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2.5 Locations To Avoid
DON’T place Smoke or Heat Alarms in any of the
following areas:
• Bathrooms, shower rooms or other rooms where the
Alarm may be triggered by steam, condensation.
• Places where the normal temperature can exceed
40°C or be below -10°C (e.g. furnace rooms, directly
above ovens or kettles etc.) as the heat/steam could
cause nuisance alarms.
• Near a decorative object, door, light fitting, window
moulding etc., that may prevent heat or smoke from
entering the Alarm.
• Surfaces that are normally warmer or colder than the
rest of the room (e.g. attic hatches).
Temperature differences might stop heat or smoke
from reaching the Alarm.
• Next to or directly above heaters or air conditioning
vents, windows, wall vents etc. where air draughts
can change the direction of airflow and cause rapid
temperature fluctuations.
• In very high or awkward areas (e.g. over stairwells)
where it may be difficult to reach the Alarm (for testing,
hushing etc.).
• In or near very dusty or dirty areas as dust build-up on
the optical smoke sensor can impair performance. It
can block the insect screen mesh and prevent smoke
from entering the sensor. Dust build up can also
increase the response time of the heat sensor.
• Locate the Alarm at least 1m from dimmer controlled
lights and wiring as some dimmers can cause
interference.
• Locate the Alarm at least 1.5m and route wiring
at least 1m away from fluorescent light fittings as
electrical “noise” and/or flickering may affect the
Alarm. Do not wire into the same circuit as fluorescent
lights or dimmers.
• In insect infested areas. Small insects getting into
the optical smoke sensor can cause intermittent false
alarms. Insects and contamination on the heat sensor
can increase its response time.
• In a damp or humid area.
Do not locate
Heat Alarms
directly above a sink or
cooker – Keep at least 1 m horizontal distance between
these items and the Alarm.
