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 3 metres (10 feet) away
from showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc.
• Where temperatures are regularly below
4 °C (40 °F) or above 38 °C (100 °F) including
unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches,
or unfinished attics or cellars.
• 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 30.48 cm (12 inches) 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.
• The alarm cannot be operated from power
derived from a square wave, modified square
wave or modified sine wave, inverter. These
types of inverters are sometimes used to
supply power to the structure in off grid
installations, such as solar or wind derived
power sources. These power sources produce
high peak voltages that will damage the alarm
• Never disconnect the power from an AC
powered unit to stop an unwanted alarm.
Doing so will disable the unit and remove
your protection. In the case of a true
unwanted alarm open a window or fan
the smoke away from the unit. The alarm
will reset automatically when it returns
to normal operation.
• Improper wiring of the power connector or
the wiring leading to the power connector
will cause damage to the alarm and may lead
to a non-functioning alarm. You must test to
ensure proper installation.
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 boiler rooms. Keep
a smoke alarm at least 6 metres (20 feet) from
from the source of combustion particles (stove,
furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible.
In areas where a 6 metres (20-foot) distance is
not possible – in mobile, or smaller homes, for
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