How do you install a smoke detector in a suspended ceiling?

Question

We have Armstrong brand suspended ceiling and I need to know how should I install a smoke detected on it.

Answer 1

Get a Square Electrical box with a 3/4" circular reducing ring.  Cut a hole in the tile to fit the ruducing ring in.  Then put the ruducing ring on the box and place the electrical bow on top of the tile.  attach the plastic support from the smoke detector onto the reducing ring on the box and then the smoke detector to the plastic support.  This will hold up great and works even if it is a battery opporated Smoke Detector.  

I have done this 4 tiles in my basement ceiling tiles.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

you can install a smoke detector on the wall close to the ceiling

I asked a fireman  and I was told so , mine is working just fine .

It's hanging 6 inches bellow the ceiling.

Answer 3

Velcro tape.

Answer 4

You can either mount the detector on the wall within 4-6 inches of the ceiling or you can use toggle bolts to mount on the ceiling. Toggle bolts are pictured in the link.

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Answer 5

You have gotten one really good answer (from hkelll...), and several irresponsible answers from people who may mean well, but really don’t have a clue.

You cannot just blindly tell someone to install a smoke alarm at a certain distance down the wall from the ceiling; it is irresponsible advice, since most manufacturers have specific instructions dealing with how far down a wall (and how far from the wall, when installed on the ceiling) their particular device may be installed. Following the Manufacturer's Installation Instructions is extremely important when installing a smoke alarm. Not following them will void the product's listing.

Since you are adding an alarm to a lay-in ceiling, I am assuming you have just done some remodeling; probably finished your basement. The International Residential Code requires that all smoke alarms be interconnected; and hard-wired when the existing wall or ceiling finishes won't be damaged by the installation (this means if you have access to the ceiling from an attic or to a wall cavity from a basement or crawl space, they MUST be hardwired). Most Building Codes are not retroactive, but this requirement is. All smoke alarms must be installed per Code requirements anytime work requiring a Permit is done on the interior of a home. (It doesn't let you off of the hook if you did the work without a Permit - a point that will not go unnoticed by your insurer - or - God forbid, a LAWYER, should someone be hurt.) The IRC requires a smoke alarm in EVERY sleeping room, and an additional alarm in the vicinity of the sleeping rooms (which must be audible from inside of the sleeping areas); along with an additional alarm on each additional floor with habitable space. There must also be an alarm on the same level as the heating appliance (basement, crawl space, or attic); they must all be hardwired, have a battery backup, and be interconnected. Check the Manufacturer’s Specs for the alarm’s “effective radius”, you may find you need more than one alarm to cover a hallway or large bedroom.

If you do install the alarm against the ceiling tile, remember, the NEC requires that all boxes be installed securely, and that they be properly supported.

Smoke alarms can have only one means of disconnect, the overcurrent device for the circuit. Purchase a model with a "hush" feature if you fear "nuisance" tripping; do not install a switch to shut it off. One last thing, be sure that the new alarm is compatible with any existing alarms, it probably will not function with models it was not intended to work with; also, while you are out shopping for the smoke alarm, consider buying "combination" smoke/CO alarms for the hallways outside of the bedroom areas.