Recommended Location of Alarms
• Emerging smoke rises to the ceiling and spreads horizontally. Mounting the alarm on
the ceiling close to the centre of the room provides the best protection. Ceiling
mounting, rather than wall mounting, is preferred in normal residential construction.
• When mounting alarms on the ceiling locate it at least 300mm away from the side
wall and 300mm away from any corner. (see diagram overleaf ).
• When mounting alarms on a wall, use the inside wall. The recommended position is
between 300mm and 500mm off the ceiling. (see diagram overleaf ).
• When mounting the alarm at the apex of a sloping ceiling it should be located at
least 500mm away from the apex but should not exceed 1500mm (see diagram
overleaf ).
• Locate at least one alarm on every floor level.
• Locate an alarm in every room where electrical appliances are operated (i.e. Portable
heaters or humidifiers).
• Locate an alarm for each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the
bedrooms. Monitor the exit path as the bedrooms are usually farthest from an exit.
• Locate smoke alarm at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if the hallway
or room is more than 9m long.
Note: The performance of smoke alarms mounted on walls is unpredictable and this
mounting position is not recommended when ceiling mounting can be implemented.
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