User’s M a n u a l
User’s M a n u a l
Optex Inc. - 1845 W 205th St. - Torrance, Ca. 90501 - 800-966-7839
SMDC-16 User’s Manual
3440-0250 A3
15 of 16
Appendix A (continued)
A-2.2 Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable?
The location of the required smoke detectors does not provide
adequate protection for the occupants from a fire starting within their bedrooms, nor do the required smoke detectors
provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by the required
smoke detectors. For these reasons, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke
detectors for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include: basement, bedrooms, dinning room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke
detectors in kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or in garages is not normally recommended as these locations
occasionally experience conditions which may result in improper operation.
A-2.3 Smoke Detector Mounting - “Dead” Air Space.
A-2.3.1
The smoke from a fire generally rises to the ceiling, spreads out across the ceiling surface and begin to bank
down from the ceiling. The corner where the ceiling and wall meet is an air space into which the smoke may have
difficulty penetrating. In most fires, this “dead” air space measures about 4 in. (0.1m) along the ceiling from the
corner and about 4 in. (0.1m) down the wall as shown in Figure A-3.2.1. Detectors should not be placed in this
“dead” air space.
Figure A-2.1.3
A smoke detector (indicated by cross) should be located on each story.
Figure A-3.2.1
Example of proper mounting for detectors.
Bedroom
Hall
Bedroom
Living
Room
Dining
Room
Basement
4 in.
(0.1 m)
4 in. min.
(0.1 m)
12 in. max.
(0.3 m)
Top of
detector
acceptable
Never here
Acceptable
Ceiling
Side
wall
NOTE:
Measurements shown are to the
closest edge of the detector.
