What is the minimum air handling capacity that requires the installation of smoke detectors?

The requirement for the installation of smoke detectors in air-handling systems is often connected to the capacity of the system, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). In many codes, including those relevant to North Carolina, a minimum air handling capacity of 2000 cfm is recognized as the threshold for necessitating smoke detection systems.

Smoke detectors serve a critical role in ensuring safety by detecting smoke and facilitating timely response in the event of a fire. Systems that operate at or above the 2000 cfm capacity are considered to have sufficient airflow that could potentially distribute smoke throughout a building, making it vital to have detection systems in place to alert occupants and emergency services.

This threshold helps to ensure that in larger systems, the risk of smoke spreading through the ductwork is adequately addressed, providing an essential safety measure in commercial and industrial applications where larger air handling units are common.