Quick Start Guide

7
Recommended Protection
Checking to Make Sure Alarms Can Be Heard
With the Alarms sounding in their intended locations check to
make sure that the Alarm can be heard in each bedroom with
the door closed, above the sound of any TV/audio systems.
The TV/ audio systems should be set to a reasonably loud
conversation level. If you cannot hear the alarm over the
sound of the TV/audio system, the chances are it would not
wake you. Interconnecting the Alarms will help to ensure that
the alarm notification will be heard throughout the property.
Positioning
Ceiling Mounting
Hot smoke rises and spreads out, so a central ceiling position
is the recommended location. The air is “dead” and does not
move in corners, therefore Smoke Alarms must be mounted
away from corners. Keep at least 12” from walls and corners
(see Figure 3). Additionally, mount the unit at least 12” from
any light fixture or decorative object that might prevent smoke
from entering into the Smoke Alarm.
SMOKE ALARMS
<24” FROM APEX
DEAD AIR
SPACE
Figure 3
PLACE IN CENTRAL
LOCATION AND
NOT WITHIN
12” OF ANY
CORNER
Wall Mounting
If ceiling mounting is impractical, Smoke Alarms may be
mounted on a wall, provided that:
a) the top of the Smoke Alarm is between 6” and 12” below
the ceiling;
b) the bottom of the Smoke Alarm is above the level of any
door openings;
Wall mounting should only be considered where closely spaced
beams or similar obstructions may preclude ceiling mounting.
It is considered to be the responsibility of the installer/client
to determine if the presence of asbestos in the ceiling material
would make ceiling mounting ‘impractical’.
On a Sloping Ceiling
With a sloping or peaked ceiling install a Smoke Alarm within
24” of the peak (measured vertically). If this height is less than
24” the ceiling is regarded as being flat(see Figure 4).
APEX
SMOKE ALARMS
<24”
x x
Figure 4
DON’T place Smoke Alarms in any of the following areas:
• Bathrooms, kitchens, shower rooms, garages or other
rooms where the Smoke Alarm may be triggered by steam,
condensation, cooking smoke, etc. Keep at least 20ft away
from potential sources of cooking smoke, fireplaces, etc.
• Locate away from very dusty or dirty areas as dust build-up
in the chamber can impair performance. It can also block