

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms, also called smoke detectors, are required by California State Law (Health and Safety Code) in all homes and apartment units. Most older alarms are battery powered. Some alarms are powered by house current, while the newest alarms get their electricity both from the building wiring and a backup battery.




pdfEl Dorado County Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Requirements

pdfNew Requirements for Smoke Alarms - updated 02/12/15

Types of Smoke Alarms

There are two types of smoke alarms (photo-electric and ionization); each type has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are experiencing nuisance alarms (from cooking, etc.), changing the type of smoke alarm could reduce the number of these alarms.

Placement of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are intended to notify people of an impending fire where they sleep. Smoke alarms should not be installed in garages or in the kitchen, since this will surely result in nuisance alarms.

Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping room, and in the room or hallway leading to the sleeping room. The device may be installed anywhere on the ceiling but at least 6 inches from the wall. Alarms also may be installed high on the wall, within 6 inches and 12 inches of the ceiling.

In dwellings built after the mid-1990s, all smoke alarms are interconnected electrically. When one alarm senses smoke, it causes all the alarms to sound.

What to do if a smoke alarm sounds

You should assume that the sound from a smoke alarm is informing you of a fire. Investigate the source of the smoke. If there is a fire, leave your house or apartment immediately, find a phone and call 9-1-1.

If there is smoke but no hostile fire, eliminate the source of the smoke, then "fan" the alarm to purge it of smoke. Some alarms have a temporary silence or "hush" button, which can be pushed to reduce the sensitivity of the device for about 5 minutes. Do NOT remove the alarm battery to stop the alarm.

If your alarm is sounding for no reason, call the Fire Department at 916-933-6623 for assistance.

Alarms will "chirp" every 30 seconds or so when the battery is almost dead. This sound will persist for several days. When you hear this chirp, change your to battery. Better yet, change the batteries twice a year. This way, you will never hear the low battery signal!

Additional Information

How do smoke detectors work?

How do I change a smoke detector battery?

How do fire sprinklers work?

More information on Home Fire Security

Home Safe Alarm Basics

Safety Tips - Smoke Alarms