Figure1 illustrates where smoke and heat alarms should be located in a typical two-
story house. Note the spacings in Protection levels which ensure the early detection of
fire and that the warning will be heard. Locate heat alarms in rooms adjoining escape
routes - kitchens, garages, furnace rooms, etc. where smoke alarms are unsuitable.
Single story dwelling
If the premises are one story, you should put your first smoke alarm in a corridor or
hallway between the sleeping and living areas. Place it as near to the living area as
possible, but make sure that it can be heard loudly enough in the bedroom to wake
someone. See Figure 2 for placement example.
In houses with more than one sleeping area, smoke alarms should be placed between
each sleeping area and the living area and it is recommended that heat alarms should
be placed in the kitchen and garage.
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. Connecting the smoke alarms to one or several Visit receiv-
ers will help to ensure that the alarm is noticed 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 305 mm (12") from walls and corners, see
Figure 3. Additionally, mount the unit at least 305 mm (12") from any light fixture or
decorative object that might prevent smoke from entering into the smoke alarm.
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Protection levels
Figure 1
Minimum protection level
- smoke alarm on each level
- in each sleeping area
- every 6.4 m (21 ft) of hallways and rooms
- within 3 m (10 ft) of all bedroom doors
Recommended protection level
(In addition to the above):
- smoke alarms in every room (except kitchens
and bathrooms)
- heat alarms located in kitchens, garages etc.
within 5.3 m (17 ft) of potential fire sources
EN
Figure 2
Toilet
Bedroom
Bedroom
Toilet
Laundry
Bedroom
Kitchen
Living room
Dining room
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