How Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Will Save Lives
As a homeowner, the safety of your family is an absolute priority. One way to make sure they are safe is by installing CO detectors as well as smoke alarms within your house. These devices will notify you in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. This gives you and your family enough time to get out and seek help. This article we’ll explain the importance to have smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors at your home, the various kinds available, and the reasons why professional installation and maintenance is vital.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are devices that detect smoke and sound an alarm sound to notify you of a potential fire. They use either the ionization process or photoelectric technologies to identify smoke particles in the air. Smoke alarms that are ionized are more sensitive to flame fires, whereas photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detection of smoldering flames. It is recommended that houses are equipped with both types of smoke alarms for maximum protection.
There are two kinds of smoke alarms that are available: battery-operated and hardwired. Smoke alarms that operate with batteries are easy to install and maintain however they need regular replacement of batteries. Smoke alarms that are wired, however are connected to the electrical system of your home and have an emergency battery backup in case there are power outages. They require professional installation , but are more reliable in the long run.
Smoke alarms need to be tested at least every month and replaced every 10 years. It is essential to install smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor of your home, including the basement.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is created due to the incomplete combustion of various fuels, like propane, natural gas, and wood. CO can be fatal in high levels, which is why it crucial to have an carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors operate by detecting the amount of CO in the air and releasing an alarm when CO levels become dangerous. There are two types of CO detectors that are battery-operated and plug-in. Plug-in detectors require professional installation, and battery-operated detectors are simple to install and maintain.
CO detectors must be tested at least once a month and replaced every 7 to 5-7 years. It is important to install CO detectors in areas that are used for sleeping and on every level of your home, including the basement.
Combination Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors
Combination smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors offer dual protection within one device. They use photoelectric and ionization sensors to detect smoke and CO levels. They also have features like voice alerts as well as digital displays to give more information in the event that there is an incident.
Professional Installation and Maintenance
Although smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detections can be easy to set up, it’s important to employ a professional electrician perform the task. They will make sure 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 perform regular maintenance to make sure that they are working well and to replace them when necessary.
DIY installation and maintenance can create risks including incorrect installation or damaged wiring, which can result in false alarms or, worse the failure to identify CO leaks or fires.
Local Electrician Kingston can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for your home. Our skilled electricians are proficient with a broad range of electrical services for homes which includes the installation of safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We can make sure that your devices are put in place correctly and maintained regularly, giving you peace of mind and the security for your loved ones.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are essential security devices that should be in every home. They can alert you in the situation of a fire, or CO leak, giving your family members and you time to leave and seek help. There are a variety of smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors that are available and some are combination devices that provide dual protection. It’s important to have a professional electrician to install these appliances and monitor them to minimize the chance of false alarms or missed detections.
At Local Electrician Kingston, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our clients’ homes. We offer a range of residential electrical services that include installations and repairs of smoke alarms as well as Carbon monoxide detection. Call us today to make an appointment and take the first step in ensuring the security of your home and family.