Smoke Detectors are a simple and efficient
way to protect homeowners from severe injury
or even deaths which may result from fires in
the home. It's estimates that a house fire
occurs every 66 seconds in the U.S. The
National Fire Protection Association estimates
that having operating smoke detectors in the
home reduce the possibility of dying from a fire
by 50%. However, even though an estimated
13 out of 14 homes (93%) have at least one
smoke detector, an estimated 1/3 of the smoke
detectors are not properly maintained or
operating.
Most residential fire deaths occur between 11 P.M. and 7 A.M. This is the
time of greatest danger, when people are asleep. The primary killer is
smoke and poisonous gases which overcome victims as they sleep. From
the time a fire breaks out there is a limited amount of time that a person
has to escape. With the early warning of a smoke detector, you can be
awakened during the early stages of a fire while escape is still possible.
Smoke Detector Types
There are two common types of smoke detectors available on the
market. Each type is distinguished by its detection method. The most
common smoke detector uses ionization sensors to detect smoke. The
other type of smoke detector uses a photoelectric sensor to detect
smoke. Click here for Smoke Detectors
Smoke Detector Locations
New homes require hard-wired alarms to be interconnected so that if one alarm is
activated, all alarms will sound the alarm signal.
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Detectors are to be located on every level of a residence, basement,
first floor, second floor, excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
in every separate sleeping area, between sleeping areas and living
areas such as the kitchen, garage, basement or utility room.
In homes with only one sleeping area on one floor, a detector is to
be put in the hallway outside the bedrooms.
In single floor homes with two separate sleeping areas, two detectors
are required, outside each sleeping area.
In multi-level homes, detectors should be located outside sleeping
areas and at every finished level of the home.
Basement level detectors should be located in the bottom of
basement stairwells .
"Since smoke and deadly gases rise, alarms should be placed on the
ceiling at least 4 inches from the nearest wall, or high on a wall, 4-12
inches from the ceiling. This 4-inch minimum is important to keep
alarms out of possible "dead air" spaces, because hot air is turbulent
and may bounce so much it misses spots near a surface. Installing
alarms near a window, door or fireplace is not recommended because
drafts could detour smoke away from the unit. In rooms where the
ceiling has an extremely high point, such as in vaulted ceilings, mount
the alarm at or near the ceiling's highest point."
WHERE NOT TO LOCATE SMOKE DETECTORS
To avoid false alarms and/or improper operation, avoid installation of smoke detectors
in the following areas:
*Kitchens: smoke from cooking may cause a nuisance alarm.
*Bathrooms: excessive steam from a shower may cause a nuisance alarm.
*Forced air ducts used for heating or air conditioning or paddle fans: air movement may
prevent smoke from reaching detectors.
*Near furnaces of any type – air and dust movement and normal combustion products may
cause a nuisance alarm.
*The “Dead Air” space where the ceiling meets the wall.
*The peak of an “A” frame type of ceiling “Dead Air” at the top may prevent smoke from
reaching the detector.
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MAINTENANCE
Battery operated and hard wired smoke detectors should have the
battery replaced at least annually. A good practice is to replace the
batteries ever time you change your clock, or when a low warning
signal or chirping occurs.
It is important to use the exact make and model of battery
recommended by the detector’s manufacturer.
Accumulation of dust, dirt and insects can cause a false alarm. Keep
the detector clean by vacuuming around its exterior.
Testing
The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing all smoke
detectors once a month to make sure they are operating. "Test each
alarm by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm. If you can't
reach, stand under the alarm and push the test button with a broom
handle."
Replacement
Based on statistical performance information, it is recommended
that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years or as monthly
testing indicates.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or
charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the
amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working
properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die
accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-
burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars.
Where to Locate a CO Detector
Carbon monoxide is almost identical in weight to normal air and thus will mix freely with air.
For this reason alarms may be installed at any level in a room, from close to the floor level,to
the ceiling.
If the CO alarm is to be ceiling mounted, it should be installed away from any existing smoke
alarms in order to allow for differentiation between a CO alarm and a smoke alarm in an
emergency alarm situation.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home be equipped with
at least one carbon monoxide alarm near the sleeping area of the home. (Because victims of
CO poisoning will slip deeper into unconsciousness as their CO condition worsens, a loud
alarm is necessary to wake them). For maximum protection, place one carbon monoxide
alarm on every level of your home.
In homes heated by a boiler system (radiators rather than vents), consumers should
consider placing a CO alarm near the furnace room, but about 5 feet away from the furnace
itself .Locating a CO alarm directly beside a furnace would be the equivalent of locating a
smoke alarm directly above an oven range. Under normal conditions, a furnace will emit very
low levels of CO which will quickly dissipate and thus are not dangerous. However a
malfunctioning furnace may generate a very high level of CO which a nearby CO alarm will
alert you to.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives!
Call us for all your Residential Smoke and CO Product need
201 445-1719 or click here to contact us via e-mail
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North Jersey Electrical Services Inc.
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