Grade 12- EIM Quarter 2, Lesson 3: Positioning of Fire Alarm Initiating Devices
Name____________________________________________ Date _________________________ Score _______________
🎯 Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Identify the correct placement requirements and restrictions for smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points
based on NFPA 72 standards.
2. Analyze different building areas and determine the most appropriate type and position of initiating devices to avoid false
alarms and ensure safety.
3. Demonstrate proper planning of initiating device locations in a given floor layout, applying safety standards and best
practices.
POSITIONING INITIATING DEVICE
1. Smoke Detector and Heat Detector. To have an effective warning signal for a fire situation an alarm initiating devices should be
installed in all areas of the protected premises as define in NFPA 72, is the definition of a complete fire detection system. In some of
the specified areas of coverage, such as attics, closets, under open loading docks or platforms, a heat detector may be more
appropriate than a smoke detector. The installation of smoke detectors in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or in garages is
normally not recommended. A smoke detector too close to the kitchen might frequently signal false alarms. The distance and
locations of alarm initiating devices are considered as follows:
On the ceiling, at least 12 inches away from the wall.
Smoke detector should be positioned in your house ideally on the ceiling, or on the wall, between 4-6 inches away from the
ceiling-wall intersection.
A smoke detector should be installed outside of each separate sleeping area, on each additional floor of a multi-floor family
living unit, including basements more than one foot away from fluorescent lights.
If the ceilings are sloped, peaked, or gabled, mount 3 feet from the highest point of the ceiling.
Fire detectors should be mounted at least 500 mm away from walls or ceiling obstructions greater than 250 mm deep and at
least twice the depth of obstructions less than 250 mm deep.
Detectors should not be located near openable windows supply duct outlets, or other ventilation sources that would interfere
with the natural air currents nor near any obstruction that would prevent smoke or heat from reaching the detector.
Should be 4 feet from ceiling supply air diffusers and 10 feet from wall supply air diffusers.
Detectors are usually required or recommended underneath open loading docks or platforms and their covers, and in
accessible under-floor areas in buildings without basements.
The detector should be placed as close to the center of the ceiling as possible if only one detector is needed.
NFPA 72 refers to fire alarm pull stations as “manual fire alarm boxes.” The code requires that the travel distance to the
nearest pull station on a given floor must be no more than 200 feet. So, the larger the building and the longer its hallways,
the more pull stations will be required.
LOCATIONS WHERE NOT TO PLACE DETECTORS
One of the major causes of unwanted alarms is improper placement of detectors. The best way to avoid unwanted alarms is
not to install detectors in environments that can cause them to malfunction, or to install detectors specially designed for those
environments. Typical examples are:
1. Outdoors - Avoid using detector outdoors, in open storage sheds, or other open structures affected by dust, air currents, or
excessive humidity and temperature extremes.
2. Excessively Dusty or Dirty Areas – Installing smoke detectors in excessively dusty or dirty environments may require more
maintenance than NFPA recommends. It may be advantageous to install smoke detectors with a remote maintenance signaling
module, or to install heat detectors in place of smoke detectors. NFPA 72-2010 [Link] provides detailed guidelines for placement
in kitchen environments.
3. Elevator Lobbies - Do not place above ashtrays in elevator lobbies.
4. Extreme Cold or Hot Environments - Avoid very cold or very hot environments, or unheated buildings or rooms where the
temperature can fall below or exceed the operating temperature range of the detector.
5. Areas with Combustion Particles - Avoid areas where combustion particles are normally present, such as in kitchens or other
areas with ovens and burners; in garages, where particles of combustion are present in vehicle exhausts. When a detector must be in
or adjacent to such an area, a heat detector may be appropriate.
6. Manufacturing Areas - Avoid manufacturing areas, battery rooms, or other areas where substantial quantities of vapors, gases,
or fumes may be present.
7. Fluorescent Light Fixtures – Avoid placement near fluorescent light fixtures. Electrical noise generated by fluorescent light
fixtures may cause unwanted alarms. Install detectors at least 1 ft (0.3 m) away from such light fixtures.
