smoke alarms

[pelican]

Checking the sites Q/A history on smoke alarms one can pretty much learn where to install detectors for a home.
Are there any rules of thumb for small commercial buildings? Say one with 4 offices, hallway, a conference room, breakroom w/ microwave, coffee pots, etc., and a storage area. Thank you.

 

[hbiss]

Re: smoke alarms

Checking the sites Q/A history on smoke alarms one can pretty much learn where to install detectors for a home.

No. Smoke detector quantity and locations are dictated by local and state requirements which means that what you read here may not be the requirements where you are. Indeed, the NEC not only does not specify placement but doesn't even require them.

Check with your local AHJ as to the requirements, particularly for a commercial occupancy.

-Hal

 

[goldstar]

Re: smoke alarms

It's been several years (more than I care to remember) since I worked in NYC and layed out fire alarm and smoke detection systems, but the best advice I can give you is to check with your smoke detector manufacturer and start with their spacing recommendations. One of my old Pyrotronics maintenance and test manuals states the following under "applications data" :

Although UL gives no spacing requirements, the test spacing of 30 feet (900 sq. ft.) may be used if practicable but only as a guide or starting point in a detector installation layout. The test fires conducted by UL were based on only one set of conditions, namely, a 15 ft. 9 in. high smooth ceiling, no air movement and no physical obstructions between fire source and detector. It should be realized that these are fairly ideal conditions for a symmetrical detector layout.

For conditions other than the above, it is mandatory that engineering judgement be applied regarding detector placement and layout.

Now, these guidelines may have changed over the years but the best place to start is as I said, with the manufacturer's recommendations. Check their data sheets. Also, Hal is correct in stating that you should check with your AHJ before starting your installation