Attach smoke detectors - we reveal where and how!
- Smoke detector - small lifesavers
- In which rooms are smoke detectors important?> The correct placement of smoke detectors
- Buy smoke detectors - important criteria for purchase
Whether a smoke detector works and when it starts depends significantly on the correct location of its placement and an expert attachment. But where is the right place and how do you properly install the smoke detector?
Battery operated smoke detectors are supplied with mounting accessories and require no prior knowledge of installation. Fastening is done by means of dowels and screws in the ceiling, without the connection to an electrical line could cause problems. Adhesive pads are not recommended, as they may fall off in high humidity or smoke and may contribute to the defect of the smoke detector. Which smoke detector is really convincing, easy to install and reliable, is clarified in this article. You will get help with the selection and can make your house safer with smoke detectors and rely on a life-saving signal if necessary.
Smoke detector - small lifesavers
Before deciding on a smoke detector, consider whether it should be a battery-powered or circuit-integrated model. Optionally, we recommend battery-powered smoke detectors, as they are quite easy to assemble with a little manual skill and prepare for commissioning. Do not install in an area with high draft and avoid the use of conventional smoke detectors in the kitchen and in areas where the humidity is high and regular steam generation is present. For low ceilings, make sure that the smoke detector is not directly above a tall shelf or cabinet and at least one meter away from it. 
Material and preparation
- Buy the desired amount of smoke detectors, optimally from the same manufacturer.
- Place the drilling machine and a hammer, as well as a screwdriver, in drywall alternative special dowels for attachment ready.
- Check the ceiling for strength.
- It is best to measure the center of the room and avoid mounting near the wall.
- For pitched roofs: look for a horizontal position.
You need this:
After purchasing the smoke detectors and determining the space on the ceiling, you can start working immediately. It is advisable to keep a distance of at least 50 centimeters to the ceiling lighting to prevent you from injuring the drill or the cordless drill cable. To avoid electric shock and play it safe, the fuses for the room where you work should be turned off and the circuit disconnected.
The smoke detector consists of a base plate, which is attached to the ceiling with one or two screws. Accordingly, mark the holes and drill holes. Then insert the dowels into the holes and put on the plate, which, if properly measured, should have their recesses just above the dowels in the ceiling. Now screw on the base plate and insert the battery. Afterwards, you can attach the housing of the smoke detector, which is equipped with a click or turn device on most models, and perform the function test.
In which rooms are smoke detectors important ">
While you can use classic smoke detectors from the hardware store or specialist retailers in most rooms, you should opt for a model in the kitchen that has a high resistance to dust and water vapor. Regular cooking, or even heavy smoke when searing foods, can make a low quality model false alarms and terrify you. However, as the pollution of the smoke chamber also leads to a shortened life of the smoke detector, occasional cleaning with a dry cloth or a duster is recommended. As an alternative to a high-quality smoke detector for the kitchen, you can also opt for a heat detector. This does not respond to smoke, but to the enormous heat in a fire.
The correct placement of smoke detectors
The fact is, a smoke detector belongs to the ceiling and not to the wall. It must be installed horizontally and, if possible, straight on a level surface. Proper functioning is only guaranteed if the device is fastened in the appropriate position and equipped with a charged battery or the enclosed battery. With these points, you can make a mistake during installation and ensure that your smoke detector reacts immediately in the event of a fire and warns you with an alarm signal.
- Smoke always rises.
It collects under the ceiling and only spreads deeper in the room when the ceiling area is completely occupied by the smoke. This fact alone shows why a smoke detector is mounted primarily on the ceiling and not on walls or, for example, on beams. Because smoke detectors are an early warning system, correct positioning allows you to respond promptly and leave a burning house. The central placement is also important and you should make sure that even in confined spaces, a minimum distance of 50 centimeters to the wall is guaranteed. - Distance to the environment
In order to ensure trouble-free penetration of smoke into the designated chamber of the smoke detector, it should be installed in a solitary position. This means that not only the wall distance, but also a corresponding distance of 50 centimeters to corners, ceiling lights or beams and beams must be guaranteed.
