R314.3

Section R314.3 is titled 'Location' and covers the requirements for the placement of smoke alarms which are devices that both detect and provide warning of smoke accumulation. The purpose of this section is to reduce the time it takes for smoke to be detected and warning to be sent, as well as increasing the likelyhood that occupants will actually hear the alarm. Specific rooms and areas where smoke alarms are to be installed, method for evaluating split-level style construction device placement, and areas where smoke alarms shall not be installed, are established.

The model shows a split-level style dwelling with smoke alarms installed in each sleeping room, adjacent to each sleeping room, and on each level including the basement. Also highlighted are the areas outside of bathrooms which contain showers where smoke alarms shall not be installed (but which may be ignored if such area is the only area to achieve compliance with placement in a sleeping room, adjacent to a sleeping room, or on other levels including basements and habitable attics.) Notice the basement is separated from the level above by a door, so it cannot rely on the smoke alarm above. Also, the first level (above the basement) has a sleeping room and requires a smoke alarm adjacent to that room, and thus cannot rely on the smoke detector above on the middle level. The middle level could rely on the smoke detector in the hallway above, but this model shows placement better than code minimum.