Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center

1
Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

• Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center
• University of Kentucky College of Public Health
• and
• Kentucky Department for Public Health

2
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

3
About This Course (continued)

• Course Length 2 hours
• Acceptable for KFS credit when taught or overseen
  by a certified fire instructor
• Category C 0000 (Alarms and Comm.)
• C 0100 if done as part of a Firefighter I
  training program
• Use appropriate location code

4
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

5
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

6
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

7
Module I Smoke Alarm Technology

• Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

8
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

9
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

10
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

11
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

12
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

13
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

14
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

15
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

16
Ionization Sensor Illustration
17
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

18
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

19
Photoelectric Sensor Illustration
20
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

21
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

22
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

23
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

24
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

25
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

26
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 isnt an option, dust the outside of the
  alarm housing

27
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

28
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

29
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

30
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

31
Sensors for Centralized System
32
Alarm System Control Panels
33
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

34
Some Self-Contained Alarms
35
Nuisance Alarms

• Nuisance alarms occur when the alarm sounds
  without a fire being present
• Often called false alarms, but in most cases
  theyre 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

36
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

37
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

38
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

39
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

40
Module II Installing Smoke Alarms

• Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

41
In This Module You Will Learn

• 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

42
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

43
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

44
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

45
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
  its 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

46
Provisions of NFPA 72 (cont.)

• 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 doesnt actually
  require them to be photoelectric

47
Provisions of NFPA 72 (cont.)

• 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

48
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

49
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

50
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

51
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

52
Alarm Location (cont.)

• Example of Separate Sleeping Areas

53
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)

54
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

55
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
56
Alarm Location (cont.)

• Proper Installation Location

57
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

58
Wall Installation of Alarms

• Ceiling installation is preferable, but if it
  isnt 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

59
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

60
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

61
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

62
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

63
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

64
Alarm Mounting Tape (cont.)
65
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.

66
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)

67
View of Locking Pin in New Alarm
Pin notch must be broken out
Locking pin must be removed from battery
compartment
68
View of Locking Pin in Use
Locking pin installed in smoke alarm case
69
Why Lock or Seal the Case?

• It usually isnt 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

70
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

71
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

72
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

73
Education Escape Planning

• A smoke alarm will not help someone who doesnt
  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

74
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

75
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 dont
  have a cooking fire.
• GOOD Why dont you get a kitchen timer that
  you can set when you put something on the stove,
  so that you dont forget that you have something
  cooking?

76
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

77
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

78
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

79
Module III The Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire
Education (SAIFE) Project

• Residential Smoke Alarm Installation

80
In This Module You Will Learn

• 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

81
You Will Also Learn

• Forms used to document smoke alarm installations
• Reporting requirements

82
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

83
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

84
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

85
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

86
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

87
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

88
FireX Model C Smoke Alarm
89
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)

90
Examples of Printed Materials
91
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

92
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

93
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

94
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

95
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

96
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

97
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

98
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

99
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

100
Enrollment and Installation Record
101
Resident Portion of Form
102
Local Coordinator Portion of Form
103
Alarm Installer Portion of Form
104
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

105
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.
106
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

107
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

108
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

109
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

110
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

111
Questions or Comments?