Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 9.10 — Fire Protection
PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

9.10.19.1.Required Smoke Alarms (See Note A-9.10.19.1. and A-9.10.19.3.)

(1) Except as permitted by Article 9.10.19.8., smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke Alarms,” shall be installed in (a) each dwelling unit, (b) each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit, and (c) ancillary spaces and common spaces not in dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite. (2) Smoke alarms required in Sentence (1) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.” (3) The visual signalling component required in Sentence (2) need not (a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it, (b) be on battery backup, or (c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit. (4) The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required in Sentence (2) that are installed in sleeping rooms shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.