How to Stop False Alarms on a Smoke Detector

Installing to Avoid False Alarms

• 1

  Install smoke alarms on ceilings, when possible, as smoke always rises to the highest point of homes. If ceiling or room layouts require wall mounted detectors, install the devices 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling.

• 2

  Avoid installing smoke detectors near ovens, stoves or toasters as residual cooking smoke triggers false alarms.

• 3

  Install smoke detectors several feet or more away from bathrooms. Never install them directly in such facilities, as shower steam can interrupt the sensors inside, sounding the alarm.

• 4

  Keep smoke alarms several feet away from fire places, again to avoid false alarms from residual smoke.

• 5

  Keep smoke detectors away from wood shops or areas of carpentry or construction as heavy dust triggers false alarms in much the same way as residual smoke.