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 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.
SMOKE DETECTION
Are more smoke alarms desirable?
The required number of smoke alarms might
not provide reliable early warning protection
for those areas separated by a door from the
areas protected by the required smoke alarms.
For this reason, the use of additional smoke
alarms for those areas is recommended for
increased protection. The additional areas
include the dining room and hallways not
protected by the required smoke alarms.
The installation of smoke alarms in kitchens,
attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is
not normally recommended, because these
locations occasionally experience conditions
that can result in improper operation. As Nest
Protect is also a carbon monoxide alarm, it is
not recommended to install it in a furnace room
or a utility room if it contains a water heater or
a boiler. It should be outside a utility room or at
least 5 – 6 m (15 – 20 ft) from these appliances
to avoid transient conditions and/or perceived
nuisance alarms.
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
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