Where Do Code Requirements End and Ethical Obligations Begin?
Code Requires Smoke Alarms First, Detectors Second
The requirements for automatic smoke detection in Chapter 11 of NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, center on single- and multiple-station smoke alarm units, not system-type smoke detectors per se. Code does allow for duplication of the protection and enhanced protection using system-type detectors.
In Section 11.5.1.1 of NFPA 72, 2007 Edition, it essentially says a smoke detector is required in all sleeping rooms and any guestrooms in the home. In addition, a smoke detector must be installed outside each bedroom area within 21 feet of the door.
And in Section 11.5.1.3, code calls for an automatic smoke detector to be installed on each level of the home when the interior space on each floor is more than 1,000 square feet, excluding the garage. This is the area of code fire technicians usually abide by when working in retrofit applications.
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