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 UL? 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 www.sfm.state.or.us
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