Proper smoke detector placement is crucial to your family’s safety. You can use a simple guideline like the one below that shows you everything you need to know about this. You want to have the right number of them installed in the correct locations. Continue reading to find out how easy it is to properly place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Smoke alarm technology has improved tremendously over the years. There are some amazing choices on the market that can make the decision of picking the right smoke detector overwhelming. That’s why I want you to take a look at the article on Best Smoke Detectors | Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors to help you make that decision. It has a detailed “buyer’s guide” to lead you through the decision making process.
Now that you have the right smoke detector for your home, it’s time to know where to install them. The first thing we will talk about is what rooms smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are placed in.
Smoke Detector Placement Room-by-Room
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, also known as NFPA 72 has some requirements that should be met to ensure maximum safety from your alarms. Although smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have different requirements, they overlap enough to be able to use a combination unit where appropriate.
Room placement for smoke detectors requires them in every bedroom, in the hallway outside the sleeping areas, and at least one on every level of the house, including basements. There must be at least one carbon monoxide alarm on every level of the house in the main living areas, including basements.
It is recommended to have a smoke detector in the kitchen area, but is not a requirement. Keep in mind that having one in the kitchen may trigger false alarms while cooking. Neither type of alarm is required in a garage or an attic space.
You do not need a carbon monoxide alarm inside the bedrooms or the kitchen. Neither alarm should be within a 6 ft radius of any appliances.
ADVISED: Do not place either smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in the bathroom, as the humidity may reduce their lifespan.
Smoke Detector On The Wall And Ceiling
Do you put the smoke detector on the wall or the ceiling? You can put them on either surface, but there are a few distances to consider.
Wall placement for a smoke detector is best if the top of the alarm is at least four inches from the ceiling. The base of it should be no more than one foot from the ceiling. The orientation does not matter, so choose what looks best to you.
Smoke detector placement on the ceiling is ideal if the edge is at least 4 inches from the wall. The corners of the room are considered a dead air zone. It’s also good to have them in front of, or near to the room’s main doorway. This will help sound the alarm if any smoke from outside the room travels through the doorway.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement
Carbon monoxide detector placement is a bit different, but overlaps the smoke detector placement. This makes it possible to be able to use combination units that detect for both smoke and carbon monoxide.
Wall placement for carbon monoxide detectors is at least 6 inches from the ceiling and 6 inches from the floor. If you want to install it on the ceiling you will place the edge at least 6 inches from the wall. See diagram.
Interconnected Smoke Detectors
Interconnected smoke detectors are those that link together in one way or another. The two main ways they connect are either through a physical wire that has been installed in the building structure, or a wifi connection that allows them to talk to one another.
The benefit for having interconnected smoke detectors is they will alert individuals of the presence of smoke if they are not close to the location. All alarms will sound at the same time, giving you more time to either extinguish the source, or flee to safety.
Photoelectric and Ionization Smoke Detectors
There are two main types of sensors found in smoke detectors. Both photoelectric and ionization sensors will sense smoke when its present. The bottom line it would be okay for you to use either sensor type when choosing a smoke detector to purchase. That being said, each of the two sensors are better at responding to a particular type of smoke.
Disclaimer: There are no states that specifically require one or the other. Some states have building codes for new construction, or remodeled dwellings that have specific requirements when it comes to smoke and carbon monoxide sensors. For that reason it is good for you to check your local building codes before purchasing.
What Are Photoelectric Smoke Detectors?
Fires can be placed into two basic categories. The typical ones we think about are those that have a visible flame producing smoke. But there is another type of fire that smolders. This means it doesn’t have any flames but produces larger smoke particles.
The larger particles are read more quickly by a photoelectric smoke detector. This means you will be alerted more quickly to a smoldering fire with this smoke alarm.
There happens to be another type of fire that we may encounter. An ionization smoke alarm has a sensor built for these types of fires.
What Is An Ionization Smoke Detector?
There are two t
When we think of fires we generally think of a visible flame that produces smoke. The smoke from these flames will typically have smaller particles that are read more quickly by an ionization smoke detector. This is helpful to alert you quickly so you can get to safety faster.
Do I Need Both Ionization And Photoelectric Smoke Detectors?
It’s ideal to have both ionization and photoelectric alarms in your home, but not always a requirement. This chart is going to show you the basics of what your state requires. It’s a good idea to do a quick search online to find out if maybe your county or city has different requirements than what are listed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code for the placement of smoke detectors, CO detectors?
Smoke detectors can be placed on either the ceiling or the wall. The edge of it should be no less than four inches from the corner made by the wall and ceiling. Do not place the other side of it any lower than twelve inches from the top corner of the wall.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be more than six inches from the corner of the ceiling or six inches above the ground. It is okay for them to be lower on the wall.
How far should the smoke detector be from a bedroom door?
The safest location for a smoke detector in a bedroom is four inches from the wall, and centered in the doorway. The maximum recommended distance from a doorway in a bedroom is five feet.
How far should a smoke detector be from a fan?
The minimum distance from a ceiling fan for a smoke detector is at least three feet. If you can get away with putting it further away than this it is recommended. This will ensure that the fan will not hinder the smoke detector’s performance.
How far should a smoke detector be from an air register? (heat or ac)
The ideal placement of a smoke detector from a forced air register is at least 36 inches. You also don’t want to put it in the direct path of the register’s outflow. The outflow will remove any potential smoke particles from the smoke detector’s surroundings, preventing it from warning you when there is a problem.
How many smoke detectors do I need in a 3 bedroom house?
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Conclusion
Proper smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector placement will ensure optimal performance of the devices. Follow the simple guidelines listed above when installing a smoke or CO detector.
Here at Remodel Upgrade I am dedicated to helping you turn your home into your own private sanctuary. Click on one of the articles below to find out more about upgrading your home.
You Got This,
Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!
