Defect type
Moderate · 2–3/5
Smoke Alarm Installed Within 3m of Cooking Appliance
I measured a smoke alarm mounted within three metres of the cooktop, oven, or open kitchen-to-living zone. In my experience this location triggers nuisance alarms from cooking vapours, and occupants respond by disabling or removing the unit. The position also sits inside the kitchen exclusion distance referenced by AS 1670.6.
Causes
- Original builder placed the alarm to suit ceiling joist spacing rather than AS 1670.6 clearance
- Open-plan renovation moved the kitchen without relocating the existing hallway alarm
- Ionisation-type alarm installed where a photoelectric unit was required for the proximity
Symptoms to look for
- Resident reports frequent false alarms during cooking
- Alarm cover discoloured with cooking grease or visible dust accumulation
- Battery removed, cover hanging open, or a plastic bag placed over the sensor
Remedies
- Relocate the alarm at least 3m from the cooking appliance or to a suitable hallway position
- If relocation is not possible, install a photoelectric hush-button model rated for kitchen proximity
- Restore power and battery, then test interconnection with other alarms in the dwelling
Moderate
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
This is common across Perth stock and usually fixable without drama, but the scope of the fix varies. Every SURE inspection includes 12 months of free advice. Call out the defect by name and we check for it directly.
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