Everything You Should Know About Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As a homeowner, the safety of your family is an absolute priority. One way to make sure they are safe is to install Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors inside your home. These devices can alert you in the situation of a fire, or carbon monoxide leak. This gives you and your family enough time to evacuate and seek assistance. In this article, we will explain the importance for having smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, the various types available, and the reasons why having a professional install and maintain them is essential.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms detect smoke and sound a loud alarm to alert you of a potential fire. They operate by using the ionization process or photoelectric technology to detect smoke particles floating in the air. Smoke alarms that are ionized have a higher sensitivity to flame fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detection of smoldering flames. It is suggested that homes are equipped with both types of smoke alarms installed for maximum protection.
There are two primary kinds of smoke alarms that are available: battery-operated and hardwired. Battery-operated smoke alarms are easy to set up and maintain, however, they require frequent battery replacements. Hardwired smoke alarms, however they are wired to your home’s electrical system and come with batteries in the event of power outages. They require professional installation , but are more durable in the long run.
Smoke alarms should be tested every month at a minimum as well as replaced once every 10 years. It’s important to place smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside each sleeping area and on every floor of your home, which includes the basement.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is generated through the incomplete combustion of fuels such as propane, natural gas and wood. CO is deadly when present when it is present in large quantities, which makes it essential to have an carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors operate by sensing the amount of CO present in the air, and then emitting an alarm when the levels are hazardous. There are two kinds of CO detectors that are available including battery-operated and plug-in. For plug-in detectors, professional assistance is required for installation and battery-operated detectors are simple to set up and maintain.
CO detectors should be checked at least once each month, and then replaced every 5-7 years. It’s important to place CO detectors close to sleeping areas and at every level of your home, including the basement.
Combination Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide detectors
Smoke alarms that are combined with carbon monoxide detectors combine protection within one device. They use both photoelectric and ionization sensors to detect CO and smoke levels. They also include features such as voice alerts and digital displays that give more details in the event that there is an incident.
Professional Installations and Maintenance
Although smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detections can be easy to install, it’s important to employ a professional electrician do the job. They will make sure that the devices are placed correctly and at the proper places, thus reducing the chance of false alarms or missed detections. Professional electricians also carry out regular maintenance to ensure that they are working correctly and can replace them if needed.
DIY installation and maintenance could create risks like improper placement or wiring that is not working, which can result in false alarms, or even worse the failure to identify the presence of CO or fire.
Local Electrician Dural can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Our highly trained electricians have experience in a wide range of electrical services for homes which includes the installation of safety devices like carbon monoxide and smoke alarms detectors. We can ensure that the equipment is set up correctly and are maintained regularly, giving you peace of mind and the safety of your family.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are vital security devices that should be in every home. They are able to alert you in the event of a fire or CO leak, allowing your family and you enough time to get out and seek help. There are a variety of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as combinations that offer dual protection. It is essential to have a qualified electrician to install these appliances and monitor them in order to minimize the chance of false alarms or missing detections.
In Local Electrician Dural, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our clients’ homes. We offer a variety of electrical services for homes, including installations and repairs of smoke alarms and CO detectors. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. This is the first step in ensuring the safety of your home and your family.