Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Residential Smoke Alarm Installation
Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center University of Kentucky College of Public Health and Kentucky Department for Public Health Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

About This Course Developed by the KY Injury Prevention and Research Center using information provided by: US Consumer Product Safety Commission Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Other sources Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

About This Course (continued)
Course Length: 2 hours Acceptable for KFS credit when taught or overseen by a certified fire instructor Category C – (Alarms and Comm.) C 0100 if done as part of a Firefighter I training program Use appropriate location code Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Administrative Issues
One 10 minute break at mid-point of class Location of important facilities: Break room and vending machine(s) (if any) Restrooms Fire escape routes Training facility rules and procedures Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Course Objectives At the end of this course you should be able to: Describe the two primary types of smoke alarm sensors Describe the types of power systems used for smoke alarms Differentiate between self-contained smoke alarms and linked alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Course Objectives (continued)
You should also be able to: Identify areas where smoke alarms should and should not be installed in residences Identify the materials needed to properly install smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to residents Describe and/or demonstrate the alarm installation and safety education process, including related record-keeping Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Module I: Smoke Alarm Technology
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

In This Module You Will Learn:
What smoke alarms are Types of smoke alarm sensors Types of power systems used by smoke alarms Maintenance of smoke alarms and detectors Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

You Will Also Learn: The difference between centrally controlled, independent and linked alarms What nuisance alarms are and some steps that can be taken to avoid them Some problems that affect smoke alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarms Are… Electronic devices designed to detect the presence of a fire and sound an alarm They generally consist of: One or more sensors A triggering circuit An alarm amplifier and horn A power supply Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Purpose of Smoke Alarms
Detect presence of combustion products Provide warning to persons in the structure (and, in some cases, to remote monitoring stations) Primary purpose of warning is to facilitate escape of persons in the structure Secondary purpose is to initiate an early response by fire suppression resources Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarms Are Used In…
Industrial Facilities Storage and Shipping Facilities Office Buildings Retail Stores Residential Facilities and Private Homes In this course we will focus primarily on residential smoke alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Types of Smoke Alarm Sensors
There are two primary types of smoke alarm sensors: Ionization sensors Photoelectric sensors Some alarms also include other types of safety sensors, such as heat sensors, or carbon monoxide sensors Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Ionization Sensors Best at detecting fast, flaming fires like grease fires Detect combustion particles of .01 to 3 microns (an average human hair is about 90 microns) Most sensitive to dark or black smoke Sensitive to steam, so they may produce false alarms if installed near kitchens or bathrooms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

How Ionization Sensors Work
Use a weak radiation source (Americium 241) to ionize the air in a detector chamber The ionized air conducts an electrical current The detector circuit senses this current; if it is present, the alarm does not sound Smoke particles interfere with the current flow; when the current is reduced, the alarm sounds Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Ionization Sensor Illustration
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Photoelectric Sensors
Best at detecting slow, smoldering fires like furniture ignited by a cigarette Detect combustion particles of .3 to 10 microns Most sensitive to light gray smoke Not very sensitive to steam, so they are better for use near kitchens or bathrooms Higher power requirements than ionization Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

How Photoelectric Sensors Work
An LED creates a beam of infrared light in the detector chamber The detector circuit senses this light; if it is present, the alarm does not sound Smoke particles scatter the light, and reduce the amount that reaches the detector; when the amount of light is reduced, the alarm sounds Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Photoelectric Sensor Illustration

Combination Alarms Some alarm systems use a combination of both types of sensors Most often found in centrally controlled systems Occasionally found in self-contained alarms May also include other types of sensors, such as heat, carbon monoxide, etc. Combination alarms are more expensive and have higher power requirements Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarm Power Sources
AC power (“hard wired”) – linked to normal AC wiring system Most have a battery backup in case AC power fails Batteries 9 volt carbon zinc (“general purpose”) 9 volt alkaline 9 volt lithium (“ten year battery”) Large rechargeable lead-acid or gel cells Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

