How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need? – Are you confused about how to calculate your smoke detector needs? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

Ensuring your business premises are equipped with the right smoke detection system is an important step in maintaining security and safety.

In this article, we will provide a practical and easy guide on calculating smoke detectors in commercial and industrial areas. Check it out here and find the solution!

Factors Affecting the Number of Smoke Detector

When it comes to fire protection systems, smoke detectors are one of the most important tools to have.

However, did you know that you cannot determine the need for a smoke detector carelessly?

There are ways to calculate the need for a smoke detector and several factors that you must consider to ensure that every corner of the room gets protection.

So, here are four main factors that affect your smoke detector needs!

Also Read: “The SNI Certification for a Fire Hydrant Installation“

1. Sizes and Layout of Buildings

Building Size: The larger the building, the more smoke detectors you need to effectively detect smoke throughout the area.
Room Layout: The placement of smoke detectors should take into account walls, doors, and other room dividers. For example, if there are many small rooms in a building, each room may need its own detector.
High Ceiling: Rooms with high ceilings may require additional detectors or more sensitive detectors, as smoke takes longer to reach sensors in the ceiling.

2. Types of Functions of Buildings

High Risk Rooms: Some rooms have a higher risk of fire, such as kitchens in restaurants or server rooms in offices. Therefore, in addition to how to calculate your smoke detector needs, you will also need more sensitive detectors and more of them.
Public vs. Private Spaces: Common areas such as lobbies and corridors also require smoke detectors, although the quantity may differ.

3. Safety Regulations and Standards

International Standards: All countries follow certain standards that govern the number and placement of smoke detectors. For example, NFPA 72 (National Fire Protection Association) has specific guidelines that you should follow.
National Standards: Every country has regulations governing the placement and how to calculate the need for smoke detectors, including Indonesia. For example, the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 03-3986-2000 in Indonesia and Permenakertrans contain specific standards for commercial and industrial buildings.

4. Smoke Detector’s Sensitivity and Technology

Detector Technology: Different types of smoke detectors (ionization, photoelectric, or combination) have different sensitivities to certain types of smoke. Choose the technology that suits the type of fire most likely to occur in your location.
Sensitivity: The sensitivity level of the detector is also important. For example, in areas that frequently experience small or potentially smoky fires, a detector with high sensitivity may provide an earlier warning.

Also Read: “Smoke Detector vs CO Detector: What’s the Difference?“

How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need? Here’s How to Calculate It!

Determining the right number especially for commercial and industrial areas, is very crucial.

The reason is, if you are wrong in calculating, it will result in smoke detectors being ineffective for early detection of fire hazards.

If this happens, it will also result in a greater risk of both material and non-material losses. So what is the correct smoke detector calculation?

Enough with the chit-chats, let’s look at the steps below!

1. Determine the Areas You Will Protect

Identify important rooms and areas that require smoke detection such as in commercial areas, focus on workspaces, server rooms, and corridors.

While in industry, also pay attention to production areas, warehouses, and chemical storage rooms.

2. Calculate Smoke Detector Needs Based on Room Area

Use standard guidelines such as SNI which usually recommends calculating smoke detectors based on room area, one detector per 75-100 square meters.

For example, if your office or building is 300 square meters, then you need at least 3-4 smoke detectors.

3. Pay Attention to Building Layout and Structure

Consider the layout and structure of the building, including walls, partitions, and high ceilings that may affect smoke distribution.

Also, make sure you place smoke detectors at strategic points to ensure effective early detection.

4. Adjust to the Type of Room

Adjust the placement of the smoke detector with the type of room you are protecting.

For example, in a production room with a lot of heavy equipment, make sure the detector is not obstructed by machinery or other equipment.

So there you have it! The answer of “how many smoke detectors do I need?” also some considerations that you’ll need!

And as we stated before, the installation of smoke detectors is regulated and guidelines in Indonesia by the SNI certification, SNI 03-3986-2000 to be exact.

SNI 03-3986-2000 is a guideline issued to ensure the installation and operation of fire detectors in accordance with the conditions and needs in Indonesia.

Some of the key points of this standard are:

SNI 03-3986-2000 specifies installation criteria and how to calculate smoke detector requirements based on building type, area, and building use.
The standard also regulates the distance between detectors, both for open and enclosed areas, to ensure optimal coverage.