Use and Care Manual

23
WHERE NOT TO INSTALL YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
For best performance, AVOID installing a smoke
alarm in these areas:
• Where combustion particles are produced.
Burning material creates combustion particles
which could cause your smoke alarm to go
off unnecessarily. Areas to avoid include
poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, boats,
recreational vehicles, and furnace rooms. Keep
a smoke alarm at least 20 feet (6 m) from from
the source of combustion particles (stove,
furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible.
In areas where a 20-foot (6 m) distance is not
possible – in mobile, or smaller homes, for
example – it is recommended a smoke alarm
be placed as far from these fuel-burning
sources as possible. The placement
recommendations are intended to keep
a smoke detector at a reasonable distance
from a fuel-burning source, reducing
“unwanted” alarms. Unwanted alarms can
occur if a smoke alarm is placed directly next
to a fuel-burning source. Ventilate these areas
as much as possible.
• In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can
draw cooking smoke into the sensor of a smoke
alarm near the kitchen.
• In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or
directly near bathrooms with showers. Keep
a smoke alarm at least 10 feet (3 m) away from
showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where temperatures are regularly below
40˚F (4˚C) or above 100˚ F (38˚C) including
unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
or unfinished attics or basements.
• In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not
install a smoke alarm directly over the stove
or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently
to keep it free of dust or lint.
• Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very
drafty areas. Drafts can blow smoke away from
a smoke alarm, preventing it from reaching
the sensor.
• In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings
to the sensor and cause unwanted alarms.
• Less than 12 inches (30.5 cm) away from
fluorescent lights. Electrical “noise” can
interfere with the sensor.
• In “dead air” spaces. “Dead air” spaces may
prevent smoke from reaching a smoke alarm.
WHERE NOT TO INSTALL YOUR CO ALARMS
• Keep carbon monoxide alarm at least 10 ft (3 m)
away from any cooking appliance including
stovetop, oven, microwave, etc.
• This alarm should not be installed in locations
where the normal ambient temperature is
below 40°F (4.4°C) or exceeds 100°F (37.8°C).
EXAMPLES OF WHEN YOUR SMOKE ALARM
MAY NOT BE EFFECTIVE
Your alarm may not be effective in protecting
against fire in certain cases:
• Smoking in bed
• Leaving children unsupervised
• Cleaning with flammable liquids, like gasoline.
• When someone’s clothes have caught on fire
• Fires where the smoke is prevented from
reaching the alarm due to a closed door or
other obstruction
• Incendiary fires where the fire grows so
rapidly that an occupant can’t get out, even
with alarms in proper locations