Smoke
Detectors Could Save Your Life!
Most fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A
smoke detector can alert you when there is a fire, in
time to save your life. Smoke detectors work by
sensing rising smoke from a fire and sounding an alarm.
What
Type Should I Buy?
Photoelectric uses a photoelectric bulb that sends forth
a beam of light. When smoke enters, light from the
beam is reflected from smoke particles into a photocell
and the alarm is triggered.
Ionization Chamber contains
a small, safe radiation chamber source that produces electrically
charged air molecules called ions. When smoke enters
the chamber, it causes a change in the flow of ions, triggering
the alarm. Both are EQUALLY EFFECTIVE and neither requires
that you be familiar with its inner workings. As
long as you buy a detector that is tested by a major testing
laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), you
can be assured it has met certain testing requirements.
Where
Should I Install My Detector?
Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is
on the ceiling or high on an inside wall just below the
ceiling. If the detector is below an uninsulated
attic or in a mobile home, the detector should be placed
on the wall 4" - 12" below the ceiling.
In a multi-level home, a detector is needed on each level.
On the first floor it should be placed on the ceiling
at the base of the stairwell. Detectors should be
installed within 15 feet of the bedrooms so they can be
heard when the door is closed. But, remember not
to install a detector within 3 feet of an air supply register
that may blow smoke away. Don't install a detector
between an air return and the sleeping area. The
smoke will be recirculated and diluted resulting in a
delayed alarm.
If you are installing more
than one detector you may want to consider purchasing
units that can be interconnected. That way when one unit
detects smoke, all the detectors will sound the alarm.
How
Are Detectors Powered?
Detectors can be powered two ways:
Batteries
These are the easiest to install. They require no
outlets or wiring connection, however, batteries must
be replaced twice a year. We recommend you change
them in the spring and in the fall when you change your
clocks. All UL listed battery operated
detectors are required to sound a trouble signal when
a replacement is needed. The signal usually lasts
7 days, so it's advised to check the efficiency of the
detector following extended periods away.
Household current
Detectors can be powered with household current two ways.
They can be plugged into any wall socket or can
be wired permanently into your home's electrical system.
How
Can I Best Care for My Detector?
Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust
can cause a false alarm or malfunction of the detector.
To prevent false alarms, locate the detector away
from air vents, air conditioners and fans. Keep
the grillwork free of dirt by occasional vacuuming and
dusting. Don't paint the cover of a smoke detector
as this may clog the grillwork. Test your detector
every month, or more often if necessary to make sure it's
working. This is usually done with the test button,
if provided.
