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Ontario Fire Code Changes


EFFECTIVE MARCH 1st, 2006

WHAT IS THE "ONTARIO FIRE CODE"?
The Ontario Fire Code is legislation under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and a companion document to the Ontario Building Code. The Ontario Fire Code differs from the latter document because it is designed to ensure the safety of occupants in existing dwellings through the elimination fire hazards, maintenance of life safety systems and establishing of a fire safety plan.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT HOME OWNERS?
The Ontario Fire Code requires certain precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of all of the individuals occupying a dwelling. This particular section focuses on the INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SMOKE DETECTORS in residential dwellings. Failure to comply may result in tickets for homeowners or tenants ($235) or fines for landlords (up to $25,000) depending on the offence. Fire code regulations for new dwellings are detailed in the Ontario Building Code.

WHAT DOES THE ONTARIO FIRE CODE SPECIFY?
The following is applicable to ALL existing single-family detached, semi-detached or town homes, whether rented or owned.

  • Smoke Alarms must conform to CAN/ULC-S531 or ULC-S531-1978 standards.
  • Smoke alarms are to be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit, and where the sleeping area is served by hallway, smoke alarms should be installed in the hallway
  • Effective March 1st, 2006, In addition to the above, at least one smoke alarm shall be installed on each storey that does not contain a sleeping area (including basements)
  • Smoke alarms can be battery operated OR installed by a permanent connection to an electrical circuit that has no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm.

Solutions for homeowners from VOXCOM
VOXCOM offers smoke detectors that are monitored 24-hours a day for smoke, fire, heat and power/battery operability. Monitored Smoke Detectors allow for early detection of fire and smoke, which will prevent damage, injuries and worse. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your home, family and pets are protected while you're at home, work or out of town.

Additionally, a monitored smoke detector can save you money on your insurance premiums! Check with your insurance company for details.

If you'd like to add a monitored smoke detector to your home, contact VOXCOM today by calling 1.800.387.2966 or emailing customer.support@voxcom.com.

If you have further questions about the Ontario Fire Code, please refer to the full document online at the Office of the Fire Marshall Ontario http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca