How to Wall Mount a Smoke Detector

Fires in the home kill approximately 4,000 people each year. According to a John Hopkins University study 75 percent of those people could have been saved if their homes had working smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are inexpensive, easy to use and easy to install. With just a few tools any homeowner can install smoke detectors on walls in their home.

Smoke detector
Pencil
Cordless drill
Ladder
Drill bit
Flathead or Philips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the correct location for the smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be placed on hallway walls outside of bedrooms. Wall mounting should be approximately 12 inches from the ceiling and away from a corner. Keep the mounting high on the wall because smoke rises. Smoke detectors should also be mounted away from heating vents.
- 2
  Set up the ladder. Place the mounting bracket on the wall in the desired location. Use a pencil in the mounting bracket holes to mark mounting screw locations on the wall.
- 3
  Use the cordless drill to drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Consult the smoke detector owners manual for the specific size of the drill bit required.
- 4
  Remove the mounting screws from the package that was included with the smoke detector. Place the mounting bracket over the drilled holes and use a screwdriver to drive the mounting screws till tightly seated. Do not over tighten due to a risk of breaking the plastic mounting bracket.
- 5
  Attach the smoke detector to the mounting bracket. Test the smoke detector using the manufacturer's instructions. The smoke detector is now mounted on the wall and ready for use.

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