(A) In order to comply with this subchapter, only an ionization or photoelectric-type detector approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory shall be installed. As an alternative to a self-contained smoke detector, under certain limited conditions, an approved fire detection system or a combination thereof may be installed. Each alternative system must be individually approved in written form by the Building Inspector. A smoke detector in any new residential dwelling shall be wired directly (hard-wired) to the power supply of the building. In existing buildings, it is preferred that the smoke detector be wired directly to the power supply; however, the smoke detector may be powered by a self-monitored battery or operated by an electric plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug restrainer device, provided that the outlet is not controlled by a switch other than the main power supply.
(B) The smoke detector shall be placed in accordance with the applicable National Fire Protection Association’s Standards 72-E and 74 (current edition). The smoke detector may be ceiling- or wall-mounted, provided that, if wall-mounted, it shall be within 12 inches, but not closer than six inches, of the ceiling. At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect each sleeping area. Where a bedroom or room ordinarily used for sleeping is separated by another use area, such as a kitchen or living room, but not a bathroom or closet, it shall be considered a separate sleeping area for the purposes of this subchapter. In a dwelling unit which contains a well-defined sleeping room separated from the other activity areas of the same unit, a smoke detector shall be located in the corridor within the unit or interior area giving access to the room used for sleeping purposes. Where a sleeping area is 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. In a rooming unit, a smoke detector shall be centrally located on the ceiling. In a dwelling containing two or more dwelling units or any rooming unit, in addition to the requirement for an individual smoke detector in each dwelling unit or rooming unit, a smoke detector shall be placed in a centrally located common area so that it will adequately service all sleeping areas. At least one smoke detector shall be installed in or near each stairway leading up to an occupied area in such a manner so as to assure that rising smoke is not obstructed in reaching the smoke detector and that the smoke detector intercepts rising smoke before it reaches the occupied area.
(1993 Code, § 52.03) Penalty, see § 94.99