Digital Security Controls Ltd. 13WTK5504P User Manual

The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local fire codes and reg-

ulations be consulted when locating and installing smoke and CO alarms. Research has shown that all hos-

tile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser extent. Experiments with typical fires in homes 

indicate that detectable quantities of smoke precede detectable levels of heat in most cases. For these rea-

sons, smoke alarms should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each story of the home.

The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local fire codes and 

regulations be consulted when locating and installing smoke alarms.
It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for minimum protection be 

installed. Additional areas that should be protected include: the basement; bedrooms, especially where 

smokers sleep; dining rooms; furnace and utility rooms; and any hallways not protected by the required 

units. On smooth ceilings, detectors may be spaced 9.1m (30 feet) apart as a guide. Other spacing may 

be required depending on ceiling height, air movement, the presence of joists, uninsulated ceilings, etc. 

Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-02 or other appropriate national stan-

dards for installation recommendations. 

• Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the dead air space in these 

locations may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.

• Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows. Rapid air movement 

around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the unit.

• Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
• Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38

o

C

 

(100

o

F) or falls below 5

o

C 

(41

o

F).

Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with Chapter 29 of NFPA 72, the 
National Fire Alarm Code: 29.5.1.1. 
Where required by other governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved 
single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows: 
(1) In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms.
(2) Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 21 ft (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping 

room, with the distance measured along a path of travel.
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements. 
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements and 

excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.(5) In the living area(s) of a guest suite. 

(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility)..