What is the minimum distance that photoelectric smoke alarms should be installed from a permanently installed cooking appliance?

Photoelectric smoke alarms should be installed a minimum of 6 feet from permanently installed cooking appliances. This distance is recommended to reduce the likelihood of false alarms caused by normal cooking activities, such as steam and smoke that may occur during regular meal preparation.

The sensor technology in photoelectric smoke alarms is designed to detect larger particles of combustion, which can be triggered by cooking but is less sensitive to typical household dust or light particles. By maintaining a distance of 6 feet, the alarms can effectively distinguish between actual smoke from a fire and the byproducts of cooking, ensuring that they function properly when needed without frequent nuisance alarms.

This distance helps to create a balance between safety and practicality, reinforcing the importance of strategically placing smoke detectors to enhance their effectiveness in residential settings.