Smoke detector placement

JJWalecka

Senior Member
Location
New England
I have a combination carbon monoxide detector and photoelectric detector. Does the photoelectric belong outside of the bedroom (kitchen area) and the combination to be installed in the bedroom. Or is it vise versa

Thanks
 

NTesla76

Senior Member
Location
IA
Occupation
Electrics
I have a combination carbon monoxide detector and photoelectric detector. Does the photoelectric belong outside of the bedroom (kitchen area) and the combination to be installed in the bedroom. Or is it vise versa

Thanks
If there is fuel burning appliance, I'd probably put it in the closest vicinity of that appliance.
 

NPro85

Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Smart Home Installer
The photoelectric smoke detector is typically better suited for areas prone to slow-burning fires with smoldering smoke, such as hallways, living rooms, or near the kitchen (but not too close to avoid false alarms from cooking).

The combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector is best installed in or near bedrooms and areas where people sleep, since carbon monoxide is odorless and can be deadly while you're asleep. This placement ensures you're alerted quickly in case of any danger during the night.

In short: Photoelectric in kitchen area, combination in bedrooms.
 

NPro85

Member
Location
USA
Occupation
Smart Home Installer
Got it! If the detector inside the bedroom is smoke-only, you’re good. Outside the bedroom, a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector is ideal since it can alert you to both fire and carbon monoxide threats near sleeping areas.

If you have a photoelectric smoke-only detector, place it outside the kitchen to avoid false alarms from cooking. For extra safety, having a combination detector outside bedrooms or in hallways is a smart move, as it covers more risks.
 

gadfly56

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
Got it! If the detector inside the bedroom is smoke-only, you’re good. Outside the bedroom, a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector is ideal since it can alert you to both fire and carbon monoxide threats near sleeping areas.

If you have a photoelectric smoke-only detector, place it outside the kitchen to avoid false alarms from cooking. For extra safety, having a combination detector outside bedrooms or in hallways is a smart move, as it covers more risks.
Combination photo/ionization alarms are hella expensive; a quick Google reveals $27 to $56, versus about $12 to $15 for a simple ionization smoke alarm.
 

cashpoppper

Member
Location
usa
Occupation
hvac
Combination photo/ionization alarms are hella expensive; a quick Google reveals $27 to $56, versus about $12 to $15 for a simple ionization smoke alarm.
buddies house burned down. and the deposit was VERY healthy, compared to $500 for new CO/smokes every 10 years. and some AHJ's require battery, interconnect, and hardwired.
 
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