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 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 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 1

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 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 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 2

Module I: Smoke Alarm Technology 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 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 3

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 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 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 4

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 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 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 5

Ionization Sensor Illustration 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 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 6

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 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 7

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 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 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 8

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 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 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 9

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 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 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 10

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 11

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 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 12

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 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 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 13

Module II: Installing Smoke Alarms 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 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 14

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 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 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 15

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 doesn t actually require them to be photoelectric 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 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 16

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 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 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 17

Alarm Location (cont.) Example of Separate Sleeping Areas 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) 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 18

Alarm Location (cont.) DEAD AIR ZONE Acceptable mounting locations for smoke alarms Example of the dead air zone at the boundary between a ceiling and a wall Alarm Location (cont.) Proper Installation Location 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 19

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 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 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 20

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 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 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 21

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. 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) 22

View of Locking Pin in New Alarm Locking pin must be removed from battery compartment Pin notch must be broken out View of Locking Pin in Use Locking pin installed in smoke alarm case 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 23

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 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 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 24

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 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 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? 25

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 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 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 26

Module III: The Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Education (SAIFE) Project 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 You Will Also Learn: Forms used to document smoke alarm installations Reporting requirements 27

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 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 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 28

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 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 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 29

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) Examples of Printed Materials 30

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 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 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 31

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 NFPA booklet how to prevent fires Includes fire prevention information designed for older adults Restates some of the information covered in other materials Use in homes with an elderly resident 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 32

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 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 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 33

Enrollment and Installation Record Resident Portion of Form Local Coordinator Portion of Form 34

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 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. 35

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 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 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 36

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 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 Questions or Comments? 37