Fire protection systems

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Wisconsin Administrative Code › DHS › Chapter DHS 31 › § DHS 31.24

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

Fire protection systems.

(1) Interconnected smoke and heat detection system.

(a) A CCF shall have an interconnected smoke detection system and shall have an interconnected heat detection system to protect the entire CCF so that if any detector is activated, an alarm audible throughout the building will be triggered.

(b) Smoke and heat detectors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with national fire alarm provisions and the manufacturer’s recommendation. Smoke detectors powered by a CCF’s electrical system shall be tested by CCF staff according to manufacturer’s recommendation, but not less than once every other month. CCFs shall maintain documentation of tests and maintenance of the detection system.

(2) Testing.

(a) After the first year following installation, fire detection systems shall be inspected, cleaned, and tested annually by certified or trained and qualified personnel in accordance with national fire alarm and manufacturer specifications and procedures.

(b) Sensitivity testing shall be performed at intervals in accordance with national fire alarm specifications.

(c) All smoke and heat detectors suspected of exposure to a fire condition shall be inspected, cleaned, and tested by a certified or trained and qualified person within 5 days after each exposure in accordance with national fire alarm and the manufacturer specifications and procedures. Each detector shall operate within the manufacturer’s intended response, or it shall be replaced within 10 days after exposure to a fire condition.

(3) Location. A CCF shall have at least one smoke detector located at each of the following locations:

(a) At the top of every open stairway.

(b) On the corridor side of every enclosed stairway on each floor level.

(c) Spaced not more than 30 feet apart in every corridor, and not further than 15 feet from any wall or in accordance with the manufacturer’s separation specifications.

(d) In each common use room excluding a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

(e) In each client room.

llowing locations:

(a) At the top of every open stairway.

(b) On the corridor side of every enclosed stairway on each floor level.

(c) Spaced not more than 30 feet apart in every corridor, and not further than 15 feet from any wall or in accordance with the manufacturer’s separation specifications.

(d) In each common use room excluding a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

(e) In each client room.

(f) In all non-client used areas, except the furnace, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

(g) Where wall projections from the ceiling or lintels exceed 8 inches.

(h) In the basement, or in each room of the basement except a furnace or laundry room.

(4) Specific locations for heat detectors. A CCF shall have at least one heat detector integrated with the smoke detection system at all of the following locations or in accordance with the heat detector manufacturer’s specifications:

(a) Kitchen.

(b) Furnace room.

(c) Laundry room.

(5) Sprinkler systems.

(a) General requirements.

1. A complete automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with ch. SPS 361 .

2. The sprinkler system shall be equipped with sprinkler heads in all client rooms, common areas, and all other habitable rooms and corridors.

(b) Installation and maintenance.

1. All sprinkler systems shall be installed by a state-licensed sprinkler contractor. All sprinkler systems shall be maintained, inspected and tested at least annually or at intervals determined by the requirements chs. SPS 314 .

2. Sprinkler heads shall be placed at the top of each linen or trash chute and in the rooms where the chutes terminates.

3. The sprinkler system flow alarm shall be connected to a CCF’s fire alarm system and the local fire department.

(c) Reliable water supply. All sprinkler systems shall have a reliable water supply. If the sprinkler system requires a mechanical device such as a compressor, pump or motor, the device shall be supplied by a reliable source of emergency power in accordance with ch. SPS 361 .

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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