How far apart must smoke detectors be placed?

Smoke detectors should be placed no more than 30 feet apart to ensure effective coverage and early detection of smoke in any area. This spacing guideline helps to minimize the risk of having areas where smoke might not be detected quickly, which is critical for resident safety in settings such as nursing homes where timely alerts can save lives.

In practice, this means that every room, hallway, and potentially hazardous area should have adequate detection, with the sensors placed at intervals not exceeding 30 feet to guarantee that any smoke from a fire can be detected within a reasonable distance. This spacing is often specified in fire codes and safety regulations to promote optimal safety standards within residential and healthcare facilities.