AC Power Most dependable (at least if backup batteries are maintained properly) Cost-competitive with battery power for new construction but expensive to retrofit in older buildings Normally used as the primary power source for centrally controlled alarm systems Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Battery (DC) Power Fairly dependable if batteries are checked and replaced consistently Inexpensive and easy to install, even in older buildings Often used as the primary power source for self-contained independent alarms Limited power for horns and auxiliary functions Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Smoke Alarms require regular maintenance, which includes: Maintenance of Power Supply Cleaning of Sensor and Air Passages Regular Testing Replacement of outdated Sensors or Alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Power Supply Maintenance
For AC powered alarms: Check AC power supply monthly (or more often) Replace backup batteries as recommended by the alarm manufacturer For battery powered alarms: Test alarm weekly (or as directed by manufacturer) Replace batteries: Every six months for general purpose or alkaline batteries When alarm signals low battery or fails test for lithium batteries Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Cleaning Smoke Alarms For a smoke alarm to work properly, air must be able to flow through the detector chamber and the chamber must be free of dust and dirt A dirty detector chamber will: Reduce alarm sensitivity Increase the chance of a nuisance alarm Clean the detector by vacuuming the exterior of the alarm with a vacuum nozzle If this isn’t an option, dust the outside of the alarm housing Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarm Testing AC powered alarms should be tested monthly, or more often if the manufacturer or codes require Battery powered alarms should be tested weekly, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise One of the most common reasons for failed smoke alarms is a lack of regular testing Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Replacing Outdated Alarms
The recommended service life for most smoke alarms is ten years After that point, electronic failure becomes likely If an alarm system has separate sensors, the sensors and other manufacturer-recommended components should be replaced If the alarm is self-contained, the entire alarm should be replaced Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Types of Alarm Systems Centrally Controlled Alarms Separate sensors and alarm horns linked to a single central controller Independent Alarms Each alarm is self contained Linked Alarms Each alarm is self-contained, but alarms are linked so that if one sounds, all sound Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Centrally Controlled Alarms
Most commonly found in: Industrial and commercial buildings Multi-unit residential buildings Government and public buildings May activate fire suppression and ventilation systems, elevator shut-off, etc. May be combined with intrusion alarm and facility monitoring system Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Sensors for Centralized System

Alarm System Control Panels

Self-Contained Alarms
Most commonly found in single-family dwellings and small apartment buildings Seldom linked to fire suppression or external notification systems Linked independent alarms are becoming more common in new construction Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Some Self-Contained Alarms

Nuisance Alarms Nuisance alarms occur when the alarm sounds without a fire being present Often called “false alarms,” but in most cases they’re not – the alarm does detect something Usually caused by exposing the alarm to smoke, combustion products or steam From tobacco smokers From wood-burning stoves or fireplaces From kitchens and bathrooms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Reducing Nuisance Alarms
Locate alarms and sensors away from areas where they will be exposed to smoke, other combustion products or steam Clean the alarm regularly Maintain the alarm power supply (low power can sometimes trigger a true “false alarm”) Avoid activities that trigger the alarm Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Problems With Smoke Alarms
Lack of Power Usually due to failure to test alarm and replace battery as needed Electronic failure Rare, but it happens – testing is important! Deliberately disabled alarms Usually due to nuisance alarms, but may also be done to get alarm battery Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Ways to Reduce Problems
Test alarms regularly Will identify lack of power or electronic failure Replace batteries as needed Place alarms properly to avoid nuisance alarms Seal alarms to protect battery Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Other Potential Improvements
Building codes requiring hard-wired (AC) alarms with battery backup Use of long life lithium batteries (which last up to ten years) instead of general purpose or alkaline batteries Computerized sensors that help reduce nuisance alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Module II: Installing Smoke Alarms
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Provisions of NFPA 72 – the National Fire Alarm Code – that cover residential smoke alarms Proper smoke alarm selection Locations where you should – and should not – install residential smoke alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

You Will Also Learn: Methods for mounting the alarm The importance of the alarm instructions The importance of fire safety education Tips for doing an effective smoke alarm installation and fire safety education visit Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Covers all types of fire alarm systems in many different types of occupancies In this course we will focus on the standards for residential smoke alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Provisions of NFPA 72 At least one functional smoke alarm on every occupied level of the home This includes basements It does not include attics, cellars and other areas that are not generally occupied, but… You can put an alarm in an area where a fire could easily start, even if the area is not usually occupied – so long as that area is not too hot, cold or dusty for the alarm Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Provisions of NFPA 72 (cont.)
A smoke alarm should be installed outside each separate sleeping area This does not mean that each bedroom must have it’s own smoke alarm – one alarm in a hallway between two adjacent bedroom doors is acceptable (for existing structures) In new construction, alarms must be installed in every sleeping room Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

