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Appendix B - Smoke Detector Placement
Research indicates that hostile fires in homes generate
smoke to a greater or lesser extent. Experiments with
typical fires in homes indicate that detectable quanti-
ties of smoke precede detectable levels of heat in
most cases. For these reasons, smoke alarms should
be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each
story of the home.
The following information is for general guid-
ance only and it is recommended that local
fire codes and regulations be consulted when
locating and installing smoke alarms.
Additional smoke alarms beyond those required for
minimum protection should be installed. Additional
areas that should be protected include: the basement;
bedrooms, especially where smokers sleep; dining
rooms; furnace and utility rooms, and any hallways
not protected by the required units.
On smooth ceilings, detectors may be spaced 30 ft.
(9.1m.) apart as a guide. Other spacing may be
required depending on ceiling height, air movement,
the presence of joists, uninsulated ceilings, etc.
Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked
or gabled ceilings; the dead air space in these loca-
tions may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.
Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near
doors, fans or windows. Rapid air movement around
the detector may prevent smoke from entering the
unit.
Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
Do not locate detectors in areas where the tempera-
o
ture rises above 100
F (38
o
(5
C).
50
o
o
C) or falls below 41
F
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