Instruction Manual

SMOKE DETECTION
Sufficient smoke must enter your Smoke Detector before it will
respond. Your Smoke Detector needs to be within 6m (20ft) of
the fire to respond quickly. Smoke Detectors also need to be in
positions where they can be heard throughout the property,
so they can wake you and your family in time for everyone to
escape. A single Smoke Detector will give some protection if it
is properly installed, but most homes will require at least two
or more Detectors, interconnected to ensure that a reliable
early warning is given. For recommended protection you
should put individual Smoke Detectors in all rooms where fire is
most likely to break out (apart from the kitchen and bathroom).
Multi Level Dwellings
If your home has more than one floor, at least one Detector
should be fitted on each level (see Figure 1) and still following
the minumum NFPA requirements. When two or more
Detectors are installed they shall be interconnected so as to
provide sufficient warning throughout the property.
Figure 1 illustrates where Smoke and Heat Detectors should
be located in a typical two story house. Note the spacings in
“Protection Levels” which ensure the early detection of fire
and that the warning will be heard.
Heat Detectors should be located in places were Smoke
Detectors are unsuitable - i.e. kitchen, garage, furnace room,
Single Story Dwelling
6
Figure 1
For minimum protection and as per NFPA requirements
Smoke Detectors shall be installed as follows:
- In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
- Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area within
6.4m (21ft) of any door to a sleeping room, the distance
measured along a path of travel
- On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
- On every level of a residential board and care occupancy
(small facility), including basements and excluding crawl
spaces and unfinished attics.
- In the living area(s) of a guest suite
- In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy
(small facility)
- all units interconnected
For recommended protection (in addition to the above) Smoke
Detectors may be installed in:
- All rooms (except unsuitable locations such as kitchen, baths,
garage, etc.)
- In locations unsuitable for Smoke Detectors consider
installing Heat Detectors placed within 5.3m (17ft) of
potential fire sources.