What is the specified installation distance for smoke detectors outside sleeping rooms?

The specified installation distance for smoke detectors outside sleeping rooms is within 21 feet. This distance is recommended to ensure that it provides adequate protection without being so close that nuisance alarms from the detector might occur due to activities in the adjacent areas, such as cooking or bathroom use. Smoke detectors must be strategically situated to maximize their effectiveness in alerting occupants of a potential fire while minimizing false alarms.

In considering the other distances, while closer installations might seem beneficial for increased sensitivity, they do not account for the need to balance effective warning with the potential for false alarms, which might cause occupants to disregard the alarms if they are triggered too frequently. Therefore, the 21-foot guideline strikes an appropriate balance for ensuring safety while minimizing undue disturbances.