Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms, and on each level of your home, including the basement. Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4” from the wall. Detectors can also be mounted on the wall within 12″ of the ceiling if necessary. Wall or ceiling is OK.
Install smoke detectors at the highest point of a room. If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak) as that area creates an air pocket pushing away smoke.
Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking. Don’t install smoke detectors in kitchens to minimize false alarms.
Keep placement of smoke detectors at least 3 feet from air vents or fans if possible.
Types of smoke detectors – There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, use both types of alarms for best safety for your home.
Call us with any questions you may have at 310-800-4418.
