of the room.” NFPA 72 states: “A row of detectors shall be spaced
and located within 3 ft (0.9m) of the peak of the ceiling measured
horizontally” (see figure 2).
• Install Smoke Alarms on tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings) on
the highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceil-
ing within 12” (305mm) vertically down from the highest point (see
figure 4).
Mobile Home Installation
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy
efficient. Install smoke alarms as recommended above (refer to
RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS and Figures 1 and 2). In older mobile
homes that are not well insulated compared to present standards,
extreme heat or cold can be transferred from the outside to the inside
through poorly insulated walls and roof. This may create a thermal bar-
rier which can prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on
the ceiling. In such units, install the smoke alarm on an inside wall with
the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4” (10cm) and a maximum
of 12” (30.5cm) below the ceiling (see figure 1).
If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile home, or if you
notice that the outer walls and ceiling are either hot or cold, install
the alarm on an inside wall. For minimum protection, install at least
one alarm close to the sleeping rooms. For additional protection, see
SINGLE FLOOR PLAN in figure 2.
WARNING: TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM OPERATION AFTER
RV OR MOBILE HOME VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN STORAGE,
BEFORE EACH TRIP AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING
USE.
2. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
• In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start
your automobile.
• Less than 4” (10cm) from the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
• In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above
100ºF, such as garages and unfinished attics; this should also include
electrical boxes exposed to these environments.
• In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarm or failure to
alarm.
• In very humid areas. Moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
• In insect-infested areas.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the follow-
ing: the door to a kitchen, the door to a bathroom containing a tub or
shower, forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or
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