When it comes to installing smoke detectors in your home there are two choices: ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors. When you rent or buy a home most already have ionization smoke detectors in place and this is also the most common detector you will find in hardware or discount stores.
Both the ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors are effective in protecting you and your family. The only difference is in how each senses smoke. This means that each detector can better detect certain types of smoke. While many think there is only one type of smoke, there is in fact two types.
One type of smoke is hazy and almost invisible, this is usually caused by cleaner burning fire like grease or leaky furnaces. The second type is the more common thick, noxious, cloudy smoke which happens with smoldering fires such as fireplace or burning upholstery.
The first type of smoke is easily detected by ionization smoke detectors which detect based on electrical sensitivity. The second type of smoke is more easily detected by photoelectric smoke detectors since they work by visibly detecting the smoke. Each of these smoke detectors come with their own unique advantage.
To further complicate matters there are two versions of photoelectric smoke detectors even though they both work the same. The first type activates when incoming smoke blocks light from shining on the light-sensitive sensor. The second type of photoelectric smoke detectors activates when smoke reflects the light shining past the sensor back onto the sensor.
The process of detection is a little different for ionization smoke detectors. These detectors have a small amount of radioactive material that lets out alpha and gamma radiation. The air inside the smoke detector is ionized by alpha radiation which then conducts a current through a small gap. If smoke enters the detector it will lower the conductivity level of the air and set off the alarm. However, the ionization smoke detector is very safe since the amount of radiation given off is miniscule.
If you are installing a new smoke detector in your home make sure you place it on a ceiling and at least six inches away from any wall. You should especially avoid corners or the ends of hallways since these are considered dead air spaces. For wall mounted units they should be placed one foot below the ceiling.
Smoke detectors of any kind should be located away from drafts that can be caused by vents, door and windows. The best place for smoke detectors is in hallways leading to the bedrooms or at the top of stairwells. Every level of the home should have at least one smoke detector including the basement.
Firex Smoke Detectors can be described in two ways:
Model AD and ADC ? Ionization type smoke alarms. This type of smoke alarm responds fastest to burning fires with hot, open flame and small invisible smoke particles.
Model PAD ? Photoelectric smoke alarms. PAD models responds to slow burning, visible smoke caused by smoldering fires. This may reduce false of nuisance alarms caused by cooking or high humidity.
Model ADC smoke alarm features include a false alarm control which, when activated, quiets unwanted alarms for up to 15 minutes. This smoke alarm is powered by 120V AC and a 9-volt battery back-up source. AC/DC smoke alarms offer added protection in the event or a power failure or a drained battery. Firex smoke detectors have a unique power connector that prevents interconnection with incompatible smoke alarms or security systems. The Firex smoke alarm may be interconnected with as many as 11 other Firex model AD, ADC, FX1218 and PAD smoke alarms, or as many as 6 Firex model ADH heat alarms for a total of not more than 18 interconnected devices.
Firex smoke alarms have a unique ?battery missing? signals. The smoke alarm will not attach to the mounting bracket if a battery is not installed into the battery pocket during installation. If the battery is not properly connected to the terminals or drained, the smoke alarm will sound a short beep or chirp about every minute until replaced. In addition, the smoke alarm has a green LED indicator showing AC power or normal condition and a red LED indicator for problems. The onboard alarm horn puts out a full 85db at 10 feet which is sure to catch your attention. You can also test the smoke alarm weekly for added safety by pressing the test button.
The Do's of installing smoke alarms:
Install a smoke alarm as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not practical, mount no closer than 4 inches from a wall or corner.
Install a minimum of two smoke alarms in every home, no matter how small the home. New construction codes require a minimum of two interconnected smoke alarms in newly built homes.
Install a smoke alarm in each room that is divided by a partial wall (either coming down from the ceiling at least 24 inches, or coming up from the floor.
Install smoke alarms on peaked, cathedral, or gabled ceilings 3 feet from the highest point (measured horizontally).
Install a smoke alarm in lived-in attics or attics which house electrical equipment like furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters or heaters.
The Don'ts of installing smoke alarms:
Never locate a smoke alarm near appliances or area where normal combustion regularly occurs (kitchens, near furnaces, hot water heaters). Use specialized smoke alarms with unwanted alarm control for these areas.
Do not locate a smoke alarm in areas of high humidity, like bathrooms or areas near dishwashers or washing machines. Install at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from these areas.
Never locate a smoke alarm near a return air duct or heating and cooling supply duct. The air could blow smoke away from the detector, interrupting the alarm.
Do not locate smoke alarms in rooms where temperatures may fall below 40'F (4'C) or rise above 100'F (38'C).
Never install smoke detectors in dusty, dirty, or insect-infested areas. Loose particles interfere with smoke alarm operation.
Firex Smoke Alarms or BRK Smoke Detectors made by others are not fool-proof devices and is not warranted to protect lives or property from fires. Smoke alarms are no substitute for insurance. Homeowners and renters should insure their life and property. In addition, it is possible for the smoke alarm to fail at any time.
FOR THIS REASON YOU MUST TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM WEEKLY AND REPLACE IT EVERY 10 YEARS.
Both Robert D. Thomson & Kimberly Quang are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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