Where should smoke detectors be mounted on a beam ceiling with beams less than 12 inches in depth and spacing less than 96 inches?

Mounting smoke detectors on the bottom of the beam is the preferred approach in situations where beams are less than 12 inches in depth and spaced less than 96 inches apart. Smoke rises, and when a smoke detector is positioned near the ceiling, it has the best chance of detecting smoke as it ascends.

By placing the detector at the bottom of the beam, it ensures that the device is within the optimal detection range for smoke that collects at or near the ceiling. This placement minimizes any obstruction that the beams may present and maximizes the detector's effectiveness in sensing smoke from a fire that begins below the ceiling line.

In contrast, other placement options, such as putting the detector at the top, in the middle, or at the edge of the beam, could potentially interfere with the smoke's path, resulting in delayed or ineffective detection. Therefore, choosing to mount the smoke detector at the bottom position is crucial for compliance with safety standards and effective operation.