2. Manual Call Point
Manual call point should be located where required by NFPA 72.
NFPA 72 refers to fire alarm pull stations as “manual fire alarm boxes.” The code requires that the travel distance to the
nearest pull station on a given floor must be no more than 200 feet. So, the larger the building and the longer its hallways,
the more pull stations will be required.
The height of the manual fire alarm boxes shall be a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a maximum of 54 inches (1372
mm) measured vertically, from the floor level to the activating handle or lever of the box. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be
red in color.
Manual call points should be located on escape routes, at all exits from each floor at the stair and corridors.
Manual fire alarm boxes (pull station) should be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the entrance to each exit.
LOCATION OF FIRE ALARM NOTIFICATION DEVICES
Visual strobes should be installed in public areas anticipated to be used by hearing impaired individuals such as restrooms,
hallways and building lobbies. It also includes meeting rooms, conference rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, filing, copy,
employee break rooms, dressing, examination, treatment rooms and similar spaces that are not used solely as employee
work areas.
Bells are the most common and familiar alarm sounding device and are appropriate for most building applications.
Horns are another option and are especially well suited to areas where a loud signal is needed such as library stacks, and
architecturally sensitive buildings where devices need partial concealment.
Chimes may be used where a soft alarm tone is preferred, such as health care facilities and theaters.
Audibility Requirements per NFPA. Public Mode Audible Requirements [section 7.4.2] [Link]* To ensure that audible
public mode signals are clearly heard, unless otherwise permitted by [Link] through [Link], they shall have a sound level at
least 15 dB above the average ambient sound level or 5 dB above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60
seconds, whichever is greater, measured 5 ft above the floor in the occupiable area.
Audibility Requirements per NFPA. Private Mode Audible Requirements [section 7.4.3] [Link] Audible notification
appliances intended for operation in the private mode shall have a sound level of not less than 45 dB (A) at 10 ft or more
than 120 dB (A) at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance.
Voice Notification. With so many devices making alarm like sounds all around us, people have become complacent to alarm
sounds and signals. Combining a signal with a voice message, instructing occupants what to do, has been proven to be
much more effective in getting people to a safe area.
Formative Assessment
I. Put a check if the statement is correct, if not, underline the word that made it wrong and provide the correct answer.
______________1. Smoke detectors should be installed at least 4–6 inches away from the ceiling-wall intersection.
______________2. A smoke detector may be installed directly in the kitchen for faster fire detection.
______________3. Heat detectors are more appropriate in attics, garages, and kitchens than smoke detectors.
______________4. A smoke detector should not be installed less than 1 foot away from fluorescent light fixtures.
______________5. Manual call points (pull stations) should be red in color and placed along escape routes.
______________6. The maximum allowable distance to the nearest manual call point on a given floor is 200 feet.
______________7. Detectors should not be installed near openable windows or air supply ducts.
______________8. The correct height for manual call points is between 42 to 54 inches from the floor.
______________9. Smoke detectors should always be placed outdoors to cover more open spaces.
______________10. Visual strobes are required in areas such as restrooms, classrooms, hallways, and lobbies for the hearing
impaired.
II. Provide what has been asked. Write your answer in complete sentences.
1. You are tasked to install smoke detectors in a three-story dormitory. Where would you place them, and why?
2. The school canteen often produces smoke and steam. Which detector is best suited here? Justify your answer.
3. A smoke detector is planned to be installed directly beside a ceiling-mounted air diffuser. Explain why this is improper and
recommend a solution.
4. In a hallway measuring 400 feet long, how many manual call points should be installed and why?
5. A garage produces exhaust fumes from vehicles. Which type of initiating device should be placed there? Defend your
answer.
D. Performance Task
Given a floor plan of a classroom building, students will:
1. Identify the correct positions for smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points following NFPA 72.
2. Present their design and explain the placement decisions.
Rubric (10 points):
Accuracy of placement (50 pts)
Justification based on NFPA 72 (30 pts)
Presentation clarity (20 pts)