House Building Codes for Smoke Alarms

NFPA Life Safety Code

• The National Fire Protection Association establishes precautionary fire guidelines in its Life Safety Code. While the code is not law, it provides the basis for many states' individual fire codes. OSHA uses the Life Safety Code in its legally binding requirements for exit routes in places of business. Regarding smoke alarms, the code mandates that detectors be placed in all dwelling structures, sleeping areas and apartments, in addition to semi-public places such as hotels, dormitories, child care centers, and correctional or detention facilities. Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) also promotes similar regulations.

State By State Regulation

• While the NFPA offers a nationwide model for smoke alarm use, individual states reserve discretion to legally require alarms. According to a 1999 report on state smoke alarm legislation published in "Injury Prevention" magazine, 18 states demanded smoke alarms in all kinds of buildings. Only seven states had no smoke alarm legislation whatsoever. Other states required smoke alarms in certain cases, such as in one or two-family homes, multiple occupancy buildings, rentals or new construction. State laws also vary regarding the kind of fire detector required. Some states mandate that battery-powered smoke alarms be used, some require hard-wired units and other states permit either kind. Of course, hard-wired fire detectors with battery back-up provide the best protection.

Proper Smoke Alarm Use

• For smoke alarms to qualify as fulfilling fire code, they must be functional, plugged in or holding working batteries, uncovered and unblocked. While it is permissible to cover a smoke alarm temporarily, as when painting the walls, leaving any tape or other materials covering a smoke detector will render it ineffective and inconsequential to relevant fire codes. Often poorly secured smoke detectors fall out of their housing and hang by wiring. While this does not necessarily interfere with the smoke alarm's functioning, it poses a risk and is inadvisable. The consumer product safety commission recommends placing smoke alarms on every story of a residential home, in every sleeping area, and outside sleeping areas. To ensure proper functioning, smoke alarms should be tested every year.