There are reasons code does not require them in attics but code is a MINIMUM requirement. If you want to provide additional protection for attic exposure the proper device is a heat detector. Smoke detectors are not designed to function in the high temperatures found in attics.
Do I need a heat detector or smoke detector?
Rooms or spaces that have a tendency to get very dusty are often better suited for heat detectors than smoke detectors. This can include garages and attics where substantial dust and fine particles could potentially cause a smoke detector to activate and cause a false alarm. However, heat detectors will not experience this issue.
Where should a heat detector be placed in a room?
Heat detectors are also commonly used in rooms where smoking is a regular activity. When choosing a location for a heat detector, we recommend placing the device high up on the wall or on the ceiling. The device should be easily accessible, and it should not be blocked by any obstacles or objects.
Do smoke detectors work in garages and attics?
Smoke alarms are not designed for garages and attics and are much more likely to fail than a heat detector. Getting the right type of detector or alarm in the right places can save your home and your life.
Why do I need a heat detector in my Kitchen?
This can also occur in areas where smoke may be periodically present, including kitchens where food is being cooked and designated areas for smoking tobacco or other herbs. In these areas, it may be better to use a standalone heat detector.
Should I put a heat detector in the attic?
The US Fire Administration / FEMA recommends that you have a heat detector rather than a smoke alarm in your garage. Another location in a home where you should have a heat detector rather than a smoke alarm is the attic.
Where heat detectors are required?
In addition, the Building Regulations also require a heat alarm to be installed in any kitchen areas where the kitchen is not separated from the circulation space or stairway by a door. Multi‑sensor alarms are generally more suitable for installation in circulation areas (hallways and landings) next to kitchens.
Are heat detectors necessary?
Everyone also needs a heat alarm in the kitchen, and some people need extra support. If you – or a family member – has a condition that may prevent or delay escape if there is a fire, you may need a specialist alarm system and advice to consider what to do in the event of a fire.
Where should heat detectors be placed in attic?
We recommend placing them high off of the ground or on the ceiling. This is because heat rises, and you will want the sensor to pick up the change in temperature in the event of a fire. Finally, the device should be placed in an open area, and it should not be blocked by other objects or obstacles in the area.
Do I need a heat alarm and a smoke alarm?
An alarm installed inside the kitchen must be a heat alarm rather than a smoke alarm. Just outside a kitchen (eg in hall or dining room) an optical smoke alarm or, even better, a combined smoke and heat alarm should be installed, as these are less sensitive to false alarm. Alarms can also come with an escape light.
What temperature does a heat detector go off?
135 degrees FHeat Detectors react to the change in temperature caused by fire. Once the temperature rises above 135 degrees F (57 C) or 194 degrees F (90 C), the heat detector will send a signal to an alarm panel and trigger an alarm.
Where are heat detectors best used?
A heat detector is usually used in rooms where there is excessive dust or fumes – for instance, a garage or cellar – which a smoke alarm can mistake for dust, soot or combustible elements in the atmosphere. It's also used in rooms where highly-flammable chemicals are stored.
Is a heat detector better than a smoke detector?
It is better to use a heat detector instead of a smoke detector when the area being monitored is not suited for a normal smoke detector. This includes areas where smoke may sometimes be present. Heat detectors are also used in dusty areas, where fine particles may trigger a smoke detector.
What are the advantages of heat detector?
Heat Detector Pros and Cons Heat detectors function best in fires that involve high flames, intense heat and little initial smoke. Heat detectors also provide a more reliable fire detection device in dusty or dirty environments in which false alarms can be triggered on smoke detectors.
Should I put a smoke detector in the attic?
No. We do not recommend installing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in unfinished areas of the home. This includes attics, crawlspaces, garages, unheated areas, or porches. The sensors in smoke and CO alarms work best in temperatures between 40° F (4° C) and 100° F (38° C).
Do attics need carbon monoxide detectors?
“CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.” However, the CPSC does not recommend the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in the attic of a home.
Frank Olson Guest
I disagree. The 602 (RoR) is designed for use in attics. I've installed
Nick Markowitz Guest
Any time I used ror high temp or not I have had problems with falses. I
Robert L. Bass Guest
Any time I used ror high temp or not I have had problems with falses. I
Nick Markowitz Guest
hoods and other high heat process hoods peneatrate the roof void areas .
Allan Waghalter Guest
You don't sound much like a state official in your postings about RLB. I
What is a heat detector?
Heat detectors. Heat detectors are designed to minimize property damage by a change in temperature caused by a fire and thought of as a protector of property. Heat detectors come in two basic types: One that recognizes the rate of temperature change and when the temperature changes too rapidly, it will trigger the alarm.
What temperature should a smoke detector be?
Note that there are a few manufactures who do make detectors for a wider range of temperatures i.e. they will go from -15 to + 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does high humidity cause smoke alarms to go off?
High humidity in the air may falsely set off smoke alarms because many smoke alarms cannot distinguish between light smoke particles and heavy moisture particles in the air. Heat alarms are engineered to be much less affected by the above conditions.
What type of smoke detector is used to detect smoke?
Ionization type – Generally these alarms use “ions,” or electrically charged particles, to help detect smoke in the air and are considered best for “Fast Flame Fires.”. Presently the majority of smoke alarms in the US are of this type; however, the trend is towards the combination type smoke alarm. Photo electric type – When smoke enters ...
Why are smoke alarms so important?
Smoke alarms have become increasingly important because times to escape a fire in a home have shortened tremendously. (Learn why)
What is smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms are designed to provide people an early warning sign of a fire so that they have time to escape the fire; they do this through sensing smoke and sounding an alarm.
How do heat detectors work?
Heat detectors are designed to minimize property damage by a change in temperature caused by a fire and thought of as a protector of property. Heat detectors come in two basic types: 1 One that recognizes the rate of temperature change and when the temperature changes too rapidly, it will trigger the alarm. 2 The other has a specific set point in temperature that triggers the alarm. i.e 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why are heat detectors used?
Heat detectors are also frequently used in locations where certain activities may cause a smoke detector to activate. For example, regular cooking activity in the kitchen could produce fumes that may cause a smoke detector to activate.
Why use a smoke detector over a heat detector?
This is because a smoke detector will typically detect a fire more quickly than a heat detector.
Can you use a smoke detector in a garage?
But in some areas, a smoke detector may not be appropriate . This may be due to the location of the room or the activities that frequently take place inside the room. Rooms or spaces that have a tendency to get very dusty are often better suited for heat detectors than smoke detectors. This can include garages and attics where substantial dust ...
Can you test a heat detector with a hair dryer?
Remember that some heat detectors are one-and-done and must be replaced once they are activated. You should only test a heat detector using a hair dryer if it is not a one-and-done device.
