BC Fire Code Requirements for Smoke Alarms

On March 25, 2010, Minister of Housing Rich Coleman announced new BC Fire Code requirements related to smoke alarms to increase public safety and more closely harmonize with the National Fire Code of Canada.

Smoke alarms are cost effective devices that can alert occupants of fire at its early stages, which saves lives and prevents injuries. Smoke alarm requirements were introduced into the BC Building Code in 1979, and have been mandatory in all dwellings and sleeping accommodation rooms (i.e. hotels, motels) since then. BC’s building code requirements are the same as those found in the model National Building Code of Canada. However, the requirements for smoke alarms in the BC Fire Code differ from those in the National Fire Code of Canada in the scope of application. Until now, the BC Fire Code required smoke alarms in all existing hotels and public buildings, but did not require them in all existing dwelling units, such as private homes. Improving public safety by extending the BC Fire Code smoke alarm requirements to private dwellings, including those constructed before March 31,1979, will more closely harmonize the BC Fire Code with the National Fire Code of Canada.

The National Fire Code allows for battery-operated smoke alarms. BC will allow battery operated smoke alarms in limited circumstances. Some battery-operated smoke alarms may be less reliable than alarms which are hard wired to a building’s electrical system because they require occupant maintenance and are more easily disabled intentionally or inadvertently. However, the significant cost of installing smoke alarms integrated with a building’s electrical system is likely to discourage their installation in older buildings. The change permits battery operated smoke alarms in those dwelling units constructed prior to the BC Building Code’s mandatory requirement for their installation in dwelling units built before March 31, 1979. Battery operated smoke alarms will also be permitted in buildings that are not connected to electrical power.

Revisions to Article 2.1.3.3 of the British Columbia Fire Code

Smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Smoke Alarms,” shall be provided in all hotels and public buildings as defined in the Act, where required by and in conformance with the British Columbia Building Code installed in each dwelling unit and, except for care or detention occupancies required to have a fire alarm system, in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit. Smoke alarms may be battery operated where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction within dwelling units shall be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit, and where the sleeping areas are served by hallways, the smoke alarms shall be installed in the hallways. Smoke alarms shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC S-553, "Installation of Smoke Alarms". Smoke alarms are permitted to be battery operated in    a) a dwelling unit constructed before March 31, 1979, or    b) a building which is not supplied with electrical power.

Amend Division A, 1.1.1.1. Application of this Code 1) This Code applies to any one or more of the following    k) except as permitted by the British Columbia Fire Code Regulation, the installation, replacement, or alteration of materials or equipment regulated by this Code.

The new requirements in the BC Fire Code come into effect on May 1, 2010. Owners of dwelling units built before March 31, 1979 are required to have smoke alarms installed in accordance with the new requirements by that date.