If a smoke alarm is installed in or near a kitchen the alarm must be photoelectric or have a “silence” button (“hush” button) This is because ionization alarms are very sensitive to steam This is also a good idea for alarms installed near bathrooms, though the code doesn’t actually require them to be photoelectric Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

All smoke alarms installed in homes should be tested regularly Monthly, or more often if the manufacturer recommends it; many manufacturers recommend weekly tests All residential smoke alarms should be replaced when they are ten years old Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Selection If you want to use an alarm with a long life lithium battery, you will have to use an alarm with an ionization sensor Photoelectric alarms require more power and are not currently offered with lithium batteries Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Selection (cont.)
If the power source is not a limitation, use the type of alarm most suitable for the site Photoelectric alarms work best in or near kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where steam may be present Both sensor types work well in other areas Use hardwired (AC powered) linked alarms in new construction Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location Installing smoke alarms in proper locations is important Alarms that are installed in the wrong location may: Not provide adequate warning of fire or smoke Fail prematurely due to heat, cold, etc. Produce nuisance alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location (cont.) Install at least one alarm on each occupied level of the house – including the basement, if it is regularly occupied Install at least one alarm outside each separate bedroom area You may need to install alarms inside a bedroom in special circumstances, such as where a resident smokes in bed Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Example of Separate Sleeping Areas
Alarm Location (cont.) Example of Separate Sleeping Areas Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location (cont.) Do not install smoke alarms… In or near kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, if the alarm has an ionization sensor In attics, cellars or other areas that become very hot, cold or dusty On un-insulated exterior walls or ceilings that are not insulated from the roof (the alarm will get too hot and/or cold) Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location (cont.) Do not install smoke alarms… In the “dead air zones” that occur within two feet of any corner of a room or hallway In the “dead air zone” that is found within four inches of the edge of any ceiling, or the top edge of any wall In any area where air flow is restricted or there is a very strong draft or air flow Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location (cont.) Example of the “dead air zone” at the boundary between a ceiling and a wall DEAD AIR ZONE Acceptable mounting locations for smoke alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Location (cont.) Proper Installation Location Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Preferred Placement of Alarms
Whenever possible, install smoke alarms on ceilings Near the center of the room is usually best If the room has an arched, vaulted or gabled ceiling, put the alarm at or near the highest point of the ceiling Do not install smoke alarms within four inches of a wall or within two feet of a corner Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Wall Installation of Alarms
Ceiling installation is preferable, but if it isn’t practical, smoke alarms may be installed on a wall Install alarms in the narrow area at least four inches, but not more than twelve inches, below the ceiling Remember: do not install a smoke alarm on an un-insulated exterior wall Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Tips For Placing Alarms
Try to place the alarm where a resident can reach it for testing and cleaning This may not always be practical in rooms with high ceilings Always test the alarm before you attach it to the ceiling or the wall It is much easier to replace a defective alarm or battery before the alarm is installed Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Mounting Smoke Alarms There are two common methods of mounting smoke alarms to ceilings or walls Using screws (generally supplied with the alarm) Using industrial grade double-sided tape Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Mounting - Screws
This is the preferred method of mounting the alarm It is recommended by the manufacturer Screws will not lose strength over time Screws are usually included in the smoke alarm package Masonry anchors are also usually included Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Mounting – Screws (cont.)
Mounting process: Place the alarm base or mounting plate on the ceiling or wall Mark screw locations and remove the base or mounting plate Drill pilot holes or masonry anchor holes Insert masonry anchors (if needed) Place alarm base or mounting plate Insert and tighten screws Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Mounting - Tape Should be used only if screw mounting is not practical On very hard surfaces, such as ceramic tile If a resident refuses to allow the use of screws Double-sided mounting tape must be purchased separately from alarms Use only heavy-duty industrial type tape Even this tape may eventually fail Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Mounting – Tape (cont.)

