Smoke Alarm Requirements Q&A
Changes to the Ontario Fire Code effective March 1, 2006.
Smoke alarm requirements for dwelling units under section 2.13 of the Ontario Fire Code
QUESTIONS:
What dwelling units are regulated by Section 2.13 of the Fire Code?
Does Section 2.13 apply equally to dwelling units that are owner occupied and rental units?
Where are smoke alarms required to be located in each dwelling unit?
When a storey includes two levels, where is the best place to install the smoke alarm?
Is it permissible to install additional smoke alarms beyond the minimum required in Section 2.13?
ANSWERS:
What dwelling units are regulated by Section 2.13 of the Fire Code?
A: Section 2.13 of the Ontario Fire Code applies to all detached houses, semi-detached houses and row houses where each house is occupied as a dwelling unit. (A dwelling unit is defined by the Fire Code as meaning "a suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities".)
A seasonal home, such as a cabin or cottage, is also considered a dwelling unit.
Does Section 2.13 apply equally to dwelling units that are owner occupied and rental units?
A: Yes. Each dwelling unit is regulated regardless of the ownership arrangement.
Where are smoke alarms required to be located in each dwelling unit?
A: A smoke alarm is required to be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit. Where the sleeping areas are served by hallways, the smoke alarms must be installed in the hallways.
In addition, at least one smoke alarm is required to be installed on each storey that does not contain a sleeping area.
When a storey includes two levels, where is the best place to install the smoke alarm?
A: It is best to install the smoke alarm in the higher ceiling area, as the smoke alarm will react quickest to smoke development in either area in this arrangement. As well, smoke alarms are best installed near the stairs that interconnect the levels or storeys. Always install the smoke alarms on the ceiling or on the upper portion of a wall in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
A: No. Any additional smoke alarms required by Section 2.13 of the Fire Code are permitted to be battery powered.
A: No. The additional smoke alarms may be battery powered and need not be inter-connected. Additional hardwired smoke alarms would also satisfy the requirements, whether or not they are interconnected. However, interconnected smoke alarms are a good idea for maximum protection.
A: No. When smoke alarms are being replaced, the installation must not reduce the level of detection required by the Building Code in effect at the time of construction of the dwelling unit, or by municipal by-laws in effect before the Fire Code adopted this requirement. This requirement is contained in Sentence 6.3.3.5.(1) of the Fire Code. In other words, existing permanently wired individual smoke alarms or electrically interconnected smoke alarm installations must be maintained to provide the same level of protection as originally required. Any replacement smoke alarms must be of a type comparable to the original (or better).
Is it permissible to install additional smoke alarms beyond the minimum required in Section 2.13?
A: Yes. The regulation does not prohibit the installation of additional smoke alarms beyond the minimum number that are required. In larger homes, in homes where there are room and ceiling configurations that may interfere with the movement of smoke, or in homes where people sleep with bedroom doors closed, it is recommended to install additional smoke alarms to enhance early detection of smoke and warning of fire.
Kingston Fire Rescue encourages all residents to contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (613) 548-4001 extension 5123 for any additional information or clarification of your responsibilities to be in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
