5 Tips for Home Smoke Detector Installation
Smoke detectors save lives by alerting you and your family to the first signs of smoke and fire. Where you position your smoke detectors affects how well they perform. Here are 5 tips on smoke detector placement in your home.
1. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions for Smoke Detector Placement.
Before installing smoke detectors in your home, read the manufacturer’s instructions with their recommendations. Not all smoke alarms are the same, so instructions may vary. Heat detecting alarms may need to be placed in different areas than alarms that detect smoke.
Install your smoke detectors high on the wall or on the ceiling. You may need to use a step stool when you install a device, but a bit of hassle is worth it for your detectors to work properly.
2. Don’t Place Smoke Detectors in Drafty Locations
It’s important to avoid drafts with your smoke detector placement. Air currents from HVAC vents or poorly sealed windows and doors interfere with the device’s ability to detect heat or smoke in a timely manner.
Drafts dilute smoke and diffuse heat, which means that smoke detectors in drafty zones are more likely to give a delayed alert.
3. Install At Least One Smoke Detector Per Floor
To have adequate smoke detection in all areas of your home, install at least one device on each level. This includes areas that don’t see much traffic, such as attics and basements.
Smoke detectors on each floor increase the likelihood of early detection and that you will hear the alarm anywhere in the home. Interconnected fire alarms alert simultaneously no matter where the smoke is detected.
4. Install Detectors in Each Bedroom
Sleeping family members are in the most danger from a fire. The safest smoke detector placement is to install a smoke alarm in every bedroom and directly outside of each sleeping area. Hallways and staircases are prime locations since smoke tends to collect in those areas.
5. Smoke Detector Placement in Cooking Areas
Some modern smoke alarms are calibrated to ignore light smoke or burnt toast, but most will be triggered by heavier kitchen smoke. Detecting devices should be located at least 10 feet away from your cooking areas to avoid false alarms.
Proper Smoke Detector Placement in the Home
Smoke detector placement is critical because it determines the effectiveness of your fire safety devices. Read your smoke detector manuals before installation and test your devices at least monthly.
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