Choosing And Installing The Right Smoke Detectors
Even the smallest of house fires can fill your home
with dangerous smoke in a few minutes. It is important that you
choose the right smoke detectors for your home, install them correctly, and test
them at regular intervals.
There are two types of residential smoke detectors
available: photoelectric and ionization. With a photoelectric detector, light is
beamed into a chamber that contains a photocell. Smoke entering the chamber will
scatter the light, enabling some of it to reach the photocell and cause an
alarm. Smoldering fires tend to set off photoelectric detectors faster than
flaming fires.
Ionization detectors use radiation that ionizes (breaks up) the air inside the
unit, and gives it a small electrical charge. Smoke particles reduce this flow
of current, and set the device into alarm.
Which type of detector works best? Each type has its advantages and
disadvantages. Photoelectric models usually run on house current, which means
they will not function during a power outage. Ionization models run on house
current with a battery back up, but tend to be more susceptible to false alarms.
It would be a good idea to use both – an ionization detector in your bedroom
hallway, and photoelectric in your main living area.
A general rule is to have a minimum of one smoke detector for every level of
your home. You should also keep these guidelines in mind:
Do not install smoke detectors close to the kitchen, furnace, garage, or just
outside a bathroom door.
Do not install smoke detectors in areas where the air circulation is poor, i.e.
corners.
Attach each detector to the ceiling, or high on a wall about 8 to 10 inches
below ceiling level.
Once your detectors are installed, test each of them monthly. Most have a test
button that makes this very easy. If you don’t see a test button, simply light a
candle, blow out the flame, and hold the smoking wick about 6 inches below the
detector. The smoke should set the unit into alarm.
Replace the batteries in battery-powered smoke detectors annually, on a date
that you can easily remember such as your birthday, or the day you set your
clocks back. While doing thisArticle Search, use a soft brush to clean the
inside of the detector and its vents to ensure the unit’s reliability. By M
Adley http://www.alarmsystemreviews.com
Source: Free Articles from
ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M Adley has over 10 years experience in the security industry and is webmaster
at alarmsystemreviews.com, an
unbiased resource for reviews and information about Home Security System and
Personal Alarm for the average consumer.
(Disclaimer: This article was written from research and what we learned from multiple sources over an extended period of time. This information is for educational purposes only. Please contact a professional in the area of concern before making any decisions on this or any topic. No-More-Scams.com is not liable for any damages or losses due to one using this information).
Go to Consumer Directory For Businesses
Go to Consumer Reports and Tips Archives