Installing Smoke Detectors
Detectors in kitchens and lounges can provide a high standard of
protection. In a bungalow, a single smoke detector may be okay if
sited in the main circulation area (hallway). In a typical
two-storey house, smoke detectors should be positioned at ground
and first floor level. Also, an audible alarm should be fitted near
bedroom doors. A qualified registered electrician should carry out
the installation of a smoke detector.
Positioning
Smoke detectors should be located in a circulation space
(hallway, landing stairs, corridor) so that there is a
detector:
- not more than 3m from every bedroom door.
- not more than 7m from every door of a living room or
kitchen.
- every 15m in a circulation route such as a corridor.
For smoke detectors to operate effectively, care needs to be
taken when positioning them. Detectors, if wall mounted, should be
not less than 150mm and not more than 300mm from the ceiling. If
ceiling mounted, detectors should be not less than 300mm from a
wall or light fitting.
Where is the best place for a smoke detector?
If your home is on more than one level the best place for the
smoke detector is in the hallway above the bottom of the staircase.
This is because smoke is likely to be detectable in the hallway
before it reaches the upstairs landing and bedrooms. But if you
can't hear the alarm in the bedrooms you'll need to link another
detector on the landing. It is a good idea to do this anyway
because smoke from a fire on an upstairs bedroom is unlikely to be
detected by a downstairs detector.
If you are putting in several detectors and you've put one
between sleeping areas and living accommodation, you should put the
other detectors in individual rooms where a fire is most likely to
occur. The living room is the most likely place for a fire to start
at night, then the kitchen and lastly the dining room.
You should also consider putting detectors in any bedroom where
a fire is likely to start. For instance, where there is an
electrical appliance such as an electric blanket or heater or where
the occupant may not be able to respond very well to a fire
starting in the room, such as an elderly or sick person or very
young child.
Maintenance
Building Control have no authority to ensure that smoke alarms
are maintained. It is vitally important that your smoke alarm is
regularly checked. Further information can be obtained from the
manufacturers' instructions.
Some do's and don'ts on positioning smoke detector
Do put your detector where you will be able to
reach it easily and safely for regular testing and maintenance.
Don't put your detector in areas that become
very hot or very cold. i.e boiler room or entrance porch.
Don't put your detector in areas that are
affected by steam of fumes that may cause false alarms.
Don't position over radiators or other
heaters.
Don't put your detector above heaters or air
conditioning vents.
Don't fix your detector to surfaces that are
normally much warmer or colder than the rest of the room. These can
include uninsulated external walls and ceilings. The temperature
differences may prevent smoke from reaching the detector
quickly.
What to do when the alarm goes off
- Alert the household and get everyone out by the safest
route.
- If you have to go through a smoke filled area crawl with your
head low.
- If it's safe to do so shut doors and windows to help reduce
draughts that could fan the fire.
- Feel each door with the back of your hand before opening.
- If it is warm or smoke is coming through don't open it. It
could be protecting you from a dangerous fire.
- Make sure everyone stays outside the house until the Fire
Brigade arrives and tells you it's safe to go back in.
Be safe be sure. Possessions are replaceable people are
not
More information on fire safety visit the Kent Fire and Rescue
website.
This webpage was updated on
10/24/2007