Smoke Alarm Installation, Toronto

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, Toronto

Smoke detectors are not only important to have, but are required by law for all homes. With how much wiring is in the modern home and how many appliances are in today’s living space, fires are all the more dangerous and all the more financially risky, which is why proper smoke alarm installation and replacement are essential for safety and fire protection.

Provincial regulations require not only a specific number of smoke detectors in the home in (and outside) each room and on each level, but mandate very specific location placements, which can vary depending on the layout of your home and the structuring of your walls and ceilings. This is why it’s often recommended to have a licensed electrician do the job, as this ensures that your alarms will function as needed.

Generally, regulations can vary from location to location in regards to smoke alarm installation, but it is usually required to have at least one smoke detector outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom, as well as at least one detector installed on every level of the home. This includes finished attics and basements. For levels without bedrooms, there needs to be an alarm in at least one of the rooms — this can be the living room, the family room, the den, etc. — or by the stairway leading up.

Ideal smoke alarm installation even requires very particular placements depending on the room of your home. For basements, the smoke detector should be situated on the ceiling near the stairs, while for kitchens, smoke alarms should be at least 3 meters away when possible from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms when cooking. If you prefer your detectors to be mounted on the walls rather than the ceilings, they should be installed no more than 12 inches away from the ceiling.

It’s important that smoke alarms are placed correctly to be able to detect threats whenever possible. They should not be installed near doors, ducts, or windows since the ducts may interfere with how they operate.

For a job requiring such specificity, it is best to hire a professional. After all, improperly connecting a smoke alarm can also be dangerous, not just because of the risk that comes with the alarm not functioning as required, but working with wiring (especially if the smoke alarm is hardwired) can be a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. Statistics show that 14% of all house fires that have caused serious residential loss were due to smoke alarms not operating properly due to no power, unit failure, or improper installation.

It’s better not to take the risk. This applies as well to smoke alarm replacement. Some smoke alarms are designed to remain effective for as long as 10 years. Once they’ve run out of battery, the entire unit needs to be replaced. This needs to be done by a professional to reduce the risk as much as possible.

Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information on smoke alarm installation! We operate within the GTA and Toronto 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)

What kind of smoke detector is best for my home?

There are many factors to take into consideration when shopping for the perfect smoke detector. Generally, there are two types of smoke detectors: ionization smoke alarms (for flaming fires) and photoelectric smoke alarms (for smouldering fires). Each bedroom should have either one of each or a combination alarm (called dual sensor smoke alarms) that utilizes both technologies for those with limited space.

Smoke alarms also have different power sources depending on the model. Some are hard-wired, wired directly into the home’s circuitry, with back-up batteries in case a power outage occurs. Others operate only on battery power that work throughout outages, but require more frequent replacement.

Some smoke detectors utilize smart technology and are pricier, but can connect with other devices such as your smartphone, allowing more control and monitoring.

A licensed electrician will be familiar with the best detectors on the market that are suited to your needs.

How often should detectors be tested after smoke alarm installation?

Smoke detectors should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month by pressing the ‘test’ button on the unit, while will sound the alarm and let you know that it is still working and that there is still battery power.

How often should smoke detectors be replaced?

This depends on the type of unit that you have, but it is usually recommended to have smoke detectors replaced every 5-10 years. Some have non-replaceable batteries usually stuck into the unit. In the case that the battery runs out, the entire smoke alarm needs to be replaced.