Consider a Group R-2 Occupancy. The IBC states that ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than ______ feet horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance?

In a Group R-2 occupancy, which typically includes residential buildings such as apartments and dormitories, the International Building Code (IBC) specifies that ionization smoke alarms must be installed at least 10 feet horizontally from any permanently installed cooking appliance. This distance is established to minimize false alarms that can occur from normal cooking activities, as smoke from cooking can trigger the alarm and lead to unnecessary disturbances.

Ionization smoke alarms are particularly sensitive to fast-burning fires, but they can also be reactive to cooking smoke. By adhering to the 10-foot distance requirement, the likelihood of false alarms is reduced, ensuring that the smoke alarms perform effectively and only activate during genuine fire events. This code requirement helps maintain the integrity of the fire alarm system while also considering the practical aspects of everyday life in residential settings.

Thus, the correct distance of 10 feet is essential for ensuring the optimal functionality of smoke alarms in a residential environment.