10
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 location,
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 variations
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 ven-
tilation 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.
