: Shields must be supported at least 25 mm (1") off the floor to allow cooling air to enter at the bottom.
This standard is not just a bureaucratic formality; it dictates the technical specifications for how smoke detectors must operate to be considered safe. It covers:
⚠️ : Always check your local building codes before installation. Many jurisdictions require the shield itself to bear a permanent label or mark indicating it was tested to the CAN/ULC-S632 standard. If you'd like, I can help you:
The search for a free PDF of a copyrighted standard is a common one, driven by the high cost of purchasing official copies. However, there are significant downsides to seeking out unauthorized copies:
Websites hosting unauthorized documents are frequently riddled with malware, pop-ups, and phishing scams. A user searching for a PDF might unknowingly download a virus or ransomware onto their company’s network, a cost that far exceeds the price of the document itself.
: To function correctly, shields must maintain a minimum air space (usually 21 mm or 7/8") between the shield and the combustible wall.
Heat shields are rated on a percentage basis; for example, a 50% rated shield allows a 50% reduction in the required clearance to combustible materials.
