Smoke Alarms

Smoke detectors can save lives

Generally when a fire breaks out in a home, it is the smoke that inflicts the fatal harm on its occupants. Installing smoke alarms can not only save lives, but will also give your family peace of mind.

There are two basic types of alarms available today: photoelectric and ionization. Combinations of both of these types exist and are called dual-sensor smoke alarms. Ionization fire alarms are better at detecting quick moving, flaming fires. The photoelectric smoke detectors are better at alarming when a smoldering fire is present. Because it is impossible to predict which type of fire will start in a home, many experts believe the dual-sensor alarms are the best option.

It is best to place a smoke alarm on every level of a home, basement included. The basement usually houses the furnace, water heater and other electrical gadgetry that put it at high risk for fire outbreak. One in every bedroom is an intelligent choice also, as some smoke alarm models may not wake people who sleep soundly.

There are a couple of different options for the installation of fire alarms. The first is to purchase the battery-powered type, which requires only a screwdriver to secure. The other is to hard-wire the alarm into the home’s electrical system. For this, it is often best to hire an electrician.

The National Electric Code (NEC) gives safety codes for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as how and where they should be installed in the home. NEC smoke detectors requirements are set out in Section 210.71, and there may be additional stipulations in local building codes. These strict codes are necessary for saving lives, not only in single family homes but in hotels, apartment buildings, office buildings and industrial sites.

Finally, make sure to get a smoke detector that chirps loudly when the battery needs replacing. This feature is critical because millions of people forget to replace fire alarm batteries on a yearly basis. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 22 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with non-operational smoke alarms.

Why Are Smoke Alarms Important for Home Safety?

  • According to the NFPA, 85% of fire-related deaths happen in the home.
  • Installing working smoke detectors in a home increases the chance of survival of its residents during a fire by 50%.
  • Most fatal fires start late at night or early in the morning when residents are sleeping.

What to Consider Before Buying Smoke Alarms

  • How many smoke alarms are needed? At least one for every floor, and perhaps multiple alarms on a floor to include each bedroom.
  • Do your regional building codes require smoke detectors to be hard-wired?
  • Does the smoke detector have a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating? These detectors are considered the best because they have undergone rigorous testing.

The Best Smoke Detector Brands

  • First Alert Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm
  • Kidde Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm
  • FireX Smoke Detectors
  • DeTech Smoke Detectors