9
Cause of error Action
Steam and moisture. A false alarm may
occur if the smoke alarm is placed too close to a
bathroom, laundry room, or other location with
high air humidity.
Place the smoke alarm at least 2 metres from any
bathroom, laundry room, or other location where
high air humidity may occur.
Dust and dirt. Since air passes freely through
the detection chamber, the smoke alarm will
always attract some dust and pollen particles.
This can lead to a false alarm. The smoke alarm
may also become more sensitive for this reason,
which could cause false alarms. In addition, dirt
will collect over time, as the smoke alarm ages,
which may result in false alarms.
Regularly vacuum the smoke alarm, using a
plastic nozzle to avoid damaging the electronics.
Avoid fitting smoke alarms in places with a lot of
dust and dirt. You can put a ‘hat’ over the smoke
alarm or remove it entirely while you are carrying
out renovation work at home that involves sawing,
sanding, etc.
Draughts, dust and air flows. False alarms
may be caused by the smoke alarm being placed
too close to doors, windows, ventilation systems,
fans, air ducts, heat pumps or suchlike. This can
lead to dust particles being carried up into the
detection chamber.
Do not install smoke alarms in a draughty loca-
tion, close to windows or doors, ventilation, fans,
air ducts, heat pumps or suchlike. Find a better
location for the smoke alarm, further away from
draughts and air flows.
Temperature variations. Temperature vari-
ations may lead to condensation in the detection
chamber. This may happen, for example, if the
smoke alarm is placed in a room where windows
are opened for ventilation in the winter, or close
to exits, balcony doors or other places that switch
between hot and cold.
Avoid fitting smoke alarms in rooms with rapid
temperature changes or close to windows and
doors that are frequently opened and closed. Move
the smoke alarm to a place with a more even and
stable temperature.
Generally unfavourable positions. Incorrect
positioning in an unstable indoor environment, a
draughty area, close to electronic apparatus (EMC)
and lighting may cause a false alarm.
Place smoke alarms at least 5 metres from open
fires, stoves or other heating devices. 2 metres
from rooms with high humidity. 2 metres from
ventilation ducts, heat pumps and air conditioning.
1 metre from light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
