Smoke and CO detectors from EMOS: where to place them and when to replace

A smoke detector is the most affordable safety device in the home. However, its effectiveness depends entirely on where it is hung.

Smoke Detector

Smoke rises, so the detector should be mounted on the ceiling, ideally in the center of the room or hallway, at least 50 cm from the wall and from the light fixture. In a multi-story home, install at least one on each floor and one in the hallway before the bedrooms. Do not hang it above the stove in the kitchen or in the bathroom, as steam and cooking smoke can cause false alarms.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide has a similar weight to air, so the detector should be installed at breathing height, approximately 1.5 m above the floor, in a room with a gas, wood, coal, or pellet appliance. The distance from the appliance should be 1 to 3 meters. Do not place it directly above the boiler or inside a closed cabinet.

Testing and Maintenance

• Press the test button once a month; the siren must be loud and clear.
• Vacuum the detector once a year; dust is the most common cause of false alarms.
• Replace the battery immediately when the device starts beeping at regular intervals.

Lifespan

A smoke sensor lasts approximately 10 years, and a carbon monoxide sensor lasts 5 to 7 years. The date of manufacture or end of life is usually engraved on the back. After this period, the detector may still light up and beep during testing, but the sensor itself no longer reliably measures gases.