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Where to Place the Detectors
It is important to properly place the smoke detectors in the home.
In most locations throughout the U.S., smoke detectors are required in all
new homes. The number and location are listed below:
Number and Location Requirements
- The minimum standard as stated in the National
Fire Prevention Association's National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA
72): There should be a smoke detector on every level of the house,
including the basement and outside every bedroom.
- New homes require hard-wired alarms to be interconnected so that
if one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound the alarm signal.
- New homes require smoke detectors in every bedroom.On floors without bedrooms, smoke alarms should be installed in or
near living areas, such as family rooms and living rooms.
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Placement Requirements
- As stated by the NFPA: "Since smoke and deadly gases rise,
alarms should be placed on the ceiling at least 4 inches from the
nearest wall, or high on a wall, 4-12 inches from the ceiling. This
4-inch minimum is important to keep alarms out of possible "dead
air" spaces, because hot air is turbulent and may bounce so much it
misses spots near a surface. Installing alarms near a window, door or
fireplace is not recommended because drafts could detour smoke away from
the unit. In rooms where the ceiling has an extremely high point, such
as in vaulted ceilings, mount the alarm at or near the ceiling's highest
point."
Additional Guidelines for Installation
- If you sleep with your bedroom doors closed, it is recommended that a
smoke detector be installed inside each bedroom. Alarms should
also be installed in other areas of your home where people sleep.
- Wired systems should not be connected to a circuit that could be turned
off with a wall switch.
- Plug-in systems should have a restraining device at the outlet to prevent
the plug from accidentally coming loose.
- Hard-wired systems should be installed by a qualified electrician.
- Do not install the smoke detector near windows, doors or forced-air
registers where air flow would interfere with the operation of the
detector.
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