What environmental condition can interfere with the operation of smoke detectors?

Extreme humidity is known to interfere with the operation of smoke detectors because it can affect the sensitivity of the detector's sensing elements. High levels of moisture in the air may cause condensation inside the unit, which can disrupt the electronic circuitry or the optical sensor if it's a photoelectric detector. This interference can lead to false alarms or prevent the detector from functioning properly when smoke is present. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions around smoke detectors is crucial for their reliable operation, and excessive humidity is particularly detrimental for many types of detectors, especially those that rely on electronic sensing mechanisms.

While low temperatures, high altitudes, and bright sunlight can also have varying effects on smoke detectors, they do not typically cause the same level of interference related to false alarms or sensitivity as extreme humidity does. Consequently, ensuring that smoke detectors are installed in environments with moderate humidity is essential for their performance.