Alarm Mounting – Tape (cont.)
Mounting process: Locate and mark position where alarm will be placed Remove tape from roll and stick the exposed side of the tape to the alarm base or mounting plate (use plenty of tape) Remove the backing from the other side of the tape Press the alarm against the surface and hold it in place for at least 30 sec. Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Sealing the Alarm Case Some smoke alarms have small plastic pins that can be used to lock the case This makes it harder to remove the battery If the pin is glued in place, it becomes nearly impossible to remove – or change – the battery The alarm instructions will explain how to use the locking pin (if the alarm has one) Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

View of Locking Pin in New Alarm
Pin notch must be broken out Locking pin must be removed from battery compartment Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

View of Locking Pin in Use
Locking pin installed in smoke alarm case Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Why Lock or Seal the Case?
It usually isn’t a good idea to lock the case of a smoke alarm that uses alkaline or general purpose batteries It may be a good idea to lock or seal the case of a smoke alarm that uses long life lithium batteries, to prevent the battery from being removed to disable the alarm Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoke Alarm Instructions
Smoke alarms are packed with detailed instructions These instructions often include sections in different languages You should read and understand the instructions before installing an alarm You may have to explain the instructions to residents in non-technical terms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

The Importance of Education
Smoke alarms only do one thing – they detect fire or smoke and sound an alarm In order for smoke alarms to be effective, residents must also be educated They must learn: How to maintain and test the alarm What to do if the alarm sounds How to prevent fires Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Education – Alarm Maintenance
Smoke alarms require testing and care The instructions packed with most smoke alarms are long and complex – many people will not read or understand them If you install a smoke alarm for someone, you should educate them about how to test and maintain the alarm Simplify the information when needed Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Education – Escape Planning
A smoke alarm will not help someone who doesn’t know what to do when the alarm sounds Every home should have a fire escape plan – and practice it at least yearly Explain the need for a fire escape plan and how to develop one Provide details and examples Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Education – Fire Prevention
The most effective way to survive a residential fire is to avoid having one Smoke alarms are effective, but they are no substitute for fire prevention Providing fire safety education is an effective way to reduce the risk of fire deaths Be detailed; provide information about “how” as well as “why” to be safe Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Providing Effective Education
To provide effective education, you must… Take time to talk - simply handing someone a fist full of brochures is not effective Give specific examples of ways to be safe: NOT GOOD: “You should be careful so you don’t have a cooking fire.” GOOD: “Why don’t you get a kitchen timer that you can set when you put something on the stove, so that you don’t forget that you have something cooking?” Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Using Educational Materials
Brochures and printed handouts can help you explain important safety information Use them to supplement, not replace, a discussion – go through them as you talk and explain the information in them Printed materials are also good because residents can refer to them later Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Tips for Doing Installations
Take all the tools, supplies, educational materials and alarms that you may need Small teams work very well One person provides fire safety education while one or more others install the alarm(s) Allow plenty of time to do the job properly Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Tips for Doing Installations (cont.)
Have a legible address and/or directions to the places where you will install alarms Phone numbers are also very handy Wear a uniform or other identification Never talk about what you see in a home Do any required paperwork as soon as you finish doing the installation Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Module III: The Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Education (SAIFE) Project Residential Smoke Alarm Installation Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

What the SAIFE Project is Smoke alarms used by the project Educational materials used by the project Project requirements for smoke alarm installation and resident education Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

You Will Also Learn: Forms used to document smoke alarm installations Reporting requirements Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

The SAIFE Project SAIFE = Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Education Project is funded by a grant from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nation Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) is the funding center Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

The SAIFE Project (cont.)
The Kentucky Department of Public Health is the state-level funding source The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) is responsible for conducting the project KIPRC is a joint partnership between the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the University of Kentucky Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

SAIFE Project Objectives
Install smoke alarms in homes that do not have functional smoke alarms Provide fire safety education to the residents of these homes Provide fire safety education to other people in project communities Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

