February 2008
Installation basics
You should have at least one ionizing and one photoelectric (or one dual-sensor model) smoke alarm on each level of your home
and in every bedroom. Ideal locations for smoke alarms include the basement, central living areas and inside bedrooms.
If you live in a small, one-level home, one CO alarm might be adequate. If you live in a larger or multilevel home, consider an interconnecting alarm at each level to warn you of problems in remote parts of the house.
As indicated in the illustration, install smoke alarms near but not inside the kitchen, garage, and bathrooms to prevent false alarms from cooking smoke, exhaust, and humidity. Mount each smoke alarm on the ceiling at least 4 inches from a corner or high on a wall at least 4 inches from the ceiling but away from windows and heating vents. For more information, see our interactive to determine the best installation spots in your home.
For CO alarms, choose a central location where they will be audible from all living and sleeping areas. Larger homes and those with multiple floors should consider using more than one CO alarm. Don't put alarms inside the garage, where initially high CO levels from car exhausts can cause false alarms, or near doors and windows, where fresh air can cause a misleading low reading.
If you live in a small, one-level home, one CO alarm might be adequate. If you live in a larger or multilevel home, consider an interconnecting alarm at each level to warn you of problems in remote parts of the house.
 Illustration by Gary Cox
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As indicated in the illustration, install smoke alarms near but not inside the kitchen, garage, and bathrooms to prevent false alarms from cooking smoke, exhaust, and humidity. Mount each smoke alarm on the ceiling at least 4 inches from a corner or high on a wall at least 4 inches from the ceiling but away from windows and heating vents. For more information, see our interactive to determine the best installation spots in your home.
For CO alarms, choose a central location where they will be audible from all living and sleeping areas. Larger homes and those with multiple floors should consider using more than one CO alarm. Don't put alarms inside the garage, where initially high CO levels from car exhausts can cause false alarms, or near doors and windows, where fresh air can cause a misleading low reading.
