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ESL 500N Series
Selecting a Location
Selecting a suitable location is critical to the operation of smoke
detectors. This equipment should be installed in accordance with
the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 72.
A-8-1.2.1.a Where to Locate the Required Smoke Detectors in
Existing Construction. The major threat from fire in a family living
unit occurs at night when everyone is asleep. The principal threat
to persons in sleeping areas comes from fires in the remainder of
the unit. Therefore, a smoke detector(s) is best located between the
bedroom areas and the rest of the unit. In units with only one
bedroom area on one floor, the smoke detector(s) should be located
as shown in Figure 1 A.
In family living units with more than one bedroom area or with
bedrooms on more than one floor, more than one smoke detector is
required, as shown in Figure 1 B.
In addition to smoke detectors outside of the sleeping areas, the
installation of a smoke detector on each additional story of the
family living unit, including the basement, is required. These
installations are shown in Figure 1 C. The living area smoke
detector should be installed in the living room or near the stairway
to the upper level, or in both locations. The basement smoke
detector should be installed in close proximity to the stairway
leading to the floor above. Where installed on an open-joisted
ceiling, the detector should be placed on the bottom of the joists.
The detector should be positioned relative to the stairway to
intercept smoke coming from a fire in the basement before the
smoke enters the stairway.
A-8-1.2.1.b Where to Locate the Required Smoke Detectors in New
Construction. All of the smoke detectors specified in A-8-1.2.1.a
for existing construction are required and, in addition, a smoke
detector is required in each bedroom.
A-8-1.2.1.c Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable?
The required number of smoke detectors might not provide reliable
early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from
the areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this
reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of
additional smoke detectors for those areas for increased protection.
The additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in
kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally
recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions
that can result in improper operation.
Important: Regulations pertaining to smoke detector installations
vary from state to state. For more information, contact your local
fire department or local authority having jurisdiction.
In addition to NFPA 72, use the following location guidelines to
optimize performance and reduce the chance of false alarms from
the detector:
•
Locate ceiling-mounted smoke detectors in the center of a
room or hallway at least 4 inches (10cm) from any walls or
partitions.
•
Locate wall-mounted smoke detectors so the top of the
detector is 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30cm) below the ceiling.
•
Do not locate detectors in or near bathrooms or kitchens.
•
Locate in a suitable environment as follows:
- Temperature between 32°F (0°C) and 100°F (37°C)
- Humidity between 0 and 95% non-condensing
•
Locate away from air conditioners, heating registers, and any
other ventilation source that may interfere with smoke
entering the detector.
•
Mount smoke detectors on a firm permanent surface.
Installing the Detector
All wiring must conform to the National Electric Code (NEC) and/
or local codes having jurisdiction. Use 12 to 24 AWG (16 to
22AWG recommended) wire to install the detector.
1.
If you are using the detector/base lock, remove the detector
knockout and break off the tab on the mounting base. See
Figure 2.
2.
Remove the red plastic cover from the detector. The
detector is shipped with a cover for protection against
construction site dust.
3.
Run system wiring to the detector location and mount
electrical boxes if necessary. The detector fits standard
single gang boxes and 3 1/2” and 4” round ceiling boxes.
4.
Line up and attach the mounting base to the electrical box,
wall or ceiling using the screws provided. Use the wall
anchors if necessary. See Figure 3.
5.
Strip the system wires and connect them to the appropriate
terminals on the detector. See Figure 5.
6.
Attach the detector to the mounting base as follows:
- Line up the raised tab on the side of the detector with the
arrow on the mounting base. See Figure 4.
- Insert the smoke detector into the base and turn
clockwise approximately 15 degrees. It should snap
firmly into place.
7.
Apply power and test the detector. See Smoke Testing the
Detector.
Figure 2. Detector/base lock
Figure 4. Mounting
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Figure 3. Detector installation
