Summary of the Article: Smoke Detector Placement in NEC Code
Key Points:
- Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
- Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall not activate alarm notification appliances outside of the dwelling unit or sleeping unit, provided that a supervisory signal is generated and monitored in accordance with Section 907.6.
- Smoke detectors are covered by Article 760 of the NEC.
- The NFPA requires AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms to be installed inside each bedroom, outside each bedroom area, and on every level of the home.
- In new construction homes, a minimum of two AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms are required.
- Residential smoke alarms should be wired on a dedicated circuit with at least one light or receptacle on the same circuit to alert homeowners in case of a circuit breaker trip.
- Mount smoke detectors on the wall or ceiling, four to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners.
- Keep smoke detectors high because smoke rises and avoid placing them closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke.
- Do not place smoke detectors near doorways or windows where drafts could impair their operation.
- A smoke detector should be placed above the fire alarm panel according to NFPA 72.
Questions:
- Where do you put smoke detectors according to NEC code?
- What does the NEC say about smoke detectors?
- Which article in the NEC covers smoke detectors?
- What is the code for the placement of smoke detectors?
- Do smoke detectors need to be on a dedicated circuit according to NEC?
- How far from the ceiling should a smoke detector be?
- Is a smoke detector required above a fire alarm panel?
- What does Article 220 of the NEC cover?
Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall not activate alarm notification appliances outside of the dwelling unit or sleeping unit, provided that a supervisory signal is generated and monitored in accordance with Section 907.6.
Smoke detectors are specifically addressed by Article 760 of the NEC.
The NFPA requires AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms to be installed inside each bedroom, outside each bedroom area, and on every level of the home. In new construction homes, a minimum of two AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms are required.
Residential smoke alarms should be wired on a dedicated circuit. It is recommended to have at least one light or receptacle on the same circuit to alert homeowners in case the circuit breaker ever trips. Interconnected alarms are usually wired in a daisy chain using 14-3 or 12-3 cable.
Mount it on the wall four to 12 inches below the ceiling, away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises. Do not place them closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke. Avoid placing them near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector operation.
Yes, a smoke detector shall be placed above the fire alarm panel according to NFPA 72.
Article 220 of the NEC provides requirements for calculating branch-circuit, feeder, and service loads.
Where do you put smoke detectors in NEC code
Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
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What does NEC say about smoke detectors
Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall not activate alarm notification appliances outside of the dwelling unit or sleeping unit, provided that a supervisory signal is generated and monitored in accordance with Section 907.6.
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What article in NEC covers smoke detectors
These are considered non-power-limited fire alarm circuits or power-limited fire alarm circuits that are specifically addressed by Article 760 of the NEC.
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What is the code for placement of smoke detectors
The NFPA requires AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms to be installed inside each bedroom, outside each bedroom area, and on every level of the home. They also require a minimum of two AC-powered, interconnected smoke alarms in any new construction home.
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Do smoke detectors need to be on a dedicated circuit NEC
Residential smoke alarms should be wired on a dedicated circuit. It's a good idea to have at least one light or receptacle-on the same circuit, to alert the homeowners in case the circuit breaker ever trips. Interconnected alarms are usually wired in a daisy chain, using 14-3 or 12-3 cable.
How far from ceiling should smoke detector be
to 12 inches
If you mount it on the wall, place it four to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises. Never place them any closer than three feet from an air register that might re-circulate smoke. Don't place them near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector operation.
Is a smoke detector required above a fire alarm panel
A smoke detector shall be placed above the fire alarm panel, in accordance with NFPA 72.
What does Article 220 of the NEC cover
This article provides requirements for calculating branch-circuit, feeder, and service loads. Part I provides for general requirements for calculation methods. Part II provides calculation methods for branch- circuit loads. Parts III and IV provide calculation methods for feeders and services.
