Installation Preparation
Care@Home™ Smoke Detector User Guide
9
Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with the NFPA Standard 72 (National Fire Protection
Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02169).
The NFPA Standard 72, Section 2-4 reads as follows:
“2-4.1.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity
of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the family living unit including basements and
excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics."
The provisions of section 2-4.1.1 indicate the minimum number of smoke alarms required by this
standard.
Essence recommends using additional smoke alarms to obtain increased protection for areas
separated by a door from the areas protected by the smoke alarms required under the NFPA
Standard 72, Section 2-4.1.1.
2.2.3
Unacceptable Installation Locations
False alarms occur if smoke alarms are installed where they do not work properly. To avoid false
alarms, consider the following guidelines for choosing an installation location.
Avoid air streams that have combustion particles
.
Combustion particles are by-products of something that is burning. A smoke alarm can sense
combustion particles in normal air-flow paths. They should be located where air streams
bypass kitchens.
Avoid areas where combustion particles are present, such as:
Kitchens with few windows or poor ventilation
Garages where there may be vehicle exhaust
Near furnaces
Near hot water heaters
Near space heaters
Do not install less than 6 m (20 ft.) from places where combustion particles are normally
present.
If a 6 m (20 ft.) distance is not possible, install the SK2 as far away from the
combustion particles as possible. Provide good ventilation in such places.
Avoid damp or humid areas or near bathrooms with showers:
Moisture in the air can enter
the detection chamber. Upon cooling, water droplets can cause false alarms. Install the SK2 at
least 3 m (10 ft.) from bathrooms.
Avoid very cold or very hot areas
including unheated buildings and outdoor rooms: If the
temperature goes above or below the operating range of the smoke alarm, the SK2 will not
work properly. The temperature range for the SK2 is stated in section
6 on page 24.
