Frequently Asked Questions - Public Education & Classes
Smoke Alarms
Q: What types of alarms does Oregon law require?A: Ionization smoke alarms sold in Oregon are required to have the hush feature. Only solely battery-powered ionization alarms sold in Oregon must be packaged and sold with a ten-year battery. Photoelectric alarms are exempt from this requirement. Smoke detectors for fire alarm systems do not require the hush feature and ten-year battery, either.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: What is the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?
A: Smoke alarms are defined as self-contained, single or multiple-station smoke-sensing devices (used most often in residential applications) that may be wired to operate in conjunction with each other, but are not part of a central system. Smoke detectors are defined as smoke-sensing devices that are not self-contained, but are hooked to a central control system (generally but not exclusively used in commercial fire alarm systems).
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Q: What is the difference between an ionization alarm and a photoelectric alarm?A: Ionization smoke alarms contain material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When products of combustion enter the device, the molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm. Photoelectric alarms contain a light source and photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed towards the photocell. The photocell is then activated to trigger the alarm. When properly installed and maintained both types of alarms will save lives.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?A: Apartments are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code at the time of construction. However, there are minimum requirements for all buildings. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the apartment has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. The Keizer Fire District recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: Where must alarms be installed in a single family home?A: Single family dwellings are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code at the time of construction. However, there are minimum requirements for all buildings. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the apartment has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. The Keizer Fire District recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: How should smoke alarms be installed?A: Smoke and deadly gases are hot, so they rise toward the ceiling. That’s where alarms should be – on the ceiling at least four inches from the nearest wall or high on a wall, four to 12 inches from the ceiling. Contact the Keizer Fire District for more specific information.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: Where shouldn’t smoke alarms be placed?A: Smoke alarms should not be installed in kitchens, bathroom, garages or unheated areas because moisture, frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: Do combination fire/burglar alarm systems meet Oregon requirements?A: Yes, control units and system smoke detectors are permitted as alternatives to single or multiple station smoke alarms provided they are installed according to Oregon Uniform Fire Code specifications.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: I have hard-wired alarms; do they need to have a ten-year battery back up?
A: No. Only ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery operated need to have a ten-year battery. The Keizer Fire District recommends using long-life batteries in all smoke alarms for enhanced reliability.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: How do I tell if my smoke alarms meet the Oregon requirements?A: If you purchase ionization alarms, they must have a hush feature, and if the ionization alarm is solely battery operated it must have a ten-year battery. An ionization smoke alarm will have a radioactive symbol inside the detector or on the back of it.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: How do I maintain my smoke alarms?A: Smoke alarms have a limited life span. Alarms that are ten years old or older need to be replaced. (They should have a date stamp on the back of the alarm.) Test smoke alarms monthly. Vacuum your alarms monthly to remove dust and cobwebs. If you have photoelectric alarms, replace the batteries with long-life batteries for enhanced reliability.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: What should I look for when purchasing an alarm?A: Look for an alarm that has a hush feature, a malfunction signal, a loud alarm and if it is solely battery operated, a ten-year battery. Only purchase an alarm that has been tested by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (it will have a UL symbol on it).
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: How do I dispose of old smoke alarms?A: If the detector is an older ionization model, you should dispose of it by disposing it in your curbside trashcan.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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Q: My smoke alarm goes off a lot. What is wrong with it?A: Clean the unit with a vacuum cleaner brush. Dust particles can and often do set off false alarms. The unit may need to be relocated. It could be too close to the kitchen, bathroom, heat register or it could be defective and need to be replaced. Consult the installation instructions. Smoke detectors become over-sensitive with age and may need replacing.
For more information, contact or call 503.390.9111.
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