14 Feb Importance of Smoke Detectors
At ACCL Electrical, we know that smoke alarms can only save lives if they are in good working condition and properly maintained. In this article the licensed electricians of ACCL Electrical have provided some information on smoke detectors and tips on how to maintain smoke detectors in your home.
Why Use Smoke Detectors?
By having smoke detectors placed in various locations around your home will contribute to effective and fast detection of smoke. During the day and during the night your smoke detector siren will warn you of a potential fire, allowing you to locate the nature of the problem quickly and hopefully prevent damages. A smoke alarm can also help firefighters locate a fire more quickly.
How do Smoke Detectors Work?
The main reason why smoke detectors are always placed on the ceiling/roof is simply because smoke rises. When choosing a smoke detector for your home there are two types; photoelectric and ionization.
Photoelectric: This type of sensor uses a light beam within the detector to sense smoke in the air. When there is no smoke to detect the beam will shoot in a straight line, but when smoke is presence the light will scatter causing the smoke alarm to go off.
Ionization: This type of sensor uses a chamber with a small electrical current. When smoke enters the chamber the level of ions in the air changes; making the electrical current drop and the alarm to sound.
Each type of smoke detector is beneficial, and one is not necessarily better then the other. It is recommended to have each type installed in high risk areas, such as the kitchen.
Smoke Detector Installation
Its recommended to have smoke detectors on each floor of your home and more if certain rooms are kept closed often. However, smoke alarms should be kept away from rooms that will create steam; such as the washroom. Most smoke detectors use double sided tape to stick the device to the ceiling mount. If you want to properly install the detector you will have to drill the mount to your ceiling, then attach the smoke detector to the sticky mount.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance Tips
It is super important to regularly test and clean your smoke detectors to ensure that they are working properly. Below we have listed some maintenance tips:
Smoke Alarm Testing:
You should check your smoke alarm at least once a month to ensure the battery is not dad and that the alarm is operating properly. If you want to test your smoke detector hold down the test button until you hear a loud alert sound, sometimes you may need to press the button again to turn the alarm off.
Vacuuming:
We recommend once every 6 to 9 months to vacuum your detector to remove dust buildup. Make sure to use a soft brush attachment.
Replacing the Battery:
Your smoke alarms battery might need to be replaced once a year. Typically, when the batteries are low the detector will emit a short beeping sound. Not all smoke detectors have replaceable batteries its best to check the manufactures instructions when replacing batteries.
Replacing Your Smoke Alarm – when’s the right time?
Smoke alarms can begin to malfunction from over exposure to dust, insects, and corrosion. Most detectors have an expiration or replace by date printed on them, however if your does not its best to replace your detector once every 10 years.
We Can Help!
Smoke detectors are vitally important to keeping your home and family safe. If you need help installing or want more information on smoke detectors contact ACCL Electrician!
If you would like to learn more about smoke detectors , or If you need to install Light fixtures, Receptacles, electrical panel, or electrical installation, wiring, for your home, kitchen and/or bathroom repair or new installation, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 electrical contractor in Ontario, at www.acclelectrical.com. Or call us at 416-759- 8567, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.
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