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Where to install Smoke Detector or CO Detector:

  • Mount Smoke on ceiling, close to center as possible, away from corners – some local codes may allow wall mounting.
  • Check with local codes – Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with the NFPA Standard 72 (National Fire Protection Association)
  • Locations not recommended for Life Safety devices:
    • Combustion particles are the by-products of something that is burning. Thus, in or near areas where combustion particles are present you do not install smoke alarms to avoid nuisance alarms, such as kitchens with few windows or poor ventilation, garages where there may be vehicle exhaust, near furnaces, hot water, and space heaters.
    • In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the sensing chamber of a smoke alarm near the kitchen.
    • In damp or very humid areas or near bathrooms with showers. Moisture in humid air can enter the sensing chamber and then turn in droplets upon cooling which can cause nuisance alarms. Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from bathrooms.
    • Near fresh air vents or very drafty areas like air conditioners, heaters, fans, fresh air vents and drafts which can drive smoke away from smoke alarms.

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