SMOKE DETECTORS

A note of caution.  This handout is for smoke detectors in existing dwellings that are being sold or rented.  If you are putting an addition on your house, the smoke detector requirements are more stringent.  See the Common Situations page under the Construction section.

TOWNSHIP OF LONG HILL

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
1802 LONG HILL ROAD
MILLINGTON, NJ 07946
(908) 647-8000

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS
IN ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.A.C. 5:184.9

  1. All smoke detectors shall bear a label showing the detector has been tested inaccordance with Underwriters Laboratories Standard 217.
  2. All smoke detectors shall be either battery operated or permanently wired to a non-switchable circuit of the house current.  Plug in cord connected units are permitted if a restraining device is used at the plug-in and the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch.
  3. All equipment shall be installed in a workmanlike manner.
  4. All equipment shall be so located that accidental activation will not be caused by jarring or vibration.
  5. All equipment shall be affixed to the wall or ceiling surface in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
  6. At least one detector shall be installed on each level of the dwelling. If there are separate sleeping areas on any level, additional detectors are required in the immediate vicinity of each separate sleeping area (within 10 feet).
  7. The preferable location for detectors is on the center of the ceiling.  Where this is impractical, wall mounting is acceptable.  Ceiling mounted detectors shall be at least 4 inches from any side wall or other downward projection. For wall mounted units, the top of the detector shall be within 4 and 12 inches of the ceiling.
  8. Smoke detectors in rooms with ceilings sloped greater than 1 foot rise per 8 feet horizontal shall be located at the high side of the room.
  9. Smoke detectors installed in stairways shall be located so that smoke rising in the stairwell cannot be prevented from reaching the detector by an intervening door or obstruction.
  10. A smoke detector installed in the basement or to protect a level without a separate sleeping area shall be located in close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above.
  11. A smoke detector installed to protect a separate sleeping area shall be installed outside of, but in the immediate vicinity of, the sleeping area (within 10 feet).
  12. Smoke detectors are not required in crawl spaces or in unfinished attic spaces.

SMOKE DETECTOR LAW

PLACEMENT 

Basement:
 One at the bottom of the stairs to first floor.
One within 10' of a bedroom (if any).
First Floor:
 One at the bottom of the stairs to second floor.
One within 10' of a bedroom (if any).
Second Floor:
 One at the top of the stairs from the first floor.
One within 10' of a bedroom (if any).
Third Floor:
 One at the top of the stairs from the second floor.
One within 10' of a bedroom (if any).
Attic:
 No detector needed if attic not finished.
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