Advertisement
110-1013B.QXD
6/8/01
11:51 AM
Page 4
4. WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT SITE SMOKE ALARMS:
Do not site a smoke alarm within close proximity of heating and
cooling supply vents or within close proximity of return or fresh
air vents. Smoke may be blown away from the smoke alarm by
the supply vents, or could be diffused or reduced by being
diverted into the return air vent.
Do not site your smoke alarm in an area where the temperature
may fall below 5°C, or rise above 45°C. Smoke alarms are
designed to work safely only within these temperature ranges,
and failure to alarm, improper alarms, or nuisance alarms may
result from operation outside these temperature limits.
Do not site a smoke alarm in a damp or very humid area such
as bathrooms with showers, where the normal humidity may rise
above 93% relative humidity. Above this level, moisture may
condense inside the smoke chamber and cause false alarms.
Do not site an ionisation smoke alarm in an area where particles
of combustion are normally present, such as kitchens or
garages. An ionisation type smoke alarm with a FALSE ALARM
CONTROL feature or a photoelectric type smoke alarm should
be used to minimize nuisance alarms.
Do not site a smoke alarm in dusty or dirty areas—SUCH AN
INSTALLATION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON. An accumulation of
dust and dirt in the sensing chamber may block the openings
and prevent an alarm, or may get inside the alarm and cause
false alarms. If a smoke alarm is required in such an area, vacu-
um it frequently and test it according to Sections 6 and 7.
Do not site a smoke alarm in the dead air space in the corner
where the wall meets the ceiling. If in doubt as to the exact
alarm siting, for your safety, contact your local fire brigade for
help in choosing a location.
Do not site a smoke alarm where bugs or insects are present
before eliminating or minimizing the bug problem. Although all
smoke alarms built since 1986 are made to prevent bugs from
entering the detection chamber, bugs may build up on chamber
openings and prevent smoke from entering. As a result, unit
should be vacuumed frequently as explained in Section 7.
Do not site a smoke alarm within close proximity of a fluores-
cent light. Electrical noise may cause nuisance alarms.
Do not install smoke alarms closer than 300mm to light fittings.
Do not install smoke alarms on surfaces that can become very
hot or very cold, such as poorly insulated external walls, or ceil-
ings in houses with a ceiling heating system.
Do not mount a smoke alarm in such a position that it is difficult
or dangerous to reach for maintenance or battery replacement.
4
Advertisement
