Smoke Detectors Dwelling Unit

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NFPA 72
smoke detectors located on the wall must be located no closer than 4" from the ceiling and no further than 12" from the ceiling.

And smoke detectors located on the ceiling must be located no closer than 4" from the wall.

Hope that helps
 
as far as adding to existing dwellings... I think you will find that a local jurisdiction application. In our area the Building Code, IRC {R313.1}
requires adding when alterations are performed.
Youl will also find placement instructions with the manufacturers literature.
 
There are additional requirements such as staying 3 feet away from vents and bathrooms, or 20 feet away from cooking appliances unless photo electric or with an alarm silincing method. All this is chapter 11 NFPA 72 NATIONAL FIRE ALARM CODE available for viewing on line at nfpa.org/aboutthecodes
 
I might also suggest that photoelectric detector be chosen over ionization chambers. Tests have shown the photoelectric to be quicker at responding then ionization. Just had a house fire and after being on scene for 1 1/2 hours, during the investigation phase, the ionization detector finally went off. This was after the entire kitchen had been destroyed by fire. Go figure. Can't require one or the other, but certainly suggest photoelectric for basic detectors.
 
inspector 102 said:
I might also suggest that photoelectric detector be chosen over ionization chambers. Tests have shown the photoelectric to be quicker at responding then ionization. Just had a house fire and after being on scene for 1 1/2 hours, during the investigation phase, the ionization detector finally went off. This was after the entire kitchen had been destroyed by fire. Go figure. Can't require one or the other, but certainly suggest photoelectric for basic detectors.
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The 2 types of detector are for different fire types, smoldering and blazing. I personally would research where the manufacturer suggests using each type or buy a combination device. To be 100% effective at detection you must use both.
 
MichaelHoltJr said:
Code reference/section? Smoke detectors adding to an existing dwelling bedroom. Wall Install: Min/Max from ceiling? / Ceiling Install: Min/Max from wall?
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In a dwelling unit we (electricians) install smoke alarms. A commercial/UL fire alarm system with a central control panel and notification appliances utilizes smoke detectors.

I realize this sounds like nitpicking, but it's important that we keep our terms clear because there is sometimes much confusion about this issue and what particular code section applies.
 
peter d said:
In a dwelling unit we (electricians) install smoke alarms. A commercial/UL fire alarm system with a central control panel and notification appliances utilizes smoke detectors.

I realize this sounds like nitpicking, but it's important that we keep our terms clear because there is sometimes much confusion about this issue and what particular code section applies.
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No truer words were ever spoken. (well I don't know, maybe truer words were spoken at one time or another;)) But I get your drift. There's quite a difference and often times the terms are mis-applied which tends to be very confusing. :-?:smile:
 
wbalsam1 said:
No truer words were ever spoken. (well I don't know, maybe truer words were spoken at one time or another;)) But I get your drift. There's quite a difference and often times the terms are mis-applied which tends to be very confusing. :-?:smile:
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Every once in a while I'll say something that makes sense. :) The other 99% of the time it's a bunch of gobbledygook. :D ;)
 
How the permit was issued seems to be the big factor for us.
In one city a few months ago in a 2 story plus basement house the permit required hardwired smokes in every bedroom and and a co detector within 10' of every bedroom and interconnected if possible even though we were only doing a small bedroom upgrade on the main floor... But the next city will allow hard wired detectors on the floor you are dealing with and battery powered on the rest of the floors.
 
peter d said:
In a dwelling unit we (electricians) install smoke alarms. A commercial/UL fire alarm system with a central control panel and notification appliances utilizes smoke detectors.
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Yeah ,..l wonder why then,..do these common residential smoke alarms have this big nasty warning telling me to install the per 760 ??
http://www.firexsafety.com/NR/rdonl...DB-124EB567BEB3/0/1101074CEnglish45804586.pdf

WARNING: This smoke alarm should be installed only
by a qualified electrician. Smoke alarm
installation must be in accordance with the
requirements of Article 760 of the National
Electrical Code and any local codes that
may apply.
Click to expand...
 
M. D. said:
Yeah ,..l wonder why then,..do these common residential smoke alarms have this big nasty warning telling me to install the per 760 ??
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Because the instructions are written by those who don't understand the difference. It's also because of the CYA attitude they have.
 
well if I C.M.A 110.3(b) tells me if these instructions are part of the listing I am obligated to follow them and 760 tells me that I am not to use afci protection , does it not ??
 
M. D. said:
Yeah ,..l wonder why then,..do these common residential smoke alarms have this big nasty warning telling me to install the per 760 ??
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I dunno...you don't tie line voltage residential smoke alarms into a commercial fire alarm control panel. You can interface them with a burglar alarm panel with a relay.

Neither of those applications has anything to do with article 760.
 
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