Every so often some one asks us just how many smoke detectors are required in their home. The answer depends on the age of the home and weather or not it has had additional bedrooms added. Here is a quick look at the current requirements.

Smoke Detector Requirements in 1 & 2 family detached dwellings.

Smoke detectors are required in the following locations for NEW construction.

1. In all bedrooms
2. In the immediate vicinity of all sleeping areas
3. For every 2000 S.F. of floor area or part thereof on every floor, excluding crawl spaces and un- inhabitable attics.

Additional requirements:

Any detector located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom with a tub & shower, is required to be a photoelectric detector which must be compatible with all other devices.

When one or more bedrooms are added to an existing 1 and 2 family dwelling, the entire dwelling is required to meet the above standards.

Here is an example to illustrate these requirements:

A 2 story dwelling with 2000 SF on each floor including the basement, and 3 bedrooms on the second floor, would require the following:

Basement: 2 detectors
1st. Floor 2 detectors
2nd Floor 4 detectors (1 in each bedroom + 1 in immediate vicinity)
Total 8 detectors required.

Remember, smoke detectors save lives. Be sure they are in good working order by testing them at least twice each year. Replacing batteries frequently and conducting fire drills will insure both the detectors and your family are ready.