Electronics Line CommPact Installation Manual page 116

Where Not to Install Your Smoke Detectors
False alarms occur when smoke detectors are installed where they will not work properly. To avoid
false alarms, do not install smoke detectors in the following situations:

C ombustion particles are by‐products of something burning. Do not install smoke
detectors in or near areas where combustion particles are present, such as kitchens
with few windows or poor ventilation, garages where there may be vehicle exhaust,
near furnaces, hot water heaters and space heaters.

D o not install smoke detectors less than 6 meters (20 feet) away from places where
combustion particles are normally present, like kitchens. If a 20‐foot distance is not
possible, e.g. in a mobile home, try to install the detector as far away from the
combustion particles as possible, preferably on the wall. To prevent false alarms,
provide good ventilation in such places.
Never try to avoid false alarms by disabling the detector.

D o not mount smoke detectors in the path of fresh air intake. The flow of fresh air in
and out can drive smoke away from the smoke detector; thus reducing its efficiency.
Figure 6 indicates the correct and incorrect locations concerning this problem.

N ear paint thinner fumes.

I n close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the detector.

I n damp or very humid areas or near bathrooms with showers. Moisture in humid air
can enter the sensing chamber, then turns into droplets upon cooling, which can cause
false alarms. Install smoke detectors at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from bathrooms.

I n very cold or very hot areas, including unheated buildings or outdoor rooms. If the
temperature goes above or below the operating range of smoke detector, it will not
work properly. The temperature range for your smoke detector is 4°C to 38°C (40°F to
100°F).

I n very dusty or dirty areas, dirt and dust can build up on the detectorʹs sensing
chamber, to make it overly sensitive.

A dditionally, dust or dirt can block openings to the sensing chamber and keep the
detector from sensing smoke.

N ear fresh air vents or very drafty areas like air conditioners, heaters or fans. Fresh air
vents and drafts can drive smoke away from smoke detectors.

D ead air spaces are often at the top of a peaked roof, or in the corners between
ceilings and walls. Dead air may prevent smoke from reaching a detector. See Figure
B‐ 22, Figure B‐ 23 and Figure B‐ 24 for recommended mounting locations.

I n insect‐infested areas. If insects enter a detectorʹs sensing chamber, they may cause a
false alarm. Where bugs are a problem, get rid of them before putting up a detector.

N ear fluorescent lights, electrical ʺnoiseʺ from fluorescent lights may cause false
alarms. Install smoke detectors at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) from such lights.
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Appendix B: Transmitter Installation
CommPact Installation Manual