Under which conditions should smoke detectors not be located?

Smoke detectors are critical safety devices that rely on specific environmental conditions to function effectively. There are several scenarios in which their placement should be avoided to ensure reliable operation.

When smoke detectors are located in environments where the temperature drops below 0 degrees, they can become less reliable or even inoperative. Extremely low temperatures can affect the sensitivity of the detectors, leading to delayed responses or false alarms.

The recommended range for optimal smoke detector performance typically hovers above 32 degrees and extends to a certain upper limit, usually around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 49 degrees Celsius). Therefore, placing detectors in conditions where temperatures are consistently above 32 degrees but can fluctuate to dangerous levels, such as approaching 38 degrees, may lead to malfunctioning or failure to respond properly.

Humidity is another critical factor. When humidity levels exceed 93 percent, it can lead to condensation within smoke detectors. High moisture levels can interfere with the sensing elements or cause corrosion, thereby impeding the detector's ability to detect smoke effectively. Additionally, high air velocity—in this case, greater than 1.5 m/sec—can disperse smoke particles too quickly for the detector to respond accurately, rendering it ineffective in detecting the presence of smoke.

Considering these factors, smoke detectors should