|
Free
Brochure: What You Need To Know Before You Sell A Home
What is
the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?
- Smoke alarms are
defined as self-contained, single or multiple-station
smoke-sensing devices. Smoke alarms may include two or more
single station units wired to operate in conjunction with each
other.
- Smoke detectors
are
defined as smoke-sensing devices that are not self-contained,
that are intended for use in conjunction with a fire alarm
system control panel.
What is the difference between an ionization
alarm and a photoelectric alarm?
- Ionization smoke alarms
contain material that ionizes the air, making an electrical
path. When products of combustion enter the device, the
molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric
current flow triggers the alarm.
- Photoelectric smoke alarms
contain a light source and photocell, which is activated by
light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and
is directed towards the photocell. The photocell is then
activated to trigger the alarm.
When properly installed and maintained, both
types of alarms alert you to a fire and will save lives.
What types of alarms does Oregon law require?
- All Ionization
smoke
alarms sold in Oregon are required to have the hush feature.
Solely battery-powered ionization alarms sold in Oregon must be
packaged and sold with a ten-year battery.
What types of alarms are exempt?
- Photoelectric smoke alarms are exempt from
these requirements.
- Multipurpose alarms; i.e., combination smoke
and fire/carbon monoxide alarms, are exempt from these
requirements.
- Fire alarm systems
do not require the hush feature and ten-year battery.
What are the requirements of January 1, 2002?
- Tenant occupied spaces:
All tenant occupied dwellings shall have smoke alarms. If
ionization, they shall include a hush feature and if
battery-powered, they shall include ten-year batteries.
- Sale of dwelling unit:
Prior to the sale of any dwelling or structure containing a
dwelling, the dwellings shall meet the same requirements.
What about 110 v (hard-wired) smoke alarms? Do
they have to have the hush feature and ten-year battery back-up?
All ionization smoke
alarms not connected to a commercial fire alarm system, whether
110 v (hard-wired) or solely battery operated, need to have a hush
feature. Only ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery
operated need to have a ten-year battery.
Can I replace my 110 v (hard-wired) smoke alarms
with solely battery operated smoke alarms?
No, you can not
replace a 110 v (hard-wired) system with a solely battery operated
smoke alarm(s).
Do combination fire/burglar alarm systems meet
Oregon hush feature requirements?
Yes, if they can be silenced at a control unit
(panel).
Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?
The minimum requirements are:
- Smoke alarms must be installed outside the
sleeping area.
- If the apartment has more than one level a
smoke alarm must be installed on each level.
- Install smoke alarms on the ceiling at least
four inches from the nearest wall or high on a wall, four to
12 inches from the ceiling.
- Apartment buildings are required to meet the
applicable requirements of the State Building Code at the time
of construction.
Where must alarms be installed in a single
family home?
The minimum requirements are:
- Smoke alarms must be installed outside the
sleeping area.
- If the home has more than one level a smoke
alarm must be installed on each level.
- Install smoke alarms on the ceiling at least
four inches from the nearest wall or high on a wall, four to
12 inches from the ceiling. The Office of State Fire Marshal
recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional
protection.
- Single family dwellings are required to meet
the applicable requirements of the State Building Code at the
time of construction.
Do smoke alarms need to be installed in the
bedrooms?
Only if required by Building Codes at the time
of construction; BUT, the Office of State Fire Marshal encourages
everyone to install smoke alarms in their bedrooms to help ensure
ultimate protection.
Where must smoke alarms not be placed?
Smoke alarms should not be installed in
kitchens, bathrooms, garages or unheated areas because moisture,
frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the unit to
sound a false alarm.
How do I tell if my smoke alarms meet the Oregon
requirements?
If you have an ionization alarm(s), it must have
a hush feature, and if the ionization alarm(s) is solely battery
operated it must have a ten-year battery. An ionization smoke
alarm will have a radioactive symbol inside the detector or on the
back.
How do I maintain my smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms have a limited life span. Alarms
that are ten years old or older need to be replaced because the
sensor wears out. (Look for the date stamp on the smoke alarm.)
Test smoke alarms monthly. Vacuum your alarms monthly to remove
dust and cobwebs.
What should I look for when purchasing an
ionization smoke alarm?
Look for an alarm that has a hush feature, a low
battery warning signal, a loud alarm and if it is solely battery
operated, a ten-year battery. Only purchase an alarm that has been
tested by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (it will have a ULâ
symbol or other nationally recognized testing laboratories on it).
Questions?
Contact your local fire department or
Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
A division of Oregon State Police
(503) 378-3473. Ext. 228, 251, or 269
http://www.sfm.state.or.us
|