Sufficient distance to the walls If the smoke detector is too close to a wall or the ceiling light, its function could be impaired and the signal either not triggered at all or with a tremendous time delay.
- In L-shaped rooms, installing your smoke detector poses a special challenge. Especially for rooms in L-shape and a square footage of over 60, it is advisable to consider each leg of the room as independent and equipped with a separate smoke detector. For rooms under 60m², a smoke detector is sufficient even with L-shape, provided it is installed exactly on the miter line, ie the transition of the two connected rooms.
- Large room
As with the L-shaped room, a large room should be equipped with furniture as area division with multiple smoke detectors. For example, if you have a living room, kitchen and work area in a room with a surface area of 100 square meters, 3 smoke detectors, one unit per area, as well as a heat detector or a special smoke detector for the kitchen area are advisable. If a fire breaks out in the kitchen, the smoke detector reacts immediately and you will not be informed by signal if the smoke is so strong that it has reached the workroom that is in the opposite direction.
- corridors
In corridors, long and large floorboards, it is advisable to treat the rooms like L-shaped rooms. The special feature when installing smoke detectors in the hallway is that the distance to the front surface should not exceed 7.50 meters. Similarly, it is important to pay attention to a maximum distance between the smoke detectors in very long corridors, which does not exceed 15 meters. These recommendations are based on a gait no wider than 3 meters. For larger corridors, the distance between the smoke detectors decreases, which increases the security of the signaling. - Special feature roof slopes
In attic or duplex apartments, the installation of smoke detectors can pose a whole new challenge. Since the smoke detector should be mounted horizontally, ceiling mounting is often not possible. Only with slopes of maximum 20 degrees, the ceiling can be treated like a horizontal ceiling and the smoke detector is attached to the slope. Otherwise, it may be advisable to build a horizontal attachment design to ensure that the smoke chamber works and immediately triggers an alarm with minimal smoke.
When pitching the roof, place the smoke detector about one meter below the rooftop, as well as in a horizontal position. With an oblique attachment, it can happen in an emergency that the smoke passes the smoke detector and does not trigger an alarm. If the top of the roof has a 1 meter wide central area without a slope, it is suitable for attaching the smoke detector. Otherwise, you should build a structure that allows for horizontal installation and thus the ingress of smoke into the smoke chamber.
Tip: Keep in mind that even a powerful battery will not last. If your smoke detector beeps at regular intervals and makes short noises, you should replace the power source. From personal experience is known that most smoke detectors indicate at nighttime, the battery is empty and a prompt replacement should take place. To take advantage of the lifesaving features of the smoke detector, pay attention to the noise and not ignore it.
Buy smoke detectors - important criteria for purchase
Anyone who invokes renowned brands and certified products usually can not make a mistake. For very high rooms or apartments with sloping ceilings, you should pay more attention to the purchase and prefer a smoke detector that is very sensitive and powerful. Not the price, but the quality is crucial for the flawless function. After installation, you can perform the functional test at the push of a button and know if the alarm is on. Use the small red lamp, which forms a slight protrusion on the housing of all smoke detectors and can be moved inwards with minimal effort. If a signal sounds, press again and switch off the smoke detector after the function test. 
Tip: If you want to check the function for real danger, you can hold a burning candle near the smoke detector and wait. It usually does not take long for the alarm to sound and for your smoke alarm to indicate the high rate of heat and smoke.
To turn it off, press lightly again on the button, whose light flashes during the signal. You do not need a specialist to install a smoke detector. Especially if you choose a model with battery operation, the drill, one or two dowels per smoke detector and the same amount of screws are sufficient. However, you should be able to stand on the ladder and work overhead. If you are not suitable for height, you can ask a friend or relative for help and limit yourself to handing over the tools and components.
Tips for quick readers
- Smoke detectors are quick to install.
- Primarily, a smoke detector belongs in the kitchen.
- Alternatively, he can secure additional living and children's rooms.
- Attachment is done with one to two holes.
- Base plate is screwed to the ceiling.
- Battery is inserted.
- Housing is clicked / screwed to the floor.
- Function test is made.
- Tip: Always install smoke detectors on sloping ceilings horizontally!
