Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the maximum distance from a wall that smoke detectors should be located?

1. 10 feet

2. 12 feet

3. 15 feet

4. 20 feet

The correct answer is: 15 feet

The maximum distance from a wall that smoke detectors should be located is essential for ensuring effective detection of smoke and fire. Positioning smoke detectors close enough to walls without exceeding the established distance allows for optimal performance. Generally, smoke detectors should be installed no more than 15 feet from any wall. This guideline is based on research and best practices in fire safety, which demonstrate that smoke travels in a particular manner, and detectors need to be within a certain range to effectively sense the smoke particles that indicate a fire. Positioning detectors too far from walls may hinder their ability to detect smoke since smoke tends to rise and spread out toward the corners of rooms, potentially bypassing detectors situated farther away. Thus, a maximum distance of 15 feet is designed to ensure that smoke detectors can promptly react to smoke entering the room, enhancing safety for residents in facilities like nursing homes. While the other distances listed may reflect common practices or recommendations in different contexts, the specified maximum distance of 15 feet is specifically recognized as a standard in most fire safety regulations and guidelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage and timely response in case of a fire incident.