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Locating and installing smoke alarms: Fire Prevention Canada

Tips: Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

For best performance, an alarm should be mounted on the ceiling in or near the centre of the room, hall or stairway, and at the head of each stairway leading to an occupied area.

Optimum location for wall mounts is at least 15 cm (6 inches) from the ceiling but not more than 30 cm (19 inches) from it.

Keep alarms away from doors and windows.

Never locate an alarm in front of an air register, fans or vents.

Keep alarms at least 60 cm (2 feet) from any corner.

Do not recess smoke alarms in walls or ceilings!

Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 30 cm (one foot) rise per 2.4 m (eight feet) horizontally should be located on the high side of the room.

Avoid locating an alarm at the peak of an "A" frame type ceiling.

Never paint a smoke alarm. Keep alarms 60 to 90 cm (two to three feet) away from light fixtures.