Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing smoke alarms. Some detectors are powered by batteries that last for about a year. Others operate on household electric current. Plug-in units must be placed near an electric outlet where they won’t be unplugged or turned off by a wall switch. You’ll probably need a qualified electrician to install "wired-in" electric detectors.

Position your smoke alarms

• On the ceiling – put the alarm in the centre of the ceiling. If that’s not an option, it should be 300mm from any cornice or wall.
• On a wall - 300mm to 500mm from the ceiling.
• On a sloping or cathedral ceiling - 500mm to 1500mm from the highest point
• Watch out for dead air spaces. These are spots that trap hot air which stops smoke from reaching the alarm. Examples are the corners of a room where the walls and ceilings meet, and the high point of sloping ceilings.
• Watch out for drafts. Don’t put smoke alarms near windows or air vents.