What types of alarms does Oregon law require?
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 long-life battery. Photoelectric alarms are exempt from this requirement. Smoke detectors for fire alarm systems do not require the hush feature and long-life battery.
 

What is the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?
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).
 

What is the difference between an ionization alarm and a photoelectric alarm?
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.
 

Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?
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. TVF&R recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
 

Where must alarms be installed in a single family home?
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 home has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. TVF&R recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
 

How should smoke alarms be installed?
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, 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. For more specific information, see the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local fire department for more specific information.
 

Where shouldn’t smoke alarms be placed?
Smoke alarms should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages or unheated areas, because moisture, frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.
 

Do combination fire/burglar alarm systems meet Oregon requirements?
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.
 

I have hard-wired alarms; do they need to have a long-life battery back up?
No. Only ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery operated need to have a long-life battery. TVF&R recommends using long-life batteries in all smoke alarms for enhanced reliability.
 

How do I tell if my smoke alarms meet the Oregon requirements?
If you have ionization alarms, they must have a hush feature, and if the ionization alarm is solely battery operated it must have a long-life battery. An ionization smoke alarm will have a radioactive symbol inside the detector or on the back of it.
 

How do I maintain my smoke alarms?
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.
 

The most common type of smoke alarm is an ionization alarm, which contains a very small amount of Americium 241, a synthetic isotope which emits both alpha and gamma rays. The Americium is shielded by a metal chamber within the plastic casing of the alarm. On your wall, this material poses little threat; however, when an alarm is broken open in an incinerator or a landfill, it can present a health hazard. For this reason, the law requires that all smoke alarms be labeled as containing radioactive content.

There are two ways to dispose of your smoke alarm:

• It is legal to dispose of your ionization alarm in the garbage. However, we encourage you to first remove the battery (and recycle it at a household hazardous waste disposal event).
   

• Return the smoke alarm to the manufacturer. They are mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory law 10 CFR 32.27 to see that the radioactive waste is disposed at a nuclear waste disposal facility. When sending back a smoke alarm, remove the battery but do NOT dissemble the smoke alarm in any way, and include a note that the alarm is intended for disposal. The smoke alarm should be returned to the manufacturer or store by UPS ground mail (not airmail). No special shipping is needed for your smoke alarm.