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Smoke Detector Spacing for Smooth Ceilings

Let's start with the basics of smoke detector spacing. Based on NFPA 72, there is not a listed spacing and you are instructed to
consult with the smoke detector's published documentation. However, NFPA 72 2016 edition section 17.7.3.2.3.1 states the follow
"In the absence of specific performance based design criteria, one of the following requirements shall apply:

1. The distance between smoke detectors shall not exceed a nominal spacing of 30 feet and there shall be detectors within a
distance of one-half the nominal spacing, measured at right angles from all walls or partitions extending upward to within the
15 percent of the ceiling height.
2. All points on the ceiling shall have a detector within a distance equal to or less than 0.7 times the nominal 30 foot spacing.

What does this mean?

Number 1 above states you must have a smoke detector within one half the nominal spacing from walls. One half of 30 feet is 15 f
In the image below you will see a total of six yellow circles each with a 30 foot diameter. These circles represent the area covered
spot type smoke detector based on a nominal spacing of 30 feet. As required by NFPA 72, we have spaced each detector at 15 fee
from walls and 30 feet apart.

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questions. Smoke Detector Spacing with a Smooth Ceiling

What about the white areas not covered?

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Digital File Download $95.00 USD If you notice in the image, there are areas not covered by the yellow circles representing the smoke detector coverage. This is whe
NFPA 72 2016 edition section 17.7.3.2.3.1 criteria number two comes into play.

With a nominal spacing of 30 feet, you must insure that all areas of the ceiling have coverage within 0.7 times this 30 foot amount.
find this distance, simply multiply 30 feet by 0.7 to get 21 feet.

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useservices
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225 + 225 = 450 squared
450 squared = 21.2132 feet
In the image below you will see a cleared depiction of how this all comes together. With this, it is clear that we have met the intent o
the standard by mounting our smoke detectors 15 feet from the walls, 30 feet apart and still achieve 0.7 times the nominal spacing
feet) coverage at all points of the ceiling.

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Smoke Detector Coverage for 30 Feet

NFPA and Smoke Detector Spacing Distances

The Annex of NFPA 72 provides us with a diagram to assist in smoke detector spacing. Note that smoke detectors are not listed fo
spacing. Use the smoke detector's published installation documents and the spacing breakdown below to assist in your design.

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For areas/corridors 10 feet wide, smoke detectors can be spaced at 41 feet.

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For areas/corridors 15 feet wide, smoke detectors can be spaced at 39 feet.
For areas 20 feet wide, smoke detectors can be spaced at 37 feet.
For areas 25 feet wide, smoke detectors can be spaced at 34 feet.
For areas 30 feet wide, smoke detectors can be spaced at 30 feet.
Smoke Detector Spacing with Beam Construction
If your ceiling configuration involves beams, your smoke detector coverage can get a bit more tricky.
NFPA 72 2016 edition section 17.7.3.2.4.2 deals with level ceilings with beams. In a nutshell, this is how it breaks down:

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If the beam depth is LESS than 10% of the overall ceiling height, then smooth ceiling spacing for smoke detection can be
applied. Also note that in this scenario, you can choose to install the smoke detectors on the ceiling or the bottom of the
beams. Reference the above text and images for smooth ceiling spacing.
If the beams are are equal to or greater than 10% of the overall ceiling height, two scenarios are possible:
If the beam depth is equal to or greater than 10% but less than 40%, use smooth ceiling spacing PARALLEL to
the beams and one half spacing PERPENDICULAR to the beams. With this scenario, the smoke detectors can
be mounted on the ceiling or the bottom of the beams.
If the beam depth is equal to or greater than 40%, a smoke detector shall be placed on the ceiling within each
beam pocket. Keep in mind that more than one smoke detector may be required to cover a given beam pocket.

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Wiring Multiple D4120 Duct Detectors How to Calculate Smoke Detector Spacing with Beam Construction
This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyse traffic. Your IP address and user agent
areFACP
Fire-Lite shared with Google,
Firmware Update together with performance andbeam
To calculate the security
depth metrics,
for smoke to ensure
detector quality
spacing, of service,
convert generate
your overall LEARN For
ceiling height into inches. MORE OKif your ceiling
example,
usage statistics and to detect and address
12abuse.
feet it would convert to 144 inches. Take 144 and multiply it by 0.1 to get 10%. 144" x 0.1 = 14.4". In this case, ant beam depth
Potter PSN-106 with Quadra-Sync 14.4" or more would require an altered smoke detector lay out. If you want an easier way to work this cal and remember what spac
requirements go with the different percentages, we have you covered. Download a FREE copy of our Excel Fire Alarm Calculation
SDi VOX01 Voice Intelligibility Tool and use the "SD BEAMS" tab. All you need to do is input your ceiling height and beam depth in inches and the calculator will
you a color code for which spacing requirement is required (see image below). Email us with any questions.

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Elevator Recall and Shunt Trip BASICS Smoke Detector Spacing in Corridors with Beams

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What do you do if you have a corridor that is equal to or less than 15 feet in width with beams running perpendicular to the length o
the corridor? Consult NFPA 72 2016 section 17.7.3.2.4.2 (4). This section of the standard allows you to use smooth ceiling spacin
and the smoke detectors can be mounted on the ceiling, bottom of the beams or on the sidewall.
Smoke Detector Spacing in Rooms 900 Square Feet or Less
NFPA 72 2016 section 17.7.3.2.4.2 (5) allows the use of smooth ceiling spacing for smoke detection coverage in rooms that are eq
to or less than 900 square feet. You can also install the smoke detector on the ceiling or bottom of the beam.
Free Fire Alarm F

Kyle Schuler, SET at 5/02/2019 08:01:00 PM

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