Tasmania Smoke Alarm: Best Smoke Alarm Position
A house fire can cause harm and damage to your home as well as endanger your life and your family. Nevertheless, the risk of a residential fire resulting in death will be decreased if there is a functioning smoke alarm installed in the home. Australia has tight regulations to ensure every home has an effective smoke alarm.
The position of smoke alarms in your home is crucial to get the optimum amount of warning time if needed to escape. Incorrect positioning will result in a decrease in its effectiveness.
Best Smoke Alarm Position
Smoke, heat and other combustible materials rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. A smoke alarm must be mounted on the ceiling in the centre of the room placed closest to all the areas within the room. Install smoke alarms in areas of the house where a smoker sleeps or where electrical appliances are operated in sleeping areas.
Single-story home
Have your smoke alarm installed on the ceiling or wall inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside each distinct sleeping area. In case a bedroom area or hallway is more than 9 metres long a smoke alarm must be installed at each end. If there is a basement, install a smoke alarm on the basement ceiling at the bottom part of the stairwell. Install a photoelectric smoke alarm in every sleeping area (bedroom), hallway and living area.
Multi-story or split-level home
Have your smoke alarm installed on the ceiling or wall inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside each distinct sleeping area. In case a bedroom area or hallway is more than 9 metres long a smoke alarm must be installed at each end. A smoke alarm must be installed on the top of the first-to-second floor stairwell. Install a photoelectric smoke alarm in every sleeping area (bedroom), hallway, living area and on the ceiling at the top of the stairway connecting the levels.
Important smoke alarm positioning and exceptions:
- Place it as close as possible to the centre of the ceiling as possible, or not closer than 300mm to any wall or corner, and not closer than 900m from the apex (tip) of a pointed ceiling.
- Install a smoke alarm in each room that is divided by a partial wall.
- Install a smoke alarm in lived-in attics or attics which house electrical equipment like furnaces, air conditioners, or heaters.
Never Install Smoke Alarms in this Area:
- Areas where normal combustion regularly occurs or near appliances such as furnaces and water heater.
- In high humidity areas, such as bathrooms, washing machines or near dishwashers. Install at least 3 meters away from these areas.
- Heating and cooling supply vents. Install at least 900mm away from these areas. The air might possibly blow the smoke away from the detector, interrupting its alarm.
- In areas where temperatures might fall below 5°C or rise above 45°C.
- In very dirty, dusty, or insect-infested places where loose particles interfere with smoke alarm operation.
If you need help with Tasmania Smoke Alarm contact FCF. We have a team of qualified fire protection specialists who offers professional advice in testing, installing and maintaining your smoke alarms and other fire protection systems. For more information on how we can help you protect your home or business, contact us today.
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