Everything You Should Understand About Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As homeowner, the security of your family members is a top priority. One method to protect them is to install Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors within your home. These devices will notify you in the event of a fire or a carbon monoxide leak, allowing your family and you enough time to get out and seek assistance. This article we’ll explain the importance for having smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, the different kinds available, and the reasons the reasons why having a professional install and maintain them is essential.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are devices that detect smoke and emit an alarm that sounds loud to warn you to the possibility of a fire. They operate by using photoelectric or ionization technologies to identify smoke particles floating in the air. Ionization smoke alarms 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 in order to ensure maximum security.
There are two main types of smoke alarms available: battery-operated and hardwired. Battery-operated smoke alarms are easy to install and maintain, but require regular battery replacements. Smoke alarms that are wired, in contrast they are wired to your home’s electrical system and are equipped with batteries in the event of power outages. They require professional installation , but are more reliable in the long run.
Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month as well as replaced once every 10 years. It is essential to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your house, including the basement.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an inert gas with no color and smell that is created due to the insufficient combustion of fuels such as propane, natural gas and wood. CO can be deadly in high levels, which is why it vital to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors operate by detecting the amount of CO in the air, and then emitting an alarm when the levels are hazardous. There are two kinds of CO detectors that are available: plug-in and battery-operated. For plug-in detectors, professional assistance is required for installation, while battery-operated detectors are easy to install and maintain.
CO detectors must be tested at least per month and replaced after 7 to 5-7 years. It is essential to put CO detectors near 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 offer dual protection in one device. They utilize both ionization and photoelectric sensors to detect CO and smoke levels. They also come with features like voice alerts and digital displays to give more information in the event that there is an incident.
Professional Installations and Maintenance
Although smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are simple to install however, it is important to have a professional electrician to do the work. They can ensure that the devices are placed properly and in the correct places, thus reducing the chance of false alarms and missed detections. Professional electricians can also conduct regular maintenance to ensure they are working correctly and can replace them if necessary.
DIY installation and maintenance can result in potential dangers, such as incorrect placement or wiring that is not working which could lead to false alarms or, even more dangerously, a failure to detect CO leaks or fires.
Local Electrician Merrylands can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at your home. Our highly skilled electricians are experienced in a variety of residential electrical services that include the installation of safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We will ensure that your devices are set up properly and regularly maintained providing you with peace of mind and the safety and security of the family.
Conclusion
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are vital security devices that should be in every home. They can alert you in the situation of a fire, or CO leak, allowing your family members and you time to get out and seek assistance. There are different types of smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors that are available, including combination devices that provide dual protection. It is essential to have a professional electrician install and maintain these devices to lower the possibility of false alarms or missed detections.
We at Local Electrician Merrylands, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our clients’ residences. We offer a variety of electrical services for homes that include the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms as well as CO detectors. Call us today to make an appointment. This is the first step towards ensuring the safety of your house and your family.