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7. Locations To Avoid  
 
(See Figures 6-A, 6-B, & 6-C for recommended locations)
 • In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
 • Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm silence 
feature and should not be installed within 6 ft of cooking appliances.
 • Do not install within 6 ft of heating appliances.
 • Less than 4” (10cm) from the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
 • In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above 100ºF, such as garages and unfinished 
attics.
 • In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarms or a failure to alarm.
 • In very humid areas (above 95% RH, non-condensing) as moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
 • In insect-infested areas.
 • Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower, 
forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air 
flow areas.
 • Near lights. Electronic “noise” generated by the lights may cause nuisance alarms.
 • Do not install near vents, flues, or chimneys.
 • Do not install near fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather..
NOTE:  Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and detector 
guard) has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.