How far horizontally from a smoke damper should a spot-type detector be installed?

The correct distance for installing a spot-type detector from a smoke damper is 5 feet. This requirement is in place to ensure that smoke from a potential fire is effectively detected without interference from the airflow patterns created by the smoke damper. When a smoke damper operates, it can influence the distribution of smoke and pollutants in a space, potentially leading to false readings if the detector is placed too close. By positioning the detector at least 5 feet away, it minimizes the chances of the damper's operation affecting the smoke detector's response and maximizes its effectiveness in detecting real fire conditions. This distance is consistent with industry standards that aim to optimize the performance of smoke detection systems in conjunction with other fire protection features.