This is just a reminder from a recent post as to where a smoke alarm can be placed on a wall or ceiling.
We still have inspectors out there that require the alarm to be 4” down from the ceiling and the bottom not more than 12” down from the ceiling, which changed several years ago (2007 NFPA 72). Don’t be afraid to show the inspector this section. We can all learn new code changes from one another on a daily basis.
Per NFPA 72 17.7.3.2.1 the smoke alarm when installed on a side wall ca be placed right up next to the ceiling and be down as much as 12” to the top of the detector from the ceiling. Most of the complaints from contractors are because the inspectors are failing them on the final and want it moved. See the picture below, this comes right out of NFPA 72 which regulates the placement of smoke alarms in residential dwelling units.
The 4” down is an old section for smoke alarms from NFPA 72, but still exists for the installation of heat detectors.
Till next time be safe work safe
Jake