How far does a smoke detector have to be from a vent
3 feet
– Within 3 feet of an air supply vent (supply or air flow) – Within 1 foot of a light fixture. – Within the “dead air space” where the wall meets the ceiling (ceiling smoke alarms must be at least 4” from the wall, wall mounted smoke alarms must be at least 4” and no more than 12” from the ceiling.
Does smoke detector circuit require AFCI
AFCI is required, but not GFCI, modulo local amendments
As an aside, NFPA 72 29.9. 4 point 5 requires smoke alarms that are AFCI or GFCI protected to have battery backup power.
How must fire alarm circuits be identified according to the NEC
The fire alarm equipment that supplies power-limited fire alarm cable circuits must be marked to indicate each circuit that is a power-limited fire alarm circuit. Per NEC article 760.30, the fire alarm circuits must be marked at terminal and junction locations.
How close should a smoke detector be to a bedroom door
The detector shall not be located in the stairway. Bedroom areas: The bedroom areas smoke detector shall be located in the hall of area outside the bedrooms, within 10 feet of any bedroom door.
What is the minimum distance between a ceiling mounted smoke alarm and a wall
Carbon Monoxide and Combination Alarms
If mounting on a ceiling, make sure it is at least six inches away from the wall.
How high does a smoke detector need to be
Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm). If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within three feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
How far off the ceiling must a smoke detector be mounted if mounted on the wall
If it is impractical to mount the smoke alarm on the ceiling then it may be located on the wall. The recommended position is between 300mm and 500mm off the ceiling. The distance from the apex of a cathedral ceiling to the top of the alarm should be between 500mm and 1500mm.
What does NEC Article 392 cover requirements for
The NEC Article 392 covers the general requirements, installation, uses permitted, cable types, grounding and bonding, splices and taps, supports and expansion devices, marking and identification, and installation in hazardous locations for cable tray systems.
What does NEC Article 392 cover
Permitted Cable Types. Article 392 of the NEC provides the basic requirements for installations using cable tray. The respective article for the cable type must also be followed. Table 392.10 ( 1) lists the type of cable that is allowed to be installed in tray and the types of raceway that can be used.
How far does a smoke detector have to be from a HVAC return
Don't install alarms where air movement can delay the alarm. This means they should be away from windows and at least 3 feet from warm or cold air ducts or return ducts. Also, don't install them between an air return and a bedroom door.
Do hardwired smoke detectors need their own circuit
The electrical code does not require that hardwired smoke detectors need to be connected to a dedicated circuit, though there is nothing wrong with installing a new circuit for this purpose. More often, though, hardwired smoke detectors are installed by splicing into a general lighting circuit or outlet circuit.
Can a smoke alarm be on a GFCI circuit
Smoke alarms must not be connected to circuits that are protected by an AFCI or GFCI, or to circuits that supply only receptacles [see Rule 32-110(a)(ii)].
What is the NEC Code 760
Article 760 (Fire Alarm Systems) of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) governs fire alarm system wiring and equipment, including all circuits controlled and powered by the fire alarm. Article 760.3 (Other Articles) identifies other sections of NFPA 70 that also apply to fire alarm systems.
Can a smoke detector go anywhere in a bedroom
Smoke detectors should be placed inside the bedroom and just outside the bedroom areas, such as in a hallway. If you don't have enough smoke detectors to place them everywhere, locate one outside the bedrooms in a spot where everyone sleeping could hear the alarm.
Where does a smoke detector need to be located in a bedroom
Smoke Detectors may be placed on walls, but must be higher than any opening into the room (e.g. doors,windows) and are placed between 4” and 12” from the ceiling.
How far inside a bedroom should a smoke detector be
In fact, the NFPA has some specific rules regarding smoke detector placement in these conditions. Install the smoke detector between 4 and 36 inches of the peak, where the two halves of the ceiling meet.
Do smoke detectors have to be hung on the wall
Smoke alarms should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas, either on the ceiling or the wall. Ceiling mounting it is typically preferred as it allows the smoke alarm to be placed more centrally in the room.
