Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice Test

Which of the following locations is NOT required for smoke detectors in a one or two-family dwelling?

1. In all bedrooms

2. In uninhabited attics

3. In the vicinity of bedrooms

4. In all basements

The correct answer is: In uninhabited attics

Smoke detectors are critical for fire safety in residential buildings, and regulations specify locations where these devices must be installed to ensure the highest level of protection. In a one or two-family dwelling, smoke detectors are required in all bedrooms to alert occupants while they are sleeping, as well as in the vicinity of bedrooms to ensure that alarms can be heard when residents are in those private spaces. Additionally, smoke detectors are mandated in all basements as these areas can be susceptible to fires, especially if they contain heating systems or electrical panels. However, uninhabited attics are not required to have smoke detectors installed. The rationale for this is that uninhabited spaces do not have occupancy, and if a fire were to start in those areas, it would likely be detected by alarms in adjacent occupied spaces. Thus, while the presence of smoke detectors is crucial, regulations do not extend this requirement to locations that are not regularly occupied or utilized, like uninhabited attics.