room is the most likely place for a fire to start
at night, followed by the kitchen (where a
Heat Alarm is recommended) and then the
dining room. Consideration should be given to
installing Smoke Alarms in any bedrooms where
fires might occur, for instance, where there is
an electrical appliance such as an electric
blanket or heater, or where the occupant is
a smoker. In addition, consideration should
be also given to installing Smoke Alarms in
any rooms where the occupant is unable to
respond very well to a fire starting in that
room, such as an elderly or sick person or a
very young child.
Checking Alarms Can Be Heard
With the Alarms sounding in their intended
locations check that the alarm can be heard
in each bedroom with the door closed, above
the sound of any TV/audio systems. The TV/
audio systems should be set to a reasonably
loud conversation level. If you cannot hear
the alarm over the sound of the TV/audio
system, the chances are it would not wake you.
Interconnecting the Alarms will help to ensure
that the alarm will be heard throughout the
property.
Positioning
Ceiling Mounting
Hot smoke rises and spreads out, so a central
ceiling position is the recommended location.
The air is “dead” and does not move in corners,
therefore Smoke Alarms must be mounted
away from corners. Keep at least 305mm
(12”) from walls and corners (see Figure 3).
Additionally, mount the unit at least 305mm
(12”) from any light fitting or decorative
object which might prevent smoke entering
the Smoke Alarm.
Figure 3
PLACE IN CENTRAL
LOCATION AND
NOT WITHIN
305mm (12”)
OF ANY CORNER
SMOKE ALARMS
<610mm (24”) FROM APEX
DEAD AIR
SPACE
Wall Mounting
If ceiling mounting is impractical, Smoke Alarms
may be mounted on a wall, provided that:
a) the top of the detection element is between
150mm (6”) and 305mm (12”) below the ceiling
(see; Figure 3a).
b) the bottom of the detection element is
above the level of any door openings;
Wall mounting should only be considered where
close spaced beams or similar obstructions may
Locate Heat Alarms in rooms adjoining escape
routes - kitchens, garages, boiler houses etc.
where Smoke Alarms are unsuitable.
Figure 1
For minimum protection
- Smoke Alarm on each storey
- in each sleeping area
- every 6.4 metres (21ft) of hallways and
rooms
- within 3 metres (10ft) of all bedroom doors
- all units interconnected (where feature is
present)
For recommended protection
(in addition to the above):
- Smoke Alarms in every room (except
kitchens and bathrooms)
- Heat Alarms located in kitchens, garages
etc. within 5.3m (17ft) of potential fire
sources
Single Storey Dwelling
If the premises is one storey you should put
your first Smoke Alarm in a corridor or hallway
between the sleeping and living areas. Place it
as near to the living area as possible, but make
sure that it can be heard loudly enough in the
bedroom to wake someone. See Figure 2 for
placement example.
In houses with more than one sleeping area,
Smoke Alarms should be placed between each
sleeping area and the living area and it is
recommended that Heat Alarms should be
placed in the kitchen and garage.
Figure 2
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bathroom
Bath
Dining Room
Laundry
Room
Living Room
Kitchen
Recommended Protection
Fire authorities recommend you put individual
Smoke Alarms in or near all rooms where fire
is most likely to break out (apart from the
locations to avoid e.g bathrooms). The living
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