Smoke alarms or detectors should be located where smoke rising in the stairway cannot be obstructed by what?

The placement of smoke alarms or detectors is critical for ensuring their effectiveness in detecting smoke and warning occupants of a fire. When considering their location, it is essential that smoke rising in a stairway is not obstructed by objects that could prevent smoke from reaching the detector.

A door or other obstruction can impede the flow of smoke toward the detector. If a door is closed or there is any significant barrier, it may hinder the smoke's ability to rise and trigger the alarm. This is why it's vital that smoke detectors are installed in locations where they can function optimally without being blocked by such obstacles.

While windows, ceiling fans, and wall partitions can also affect airflow, they do not serve the same primary function as doors in blocking smoke from reaching a detector. Windows are typically not located directly in the path of rising smoke the same way a door would be. Ceiling fans may disrupt air movement but are more about circulation than creating a solid barrier. Parition walls, depending on their structure, can influence airflow but may not serve as immediate obstructions in the same context as a door. Therefore, ensuring that smoke cannot be obstructed by a door or similar fixed objects is crucial in the successful operation of smoke detection systems in stairways.