(A) In order to comply with this subchapter, only ionization or photo-electric type detectors approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory shall be installed. As an alternative to self-contained smoke detectors, under certain limited conditions, an approved fire detection system or a combination thereof may be installed. Each and every alternative system must be individually ap proved in written form by the Newport Fire/EMS Department.
(B) Smoke detectors in new residential dwellings shall be wired directly (hard wired) to the building’s power supply with a battery backup. In existing buildings, it is preferred that smoke detectors be wired directly to the power supply; however, the detectors may be powered by self- monitored battery.
(C) Smoke detectors shall be placed in accordance with applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. Detectors may be ceiling or wall-mounted; provided that, if wall- mounted, they shall comply with manufacture specifications.
(D) (1) (a) At least 1 smoke detector shall be installed to protect each sleeping area.
(b) For the purpose of this division, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SLEEPING AREA. The area or areas of the dwelling unit in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located.
(2) Where bedrooms or rooms ordinarily used for sleeping are separated by other use areas (such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets), they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this section.
(3) In a dwelling unit which contains a well defined sleeping room separated from the other activity areas of the same unit, the detector shall be located in the corridor within the unit or interior area giving access to the rooms used for sleeping purposes.
(4) Where sleeping areas are separated and/or where a single smoke detector will not adequately service all sleeping areas, there shall be a smoke detector installed adjacent to each sleeping area.
(E) In a dwelling containing 2 or more dwelling units or any rooming unit, in addition to the requirements for individual smoke detectors in each dwelling unit or rooming unit, detectors shall be placed in centrally located common areas, so that smoke detectors will adequately service all sleeping areas.
(F) At least 1 detector shall be installed on each floor level of a stairway leading up to an occupied area in a manner as to assure that rising smoke is not obstructed in reaching the detector and the detector intercepts rising smoke before it reaches the occupied area. Such detectors shall be wired in series.
(1995 Code, § 8.36.030)