2010 Residnetial Code of NYS based on 2006 IRC: A question has come up regarding the placement of smoke alarms and the location in regards to cold air returns. According to NFPA 72 "(6) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 914 mm (36 in.) horizontal path from the supply
registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those
registers." Would this apply to cold air returns as well. We very seldom see heat registers near the top of the wall ceiling intersection where the smoke alarms are located. Some of the installation manuals state 3' from a supply or cold air register. We are having a general discussion on whether this distance separation would apply to cold air registers also. Thansk for the help.
registers of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those
registers." Would this apply to cold air returns as well. We very seldom see heat registers near the top of the wall ceiling intersection where the smoke alarms are located. Some of the installation manuals state 3' from a supply or cold air register. We are having a general discussion on whether this distance separation would apply to cold air registers also. Thansk for the help.