smoke detector near HVAC return

[James L. Keilson]

In our area smoke detectors cannot be placed within 2 feet of an air return. The reasoning is that if the smoke is coming from the return side first it will get sucked up before the detector can and thus the detector is rendered useless.

Jim

[John Gromkoski]

Originally Posted by jkeilson

In our area smoke detectors cannot be placed within 2 feet of an air return. The reasoning is that if the smoke is coming from the return side first it will get sucked up before the detector can and thus the detector is rendered useless.

Jim

Jim, that was my original reasoning for identifying this as a possible safety issue.

[James L. Keilson]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

Jim, that was my original reasoning for identifying this as a possible safety issue.

\John you were correct in your original thinkinmg.

Jim

[Mark S. Tyson]

Originally Posted by jgromkoski

This appears to be a bad location for a smoke detector to me. Does this violate any code? I'm writing it up as a safety hazard anyway but just want to know if there is a specific code that it violates.

Judging from the supplied picture the grill depicted does not appear too have a filter installed or for that matter away to access a filter (ie hinges)
leading me too believe that this is a non-pressurised "jump over" return that is connected to one or more sleeping room too meet the requirement of a balanced return air system. If this is the case there is no minimum clearance requirement for smoke detectors from a non-pressurised return.

[David A. Andersen]

Time to see the eye Doc there Mark!

That looks like a dinky 3 bdrm (no jump over needed).
Screw latches right there in plain view.

[Mark S. Tyson]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Time to see the eye Doc there Mark!

That looks like a dinky 3 bdrm (no jump over needed).
Screw latches right there in plain view.

And they say the first thing to go is eyesite i wonder what will be next

[David A. Andersen]

They have a blue pill for that one....

[Aaron J. Weaver]

I was taught 36" from any air disturbance source. Ceiling Fan, supply/return etc..

The distance should also be in the manufacturers installation instructions.