760-455-4978

                                                                                                                                            January 2016
In-Depth Real Estate Services Co.
1041 Market St. #218, San Diego,  CA 92101
     
Gary Gramling, Principal Inspector                                           CREIA Certified Inspector
Tel: 760.455.4978  Fax: 619.236.8018                                          FHA/Compliance Inspector ID #C591
Email: homeinspectorsd@gmail.com                                             EPA Certified Lead Paint Remediator

               Indepthinspections@cox.net                                               California General Contractor (Inactive)                        
    

              There are basically two kinds of smoke detectors available for residential installation.
                                            The Differences Are Serious

1. Photoelectric: These detectors operate by “seeing” the smoke particles in the air.

2. Ionization: These smoke detectors function by using a radioactive isotope to ionize the air.  The ion has a “life” of 10 years. After that, the button may make a sound; but, it probably will not detect a fire.

Testing of both types of detectors, by The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), has repeatedly shown that  Photoelectric smoke detectors are better at the early detection of smoldering fires, allowing occupants more time to escape. Ionization type detectors are most effective in detecting “fast flame” fires. Tests consistently show that Ionization detectors are approximately 90 seconds faster than Photoelectric detectors in identifying fast flame fires; but, Photoelectric detectors are, on average, at least 15 minutes faster at detecting smoldering fires. The vast majority of residential fire related deaths are from smoke inhalation; not, from direct contact with flames.  According to the NFPA, approximately 2/3 of residential fire deaths occur at night, when people are sleeping, from  smoldering fires.

Why are Ionization alarms still installed? First, most people do not know of the difference in response time.  Second, they are most commonly installed because they are less expensive. They are also more prone to false alarms. But, the codes across the nation only require that the detectors pass Underwriting Laboratories’ tests; not that they be the most effective.

                           We recommend Photoelectric detectors because they provide better overall detection of fires.


Alarm Installation Rules

1.  All new smoke detectors must have:
     a.   Date of manufacture;
     b.   The date of installation displayed;
     c.   A “hush” feature;
     d.   End of life notice displayed;
     e.   A non replaceable battery.

2.  Rental property owners are required to test at least annually; and, at the beginning of each tenancy. 

3.  Effective Jan. 1, 2016, rental properties must have alarms in all places required in new construction. This includes rooms that are only occasionally used for sleeping. 

4.   If an alteration; or, repair permit is issued for work in excess of $1,000, additional smoke detectors are required so that new construction requirements are satisfied. Required locations: Each floor, in each sleeping room, in hallways outside sleeping rooms.

NOTE: Existing functioning alarms do not have to be upgraded.

 
Smoke Alarm No/No’s
Do not install within 10 feet of a stove or oven
Do not install close to windows, doors or HVAC registers
Do not install within 4 inches of wall/ceiling junctions.
Do not paint, place stickers or decorate

                                                                                                     Information You Can Rely On​