NFPA 72 Requirements for High Ceiling Smoke Detection Spacing

The National Fire Alarm Protection Association, NFPA, sets the standards and guidelines for fire and safety system regulation.  NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code which outlines the regulations for the installation, application, inspection, performance, maintenance and testing of fire alarm and emergency communications systems and components. NFPA 72 outlines the spacing and location requirements of smoke detectors and heat detectors. 

While spacing reduction is required for heat detectors in high ceilings, there are no specified considerations for the placement of smoke detectors on high ceilings.  There is inconsistency and confusion with regard to smoke detectors where high ceilings are defined as more than ten feet high.  Clarification is needed on the application of smoke detector spacing requirements in these applications. 

Code requirements currently state that the maximum distance between smoke detectors be a nominal 30 feet and cannot exceed half of the spacing measured from the wall, with the location on the ceiling required to be .7 times the nominal spacing.  There is, however, no mention of ceiling height although NFPA 72 does state that the effect of stratification below the ceiling to be taken into consideration. An appendix to chapter 17 also states that consideration should be given to installing aspirating smoke detectors at various levels and using beam type of smoke detectors. 

For greater clarification and to ensure compliance, talk with your fire alarm and life safety systems specialists at High Rise Security Systems.  We are recognized as an authority on fire alarm system design, installation and maintenance, providing fire safety systems to commercial properties in and around Chicago.

HRSS is a leading commercial fire alarm systems consultant with vast knowledge in system design.  We provide detailed fire alarm system design in AutoCAD software, prepare datasheets for approval from your local AHJ and guarantee code compliance.  Contact us today to learn more about NFPA 72 and the requirements for smoke detectors on high ceilings.