Remember that smoke rises! Install the smoke alarm high on the wall or ceiling, at least 4 inches but no more than 12 inches away from the ceiling; this is illustrated in our printable Smoke Alarms brochure. To minimize false alarms, we recommend against putting smoke alarms in kitchens, garages and bathrooms. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 to 20 feet from a cooking appliance. Also, don’t install alarms near windows, doors or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation. If you have pitched ceilings, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (at least 4 inches down from the peak).
