Does it happen frequently that your smoke detector gives false alarms? Then it could well be that you have hung it in the wrong place. Make sure you avoid the following places:
1. Close to cooking appliances
Never place smoke detectors too close to the stove, oven or other cooking appliances. The smoke alarm may go off unnecessarily due to condensation, normal smoke or gases.
Recommendation: mount a smoke detector at least 5 meters away from a heat or water vapor source to avoid false alarms.
2. In the bathroom or other damp areas
Avoid smoke detectors in bathrooms and other damp areas. A smoke detector contains a light-sensitive cell, which responds when light is interrupted. If the smoke detector hangs close to a heat vapor source, such as a shower, the steam can cause the light to be interrupted and the smoke detector to trigger false alarms.
Recommendation: again, mount the smoke detector at least 5 meters away from the water vapor source to avoid false alarms.
3. Near vents and windows.
Do not place smoke detectors near vents and windows. Drafts may blow smoke away from the smoke detector, delaying response time in the event of a fire.
Recommendation: do not place smoke detectors in direct airflow from vents, air conditioners or open windows.
4. Very dusty or dirty places.
Dust and dirt can accumulate in the smoke chamber of the smoke detector, which can affect sensitivity and lead to false alarms or a non-working detector. Small insects in the smoke chamber of the detector can also interfere with detector operation.
Recommendation: do not install smoke detectors in workshops or other areas where there is a lot of dust, dirt or insects.
5. Places with temperature differences or extreme temperatures
Do not place smoke detectors on surfaces that are normally warmer or colder than the rest of the room. Temperature differences can prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
Also, do not install smoke detectors in areas where temperatures can exceed 40°C or fall below 0°C. For example, attic or just above a fireplace. Extreme cold or heat can affect the sensitivity of the smoke detector, increasing the likelihood of false alarms or making the unit unresponsive in the event of a fire.
Also, do not place them next to or directly above stoves or other heat-generating equipment.
Recommendation: do not install smoke detectors in rooms where the temperature regularly rises above 40°C or falls below 0°C. Do not place your smoke alarm above or next to a heat source such as stoves or heaters.
6. Near lamps, fittings and electrical boxes.
Do not place your smoke detectors within 1 meter of dimmers and wiring. Some dimmers can cause the detector to malfunction. Also, do not install smoke detectors within 1.5 meters of fluorescent lights. Electrical pulses can also negatively affect detector operation.
Recommendation: Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter from dimmers and wiring when installing smoke detectors to avoid interference. Also avoid placing smoke detectors within 1.5 meters of fluorescent lights or other strong electrical fields that may interfere with detector operation.
Best place for smoke detectors
So where do you hang a smoke detector?
Preferably mount the smoke detector as centrally as possible on the ceiling. Is that not possible? Then place them at least 30 cm from the corner or side of the ceiling.
If you want to know more about where you do need to install smoke detectors in your home, visit our article "Where to install smoke detectors" for more information.