First Alert SA320 User Manual
6
AGENCY PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
NFPA 72 (National Fire Code) Chapter 11
“For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72,
reads as follows:”
“For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72,
reads as follows:”
“11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units.”
“11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms.
Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area,
in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling
unit, including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two family dwelling
units, approved Smoke Alarms powered by batteries are permitted.”
“11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
Smoke Alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping rooms.
Exception: Smoke Alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area,
in immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling
unit, including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two family dwelling
units, approved Smoke Alarms powered by batteries are permitted.”
“A.11.8.3 Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of
Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke
Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider
the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection.
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace
room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, unfinished attics, or garages
is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation.”
Smoke Alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those
areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required Smoke
Alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider
the use of additional Smoke Alarms for those areas for increased protection.
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace
room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required Smoke Alarms.
The installation of Smoke Alarms in kitchens, unfinished attics, or garages
is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience
conditions that can result in improper operation.”
California State Fire Marshal (CSFM)
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
rooms, basements, and attached garages.
Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection
equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A Smoke Alarm
installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms),
and Heat or Smoke Alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,
kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
rooms, basements, and attached garages.
LOCATIONS TO AVOID FOR SMOKE ALARMS
For best performance, AVOID installing Smoke Alarms in these areas:
•
Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from
the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space
heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot (6 meter) distance is not
possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is
recommended the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning
sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to
keep these Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source,
and thus reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a
Smoke Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate
these areas as much as possible.
when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens,
garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from
the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space
heater) if possible. In areas where a 20-foot (6 meter) distance is not
possible – in modular, mobile, or smaller homes, for example – it is
recommended the Smoke Alarm be placed as far from these fuel-burning
sources as possible. The placement recommendations are intended to
keep these Alarms at a reasonable distance from a fuel-burning source,
and thus reduce “unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can occur if a
Smoke Alarm is placed directly next to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate
these areas as much as possible.
•
In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into
the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
the sensing chamber of a Smoke Alarm near the kitchen.
•
In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers,
saunas, dishwashers, etc.
showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers,
saunas, dishwashers, etc.
•
Where the temperatures are regularly below 40˚ F (4.4˚ C) or above
100˚ F (37.8˚ C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
or unfinished attics or basements.
100˚ F (37.8˚ C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
or unfinished attics or basements.
•
In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it
free of dust or lint.
over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it
free of dust or lint.
•
Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching sensing chamber.
•
In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber
and cause unwanted alarms.
and cause unwanted alarms.
•
Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical
“noise” can interfere with the sensor.
“noise” can interfere with the sensor.
•
In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching
the Smoke Alarm.
the Smoke Alarm.
AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES
“Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarm. To
avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below.
On ceilings, install Smoke Alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches
(102 mm) from the wall or corner.
possible. If this is not possible, install the Smoke Alarm at least 4 inches
(102 mm) from the wall or corner.
For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of Smoke
Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm)
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.
Alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm)
from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “dead air” spaces.
On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first Smoke Alarm
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle,
etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for
sloped or peaked ceilings.
within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally.
Additional Smoke Alarms may be required depending on the length, angle,
etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for
sloped or peaked ceilings.
SPECIAL COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
This Smoke Alarm alone is not a suitable substitute for complete fire
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-
term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group
homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not
a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-resi-
dential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems.
Depending on the building codes in your area, this Smoke Alarm may be
used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
detection systems in places housing many people—like apartment
buildings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories, hospitals, long-
term health care facilities, nursing homes, day care facilities, or group
homes of any kind—even if they were once single-family homes. It is not
a suitable substitute for complete fire detection systems in warehouses,
industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and special-purpose non-resi-
dential buildings which require special fire detection and alarm systems.
Depending on the building codes in your area, this Smoke Alarm may be
used to provide additional protection in these facilities.
The following information applies to all four types of buildings listed below:
In new construction, most building codes require the use of AC or AC/DC
powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be
used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA
72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building
codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
in buildings not defined as “households.”
powered Smoke Alarms only. AC, AC/DC, or DC powered Smoke Alarms can be
used in existing construction as specified by local building codes. Refer to NFPA
72 (National Fire Alarm Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), local building
codes, or consult your Fire Department for detailed fire protection requirements
in buildings not defined as “households.”
1. Single-Family Residence:
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be installed
on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.
Single family home, townhouse. It is recommended Smoke Alarms be installed
on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and in each bedroom hallway.
2. Multi-Family or Mixed Occupant Residence:
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system
already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like
lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may
not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
Apartment building, condominium. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use in
individual apartments or condos, provided a primary fire detection system
already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas like
lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas may
not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
3. Institutions:
Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke
Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms,
provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection
requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this
Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all
residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
Hospitals, day care facilities, long-term health care facilities. This Smoke
Alarm is suitable for use in individual patient sleeping/resident rooms,
provided a primary fire detection system already exists to meet fire detection
requirements in common areas like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this
Smoke Alarm in common areas may not provide sufficient warning to all
residents or meet local fire protection ordinances/regulations.
4. Hotels and Motels:
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use
inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas
like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas
may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
Also boarding houses and dormitories. This Smoke Alarm is suitable for use
inside individual sleeping/resident rooms, provided a primary fire detection
system already exists to meet fire detection requirements in common areas
like lobbies, hallways, or porches. Using this Smoke Alarm in common areas
may not provide sufficient warning to all residents or meet local fire protection
ordinances/regulations.
ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS
Battery (DC) operated Smoke Alarms: Provide protection even when
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units
are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. They do not,
however, provide interconnected functionality.
electricity fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed. Units
are easy to install, and do not require professional installation. They do not,
however, provide interconnected functionality.
AC powered Smoke Alarms: Can be interconnected so if one unit senses
smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided the
batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be
installed by a qualified electrician.
smoke, all units alarm. They do not operate if electricity fails.
AC with battery (DC) back-up: will operate if electricity fails, provided the
batteries are fresh and correctly installed. AC and AC/DC units must be
installed by a qualified electrician.
Wireless Interconnected Alarms: Offer the same interconnected functionality
as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy to install and do not
require professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity
fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
as with hardwired alarms, without wires. Units are easy to install and do not
require professional installation. They provide protection even when electricity
fails, provided the batteries are fresh and correctly installed.
Smoke Alarms for Solar or Wind Energy users and battery backup power
systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or
pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-
powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or
“quasi sine wave” inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about
your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
systems: AC powered Smoke Alarms should only be operated with true or
pure sine wave inverters. Operating this Smoke Alarm with most battery-
powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) products or square wave or
“quasi sine wave” inverters will damage the Alarm. If you are not sure about
your inverter or UPS type, please consult with the manufacturer to verify.
Smoke Alarms for the hearing impaired: Special purpose Smoke Alarms
should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and
an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With
Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses
smoke, all units alarm.
should be installed for the hearing impaired. They include a visual alarm and
an audible alarm horn, and meet the requirements of the Americans With
Disabilities Act. These units can be interconnected so if one unit senses
smoke, all units alarm.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
combination has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
All these Smoke Alarms are designed to provide early warning of fires if
located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if
smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer
to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also
require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.
located, installed and cared for as described in the user’s manual, and if
smoke reaches the Alarm. If you are unsure which type of unit to install, refer
to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). National Fire Protection Association, One
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101. Local building codes may also
require specific units in new construction or in different areas of the home.