Are Smoke Detectors Required In Attics

Typically smoke alarms are required where we expect to find occupants sleeping.

Are smoke detectors required in attics.

Smoke detectors are not designed to function in the low temperatures found in attics. Smoke alarms are not designed for garages and attics and are much more likely to fail than a heat detector. The us fire administration fema recommends that you have a heat detector rather than a smoke alarm in your garage. In 1988 one smoke alarm was required on every floor of the home.

For example section 13 7 2 13 1 of the code requires smoke alarms or a smoke detection system in new and existing one and two family dwellings. When smoke alarms interconnected or not were on all. In 1991 one smoke alarm was required in every sleeping room. Interconnected smoke alarms increase safety.

In 2003 a smoke alarm was required in the vicinity outside of every bedroom. Smoke detectors are not designed to function in the humidity found in attics. The nec takes its guidelines for smoke detectors from the national fire protection association nfpa. Smoke alarms are generally required in residential settings.

10 year sealed battery alarms are required in existing single double and multi family dwellings that were constructed prior to the state s adoption of the uniform construction code act of 1975. Another location in a home where you should have a heat detector rather than a smoke alarm is the attic. Smoke alarms are not required in unfinished attics unfinished basements or kitchens. All of these environmental issues will lead to erratic operation and cause false alarms or non alarms.

Wherever more than one smoke alarm is required in new construction the california building code requires that all smoke alarms shall be interconnected. Hard wired smoke alarms are required in all new construction. An ionization smoke detector smoke enters a chamber and interrupts an electrical current which triggers the alarm should be installed no closer than 20 feet from a cooking appliance and no. Install the first attic smoke detector on the wall near the stairs anywhere between the 4 inch and 12 inch marks.

If you are purchasing or selling a home they are now required to have smoke alarms in each sleeping room and on each level in the common. In single family or multifamily homes smoke alarms shall be placed inside each sleeping area outside each sleeping area and on each level of the dwelling. Section 13 7 2 of the code addresses the occupancy specific requirements for fire alarm and smoke alarms. 1 people may know about a fire without hearing a smoke alarm.