Fire Smoke Alarms

Fire Smoke Alarms: A Life-Saving Investment

Working fire smoke alarms are one of the most effective tools for preventing fire-related injuries and deaths. In the United States, residential occupancies have the highest number of fire-related deaths compared to all other occupancies. The Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) requires fire smoke alarms in multi-family dwellings (buildings with three (3) or more dwelling units). Although this requirement is enforceable by the Fire Department only in multi-family dwellings, Highland Beach Fire Rescue can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have these LIFE-SAVING devices installed in every home, regardless of home type.

First, let’s clarify the difference between a Smoke Alarm and a Smoke Detector. 

Smoke alarms are single or multi-station devices that, when they detect smoke, activate an audible alarm within the individual dwelling unit. They are not part of the building fire detection system, do not activate the building’s alarm system, and do not notify the fire department.

Smoke detectors, on the other hand, are part of the building’s fire alarm system. They activate the building's audible/visible alarm devices and notify the fire department.

Fire Code Requirements

Per the FFPC, NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, “Fire-warning equipment (fire smoke alarms) for residential occupancies shall provide a reliable means to notify the occupants of the presence of a threatening fire and the need to escape to a place of safety before such escape might be impeded by untenable conditions in the normal path of egress.” An effective fire warning system relies on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of the equipment. The following information covers equipment requirements and installation guidelines.

All devices, combinations of devices, and equipment to be installed must be approved, labeled, or listed for the purposes for which they are intended. The term “Approved” means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ); the AHJ, in this case, is Highland Beach Fire Rescue (HBFR). The term “Listed” refers to products evaluated by an organization (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) acceptable to the AHJ; for fire smoke alarms, UL is an example of an NRTL. The term “Labeled” refers to products that have been marked with a label, symbol, or other identifying mark from an organization acceptable to the AHJ. The listing organization does not approve equipment; only the AHJ with jurisdiction can approve equipment.

Once installed, ALL smoke alarms are required to be replaced every ten (10) years. Some one- and two-unit dwellings (single-family homes and duplexes) may have existing combination fire and burglar alarm systems. These combination systems must meet all the requirements listed in this article. I cannot stress enough the importance of regular maintenance for both new and existing fire smoke alarms.

Where to Install Smoke Alarms 

Listed 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) In the living area(s) of a guest suite.

Additionally, if the areas mentioned above are separated from the adjacent living areas by a door, a smoke alarm must be installed in the area between the door and the sleeping rooms, and additional smoke alarms must be installed on the living area side of the door. Further, where the interior floor area for a given level of a dwelling unit, excluding garage areas, is greater than 1,000 ft², smoke alarms shall be installed. All points on the ceiling should have a smoke alarm within 30 ft travel distance or shall have an equivalent of one smoke alarm per 500 ft² of floor area. Finally, where dwelling units include great rooms or vaulted/cathedral ceilings extending over multiple floors, smoke alarms located on the upper floor that are intended to protect the area, as mentioned above, shall be permitted to be considered as part of the lower floor(s) protection scheme used to meet the requirements.                                      

Interconnectivity

Interconnectivity of all fire smoke alarms within each dwelling unit is required. Fire smoke alarms providing a fire-warning function, and where two or more alarms are installed within a dwelling unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, shall be arranged so that the operation of any smoke alarm causes all alarms within these locations to sound. The use of the hard-wired “interconnect” feature with multi-station alarms is preferred and satisfies the requirements for a typical arrangement of interconnected multi-station fire smoke alarms. Hardwiring of these smoke alarms may not be feasible in some existing buildings. In this case, HBFR allows the use of interconnected wireless fire smoke alarms and 10-year battery-operated devices. 

Carbon Monoxide

One final consideration: If your dwelling has any fuel-operated appliances (stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, heaters, etc.) within the living space where you sleep, HBFR strongly recommends installing combination fire smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly.

Please take advantage of these low-cost, life-saving devices to protect you and your family.  For more information or help with installation, contact Highland Beach Fire Rescue at (561) 278-4548. 

Your safety is our priority!