In the next couple of weeks we will examine the placement of smoke alarms in dwelling units.
NFPA 72 2013 edition
29.5.1.1* Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single-and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1) In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
(2) Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 6.4 m (21 ft) of any door to a sleeping room, the distance measured along a path of travel
FBC 2017 Residential Code
R314.3 Location.
Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations:
1. In each sleeping room.
2.Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
Although they seem to have the same information the NFPA 72 version goes into further detail as to the location on the outside of each bedroom. 21’ is how close to the bedroom the smoke alarm is required. So you could cover more than one bedroom with a single alarm where you have grouped bedrooms.
The alarm in the picture on the left could cove additional bedrooms if they are within 21’.
Till next time be safe work safe.
Jake
Click on the picture to get a full screen version.