoke no sale. :roll:
 
Re: Picky, Picky, Picky

The title of the post is accurate, but the content, I disagree with.
A "smoke alarm" can be single or multiple station; a "smoke detector" can be a system type, single or multiple station type.
The definition of "smoke detector" in NFPA 72 para 3.3.181 refers you to "detector" para 3.3.43 which includes smoke detector para 3.3.43.17.
The function of a smoke detector other than its ability to detect smoke is not delineated until you look at the requirements of a particular application in the code. The definition of smoke detector does not exclude the ability for it to be designed as system, single or multiple station type.
It so happens that the definition of "smoke alarm" includes a description that it can be single or multiple station type. A smoke alarm can't be used on a system.
 
Re: Picky, Picky, Picky

Regarding the other topic in the original post:
Generally the building code dictates location, but NFPA 72 has recommendations too.

11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1)In all sleeping rooms
(2)Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms
(3)On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements
 
Re: Picky, Picky, Picky

With respect to my orginal post, the requirement is to protect each level of the home in addition to the bedroom and hallway area. By placing a smoke alarm in the basement on the ceiling of the basement (as illustrated by the sketch with each smoke alarm) you are protecting the next level of the home and similarily on the ceiling of the entry to the stairway going to the next level if it's a two story home. By all means someone correct me. Or better yet, correct the sketch included with all smoke alarms.
 
Re: Picky, Picky, Picky

The stairs thing seems a fairly common addition in building codes. I think the idea is that the stair well acts like a flue and can quickly spread fire and smoke, so its a useful point to have one.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top