Smoke Alarm Installation, Etobicoke
With smoke alarms being at the forefront of your home’s fire protection system, it’s important to have them properly installed and replaced when required.
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Smoke Alarm Installation, Etobicoke
Greater amounts of wiring and electronic devices in the modern home means that it’s more important than ever to have smoke detectors properly installed. To be alerted in time and maximize escape time, homeowners need a sufficient number of high-quality smoke detectors. Along with having the right amount required for proper fire protection, very specific requirements can be involved with smoke alarm installation.
Smoke alarm installation mandates that there to be a smoke detector outside each sleeping area, as well as inside each bedroom. In line with these location requirements, at least one smoke detector is needed on every level of the home, which can include any finished attics or basements. Levels without bedrooms will need smoke detectors to be installed inside other rooms on that floor, such as living rooms, dens, family rooms, etc. and near the stairways leading up.
In terms of where to place them, they need to be mounted high enough on the walls or ceilings that they will be able to detect rising smoke. For homeowners who prefer wall-mounted alarms, they should be installed no more than 12 inches away from the ceiling. Smoke detectors also should not be near any windows, doors, or ducts, since the draft can interfere with it operating properly. Since every home is unique depending on the structure of the ceilings in each room, installation can vary greatly.
With so many specifications for installation, it’s best to have peace of mind by having a professional plan and carry out this project. Statistics show that 14% of all serious house fires from 2010 to 2019 were caused by problems related to smoke alarms including improper installation. These fires would go on to cause significant property damage and residential loss. Having a licensed electrical contractor do the job ensures that your home will be protected, as improper connections can be a shock hazard and have the potential to cause damage to your home and the alarm itself.
Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information on smoke alarm installation! We operate within the GTA and Etobicoke to ensure that your smoke alarms are installed correctly and replaced when needed to keep you and your property safe from the threat of fires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I maintain my smoke alarms after they are installed?
What factors should be considered when shopping for a smoke detector?
When looking for the smoke detector most suited to your home and your needs, there are many factors to take into consideration. A licensed electrician will be familiar with the best detectors on the market, so it’s best to consult with them during the process.
Nevertheless, smoke detectors are usually divided into type types: ionization (responsive to flames) and photoelectric (responsive for smoldering fires). Combination ionization-photoelectric alarms, or dual sensor smoke alarms, are often recommended for the best protection.
A smoke alarm also has two possible power sources: batteries or being hard-wired. Battery alarms work during a power failure, with batteries that need to be replace annually. Meanwhile, hard-wired alarms are integrated into the home’s circuitry, usually with back-up batteries in case of a temporary power outage.
When do I need to replace my smoke alarm after installation?
This depends on the type of smoke detector. Units that only use removable batteries should have their batteries replaced at least once every year. For smoke alarms that use sealed lithium batteries integrated into the unit that last for about 10 years, the entire unit will need to be replaced once the battery has died. A good rule of thumb is that a smoke detector should be replaced every 5-10 years.