Smoke detecters - ECN Electrical Forums

In a basement that has a bedroom, that bedroom needs a smoke, but does the hall also need one?
What about mechanical rooms. The basement has two unfinished rooms on each side of the basement and an attic mechanical room. All have a furnace. Do they all need smoke detecters?
Thanks
Eric

You need a smoke alarm in each bedroom, directly outside of each bedroom, and at least one on each floor.

Ryan, do you have a referance for that? (quote if poss.)

I have a debate with someone on the need for one in a foyer/hall with no bedrooms near, and was wondering about the each floor wording.

NFPA ruling, the documentation is printed on the instructions that come with most smoke detectors.

Quote

NFPA 72, Fire Alarm Code

11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for the
specified occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:

(1) In all sleeping rooms

Exception: Smoke alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing one- and two family dwelling units.

(2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms

(3) On each level of the dwelling unit, including basements

Exception: In existing one- and two-family dwelling units, approved smoke alarms powered
by batteries shall be permitted.

Commentary:

Although not required for existing construction, it is recommended that smoke alarms be located in all bedrooms, whether new or existing construction. The minimum siting requirement for existing construction is for a smoke alarm outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling. This requirement can be met using multiple-station smoke alarms. In new construction, smoke alarms are required in each sleeping room as well as outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling.

See Exhibit 11.3 for a typical multiple-station smoke alarm arrangement.

This is a building code issue...you are in IL?...on the "I-codes"?...if so, IRC (Int'l. Residential Code) section R313 spells out these requirements as Ryan listed...I think this section of the "I" code is pretty much identical to the 'Uniform' building code which is used in CA.

Thanks Joe and David, I had forgot about this thread, so I didn't reply with my reference.