Should I put a smoke detector in my attic?

For additional coverage, it is recommended that you install a Smoke Alarm in all rooms, halls, storage areas, finished attics, and basements, where temperatures normally remain between 40° F (4° C) and 100° F (38° C). Make sure no door or other obstruction could keep smoke from reaching the Smoke Alarms.

Is it a good idea to put a smoke detector in the attic?

No. We do not recommend installing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in unfinished areas of the home. This includes attics, crawlspaces, garages, unheated areas, or porches. The sensors in smoke and CO alarms work best in temperatures between 40° F (4° C) and 100° F (38° C).

Where should you not put smoke detectors?

Where the temperatures are regularly below 40°F (4° C) or above 100° F (38° C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished attics or basements. In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a Smoke Alarm directly over the stove or range.

Why are there no smoke detectors in my attic?

Smoke detectors are not designed to function in the low temperatures found in attics. Smoke detectors are not designed to function in the humidity found in attics. All of these environmental issues will lead to erratic operation and cause false alarms or non-alarms.

Are there fire detectors in the attic?

Another location in a home where you should have a heat detector rather than a smoke alarm is the attic. Smoke alarms are not designed for garages and attics and are much more likely to fail than a heat detector.

Smoke Detector Location Requirements

Should smoke detectors be on wall or ceiling?

Smoke alarms should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas, either on the ceiling or the wall. Ceiling mounting it is typically preferred as it allows the smoke alarm to be placed more centrally in the room.

Do I need a smoke alarm in every room?

Do I need a smoke alarm in every room? While there is no legal requirement for homes to have a smoke detector in every room, having more will only provide additional protection. This is especially true if you have a particularly big house or larger than average rooms.

Should you put a smoke detector in a garage?

Garages. What is this? Do not place smoke alarms in a garage but do use a heat detector. It is recommended that smoke alarms be installed in rooms that have shared doors, walls or floors with the garage.

Does carbon monoxide fall or rise?

Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance.

Where should smoke detectors be placed in living room?

Flat Ceiling

As hot smoke initially rises and then spreads out, smoke alarms should be located on the ceiling. This is so that smoke can reach the detector's sensor chamber as early as possible. If it is not possible to install the smoke detector on the ceiling, the unit can be installed up to 575mm below it.

How far does a smoke detector have to be from a vent?

NFPA 72 recommends that they should not be installed closer than 3 feet from any supply air diffuser or return vent. If they are too close to the supply, smoke may not reach the detector. Also, the air coming out of the vent contains dust and dirt, which can settle in the detector and cause nuisance alarms.

Can my phone detect carbon monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems Mobile App

The Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems Checklist mobile app inspects Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems using an iPad, iPhone, Android device, or a Windows desktop.

Is it better to have separate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

Few combination detectors are effective at detecting carbon monoxide, smoldering fires, and flaming fires, which is why we recommend that consumers use a combination of detectors in their homes for complete protection.

How can I get a free carbon monoxide detector?

Cities and fire departments often offer free carbon monoxide detectors to people who meet eligibility requirements. You might also be able to convince your landlord or the seller of a home you're buying to install a carbon monoxide detector.

What percentage of house fires start in the garage?

Residential building garage fires are considered part of the residential fire problem and comprised about 2 percent of all residential building fires. Fires originating in residential building garages tend to be larger and spread farther than fires that start in other areas of a residence.

Why don't they put smoke detectors in garages?

Information to share about heat alarms

Smoke alarms in garages can sound because of a change in temperature and humidity, as well as dust, fumes and insects. Heat alarms are made to not be affected by these conditions. Smoke alarms are not required, or designed for use, in garages.

What causes most garage fires?

Electrical malfunction is the leading cause of garage fires. These fires start because of shorts in wires, damaged wires, and overloading electrical outlets. Garage fires can spread farther, go undetected longer, and lead to more injuries and dollar loss than fires that originate in other areas of your home.

How many smoke detectors should be in a 3 bed house?

“You should make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, preferably in hallways and landings. And placing smoke detectors near to sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances could give you the extra warning you need.

What rooms should have a smoke detector?

Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.

Should you put a smoke detector in the kitchen?

In order for smoke alarms to perform best in your home, they need to be properly installed in each room. In the kitchen, smoke detectors should be installed at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to minimize the number of false alarms. Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be placed high on walls or ceilings.

Does carbon monoxide rise to the ceiling?

Carbon monoxide is also known as the “silent killer” since it's an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It's slightly lighter than air but not enough to rise to the ceiling in a room. Instead, it tends to disperse itself, mixing with the air and spreading throughout a space.

How do smoke detectors go on high ceilings?

Gently push the alarm upward along the ceiling, until enough magnets disengage and the alarm is resting in the carrier. Holding the arm vertical, telescope it down until the smoke alarm is safely in your hands.

Can you put smoke detector in corner?

Make sure smoke detectors are at least 18 inches from a corner. Do not place a unit on an uninsulated exterior wall or ceiling. Place smoke detectors at least 3 feet from ceiling fans.

Which is better First Alert or Kidde?

First Alert has better features than the Kidde because of the alarm system with a verbal warning of the threat.

Which is better hardwired or battery smoke detectors?

Once installed, though, hardwired smoke detectors are better than their battery-powered counterparts in every major aspect—safety, efficiency, maintenance and compliance with local codes.