smoke detectors
- Thread starter brantner
- Start date
- Status
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: smoke detectors
A lot has to do with which code you local municipality follows. Check your building code and the NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code).
A lot has to do with which code you local municipality follows. Check your building code and the NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code).
ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: smoke detectors
In a house the IRC doesn't adress vaulted ceilings or proximity to walls. If this house you speak of is for taking care of the elderly, you might not have a house, but rather an institution. I would check with the AHJ. If it is an institution, the NFPA 72 should govern locations.
In a house the IRC doesn't adress vaulted ceilings or proximity to walls. If this house you speak of is for taking care of the elderly, you might not have a house, but rather an institution. I would check with the AHJ. If it is an institution, the NFPA 72 should govern locations.
Re: smoke detectors
Every smoke detector comes with instructions. Follow them!
The International Building Code requires smoke detectors to be installed in accordance with NFPA 72.
NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code, Section 5.7.1.9: "The location of smoke detectors shall be based on an evaluation of potential ambient sources of smoke, moisture, dust, or fumes, and electrical or mechanical influences to minimize nuisance alarms." and 5.7.1.11: "Detectors shall not be installed until after the construction cleanup of all trades is complete and final."
Looking at the installation instructions included with the detector, we find that all these concerns, plus the design of the ceiling, etc. is taken into consideration. Most of the detectors I've installed require a minimum clearance of 4-12" to the wall. (and ceiling for wall mounting) The theory is that smoke curls at corners, and would delay the activation of the detector if too close.
Every smoke detector comes with instructions. Follow them!
The International Building Code requires smoke detectors to be installed in accordance with NFPA 72.
NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code, Section 5.7.1.9: "The location of smoke detectors shall be based on an evaluation of potential ambient sources of smoke, moisture, dust, or fumes, and electrical or mechanical influences to minimize nuisance alarms." and 5.7.1.11: "Detectors shall not be installed until after the construction cleanup of all trades is complete and final."
Looking at the installation instructions included with the detector, we find that all these concerns, plus the design of the ceiling, etc. is taken into consideration. Most of the detectors I've installed require a minimum clearance of 4-12" to the wall. (and ceiling for wall mounting) The theory is that smoke curls at corners, and would delay the activation of the detector if too close.
jrdsg
Senior Member
- Location
- Vancouver, Canada
Re: smoke detectors
see http://www.systemsensor.com/html/guides/A05-1003.pdf
this is a good general application guide for smokes.
remember that fire alarm applications are life safety systems and that bungling one could cost someone their life, not to mention a nasty suit.
see http://www.systemsensor.com/html/guides/A05-1003.pdf
this is a good general application guide for smokes.
remember that fire alarm applications are life safety systems and that bungling one could cost someone their life, not to mention a nasty suit.
hbendillo
Senior Member
- Location
- South carolina
Re: smoke detectors
One of the appendices of NFPA 72 has some specific instructions for installing smoke detectors for these conditions. There is an illustration in the appendix that actually shows where to install the detector in a vaulted ceiling condition. You will also find an illustration that shows where not to install a detector in proximity to where the ceiling and the wall meet. Study the NFPA 72 and the applicable appendix and you should get most of you answers there. Are you working for and engineer to produce drawings? An engineer or someone licensed to design and issue fire alarm documents needs to be consulted.
One of the appendices of NFPA 72 has some specific instructions for installing smoke detectors for these conditions. There is an illustration in the appendix that actually shows where to install the detector in a vaulted ceiling condition. You will also find an illustration that shows where not to install a detector in proximity to where the ceiling and the wall meet. Study the NFPA 72 and the applicable appendix and you should get most of you answers there. Are you working for and engineer to produce drawings? An engineer or someone licensed to design and issue fire alarm documents needs to be consulted.
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
Re: smoke detectors
In my area of work, the AHJ consider the dead air space to be six inches out from where the ceiling meets the wall. See: Minneapolis Smoke Detector Placement
The point, again, is to check with your local AHJ(s).
[ September 16, 2003, 09:14 AM: Message edited by: al hildenbrand ]
In my area of work, the AHJ consider the dead air space to be six inches out from where the ceiling meets the wall. See: Minneapolis Smoke Detector Placement
The point, again, is to check with your local AHJ(s).
[ September 16, 2003, 09:14 AM: Message edited by: al hildenbrand ]
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