It is always the fire alarm system installer's responsibility to install what a designer shows on the plans. But if the device is in a unique space, it should be brought to the owner and system designer's attention. Detection in high-ceiling areas is the most common example. I arbitrarily consider anything over 15 feet a high-ceiling environment. Most spot-type smoke detection designed and installed in a high-ceiling environment will not provide any semblance of early warning, which is the usual design goal for smoke detection. A high-ceiling spot-type smoke detector may not provide early warning because, for low-energy or smoldering fires, the effects of the environment (e.g., temperature of the space or airflow from the HVAC system) will be paramount. These represent common "barriers" to effective detection. The obvious result is the smoke will not rise and push through the ambient temperature until the smoke is hotter. Airflow will dilute the smoke, thus keeping at bay the necessary amount of smoke to reach and actuate a smoke detector. Smoke detectors on high ceilings also increase maintenance costs and false alarms in the future, both of which negatively affect the owner's budget.
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