SAIFE Project Objectives (cont.)
Collect information about the percentage of homes with working smoke alarms before and after the project is conducted in a community Determine whether alarms installed by the project remain functional several months after they are installed Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Installation Requirements
When installing smoke alarms as part of this project: Only those alarms needed should be used, but the home should meet the standards of NFPA 72 when the installation is complete The residents should receive education in fire prevention, escape plans and alarm care The installation must be documented Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Project Smoke Alarm The standard smoke alarm used by the SAIFE project in Kentucky is the FireX Model C (4651), which has: Ionization sensor Test / Hush button Long life lithium battery Lighted power and alarm indicator Ability to lock the case if desired Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

FireX Model C Smoke Alarm

Project Education Materials
The following printed materials are used for fire safety education: Smoke Alarms Save Lives! card (yellow card) E.D.I.T.H. Exit Drills in the Home (brochure) Ten Tips for Fire Safety (brochure) how to prevent fires (booklet) Smoking Can Be Hazardous to Your Health… and Your Home card (blue card) Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Examples of Printed Materials

Smoke Alarms Save Live! Yellow card stock printed on both sides Front is an explanation of the project; back lists simplified instructions for testing and maintaining FireX Model C smoke alarms Give to all residents who receive alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Smoking Can Be Hazardous…
Blue card stock printed on both sides Front contains an explanation of the dangers of smoking-related residential fires; back gives specific guidelines for preventing smoking-related fires Use in homes with a smoking resident Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

10 Tips for Fire Safety NFPA brochure A broad overview of home fire safety; some of the information in this brochure is repeated in more detail in other materials Give to all residents who receive alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

E.D.I.T.H. NFPA brochure (also called fire drills in the home and fire drills – the great escape) Explains why a home escape plan is needed, and how to make and practice one Give to all residents who receive alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

how to prevent fires NFPA booklet Includes fire prevention information designed for older adults Restates some of the information covered in other materials Use in homes with an elderly resident Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

When Using These Materials…
Give them to residents one at a time – not in a handful (which can be confusing) Explain the information in each item before giving the next item If several residents are present, try to involve all of them in the education process Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Good Education Saves Lives
Smoke alarms are important, but by themselves they are not enough Good fire safety education saves lives Take the time to provide the best fire safety education that you can – if the alarms you install ever sound, knowing what to do will make the difference for those in the home Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Documenting Alarm Installation
It is important that all smoke alarm installations be documented This provides: Statistics that can be used to help justify continued funding for the program Proof that all groups and types of individuals are being served fairly A record of the work invested in the project Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Alarm Installation Record Form
Three-part form One copy for resident, one for installing agency and one for KIPRC Two major sections on form Top portion is filled out (and waiver signed) by person requesting alarms Bottom portion is filled out by installing agency Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Enrollment and Installation Record

Resident Portion of Form

Local Coordinator Portion of Form

Alarm Installer Portion of Form

Completing Installer Entries
Determine the total number of residents in the home and list that number in “# of residents” Determine how many residents are 65 or older and list that number in “# over 65” Determine how many residents are 12 or younger and list that number in “12 or younger” If the household has had a fire at any time in the past, check “yes” and write the date of the fire in the blank provided Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Completing Installer Entries (cont.)
Fill in the number of smoke alarms that you installed in the residence If you install alarms in two or more apartments in a structure, list each apartment on a separate form Fill in the date and time when you installed the alarms Sign the bottom of the form Please gather all of the requested information and print or write legibly. Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Reporting Requirements
Local agencies participating in the SAIFE project must report the following information to KIPRC Percentage of homes with working smoke alarms before and after the installation project Number of alarms installed Number of homes served Number of individuals who receive fire safety education Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Reporting Requirements (cont.)
Local agencies must also report other project-related activities such as public service announcements (PSAs) and other media activities A six-month follow-up on some of the installed alarms is also required Information from the installation forms is used for part of this reporting Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Summary and Review In this class you have learned… Types of smoke alarm sensors and power supplies The difference between self-contained, linked and central station alarms Smoke alarm testing and maintenance How to minimize nuisance alarms Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Summary and Review (cont.)
You have also learned… Where smoke alarms should – and should not – be installed in a home NFPA 72 requirements for residential alarms Methods for installing smoke alarms How and why to lock smoke alarm cases Why fire safety education is important Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

Summary and Review (cont.)
And you have learned… What the SAIFE project is What the requirements are for participating local agencies What alarms and materials are used by the project How to complete the required installation paperwork Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

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