Every You Should Understand About Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As homeowner, the safety of your family members is the top priority. One method to protect them is by installing CO detectors as well as smoke alarms in your house. These devices will notify you in the case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, giving you and your family enough time to get out and seek assistance. The following article we will discuss the importance of having smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, the various kinds available, and the reasons why the installation and maintenance of a professional is crucial.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms detect smoke and sound an alarm sound to notify you to the possibility of a fire. They operate by using photoelectric or ionization technology to detect smoke particles that are in the air. Ionization smoke alarms have a higher sensitivity to flame fires, while photoelectric alarms are more effective in detecting smoldering fires. It’s recommended that homes have both kinds of smoke alarms installed for maximum protection.

There are two types of smoke alarms on the market including hardwired and battery-operated. Battery-operated smoke alarms are easy to set up and maintain, but require regular battery replacements. Hardwired smoke alarms however are connected to the electrical system in your home and come with a battery backup in case of power failures. They require professional installation but are more durable in the long run.

Smoke alarms need to be tested every month at a minimum as well as replaced once every 10 years. It is important to put smoke alarms in each bedroom in the bedroom, on the outside of every sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is created through the incomplete 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 function by sensing 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 available that are battery-operated and plug-in. The plug-in type of detectors requires professional installations, while battery-operated detectors are easy to set up and maintain.

CO detectors should be checked at least once a month and replaced every 5 to 7 years. It is important to install CO detectors in areas that are used for sleeping and on all levels of your house, including the basement.

Combination Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors

Smoke alarms that are combined with carbon monoxide detectors provide dual protection all in one. They use both ionization and photoelectric sensors to detect CO and smoke levels. They also include features such as voice alerts and digital displays to give additional information in the event in the event of an emergency.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

While smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can be easy to set up however, it is important to have a professional electrician do the job. They will make sure that the devices are set up properly and in the correct places, thus reducing the chance of false alarms or missing detections. Professional electricians can also perform regular maintenance to ensure the devices are functioning well and to replace them when required.

DIY installation and maintenance could lead to potential risks including incorrect installation or faulty wiring that could result in false alarms or, even more dangerously failing to spot the presence of CO or fire.

Electricians of Papakura can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors for your home. Our skilled electricians are proficient with a broad range of electrical services for homes that include the installation of safety devices such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We can ensure the devices you have purchased are put in place correctly and maintained regularly to give you peace of mind and the safety for your loved ones.

Conclusion

Alarms for smoke and CO detectors are essential security devices that should be in every home. They are able to alert you in the case of a fire or leak of CO, giving you and your family enough time to leave and seek help. There are different types of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as combinations that offer dual protection. It’s important to have a skilled electrician install and maintain these devices in order to lower the possibility of false alarms and missed detections.

In Electricians of Papakura, we are determined to ensure the safety of the homes of our customers. We provide a variety of residential electrical services that include installing and maintaining smoke alarms as well as Carbon monoxide detection. Call us today to make an appointment. This is the first step to ensure the security of your home and family.