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

In a Group R-2 Occupancy, which typically pertains to residential buildings like apartments or dormitories, the International Building Code (IBC) specifies certain installation guidelines for photoelectric smoke alarms to minimize nuisance alarms. One key guideline is the horizontal distance that these smoke alarms must be from permanently installed cooking appliances to reduce false alarms caused by cooking activities.

The correct requirement states that photoelectric smoke alarms should not be installed less than 6 feet horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. This distance is important because cooking appliances generate smoke and aerosols that can inadvertently trigger a smoke alarm, leading to unnecessary disruptions and safety concerns. By maintaining this distance, the risk of nuisance alarms is significantly reduced, helping to ensure that the smoke alarm functions effectively when it is genuinely needed.

While other distances such as 10, 15, or 21 feet may have their own contexts or applications in other fire protection standards or codes, the specific guideline for R-2 Occupancy regarding photoelectric smoke alarms clearly establishes 6 feet as the appropriate minimum separation from cooking appliances in order to promote both safety and reliability in alarm performance.