Smoke Alarm Installation, Mississauga
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, Mississauga
Smoke alarms are not only required in the home by law, but are important to install and maintain for safety reasons. With the amount of wiring and electronics in the home today, fires are all the more hazardous and are more likely to spread quicker and farther. This is why smoke alarm installation for the modern home is incredibly important, as having the right amount installed can maximize available escape time.
Since smoke alarms are only protective when installed correctly, a licensed electrical contractor should be tasked with the job. Improper connections can be a shock hazard, with the potential to cause damage to both the unit itself and to your property. In fact, statistics show that 14% of major house fires from 2010 to 2019 were caused by faulty smoke alarms, brought about by things such as unit failure and improper installations. With smoke alarms needing very particular placements, having a licensed electrical contractor do the job of smoke alarm installation will allow you peace of mind as you’re guided through the process by a professional, from project management to execution.
Once installed, smoke alarms should also be maintained and replaced when needed. Smoke alarm maintenance should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which can include cleaning to keep the alarms working as needed, such as vacuuming units to remove any dust or stray particles that have accumulated. Smoke alarms should also be tested at least once a month to ensure that the alarm sound is still working and that there is still battery left within the unit. This is as simple as pressing the ‘test’ button on the unit. In general, homeowners should have electrical maintenance done on their homes every 5 or so years to ensure that everything is working as intended.
Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information on smoke alarm installation! We operate within the GTA and Mississauga 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 long does a single smoke alarm last?
This depends on the type of smoke alarm that you have. Generally, smoke alarms should be replaced every 5-10 years. Some smoke alarms come with non-replaceable 10-year batteries, which are designed to work for the full 10 years from installation. Once the battery has run out, however, the entire unit needs to be replaced. For smoke alarms with replaceable batteries, batteries should be changed every year, and after 5 years, consider replacing the unit for optimal protection.
What should I know about the different types of detectors for smoke alarm installation?
There are two types of smoke alarms: ionization smoke alarms (that are more responsive to flaming fires) and photoelectric smoke alarms (that are more responsive to smoldering fires). Each bedroom in the home needs alarms that can detect both flaming and smoldering fires, which is why combination ionization-photoelectric alarms (also called dual sensor smoke alarms) are often used and recommended for the best protection.
Which power source is best for smoke alarm installation?
Smoke alarms are usually either hard-wired or battery-only. The best type of alarm for your home is mostly up to preference. Hard-wired alarms are connected through the home’s circuitry, with back-up batteries in case your home loses power. Replacement is less frequent and requires a licensed electrician to do so. Battery-only alarms are easier to install and work during a power failure. Batteries, however, will require yearly replacement. It’s best to consult with a professional concerning the best smoke alarm for your property.