Smoke Alarms Best Practices

One of the best safety measures you can implement in your home or business is installing smoke alarms. These small electronic devices have sensors and audible components or are linked to a central control panel. In case of a fire, the devices detect smoke particles and emit a loud warning sound to alert residents. 

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With a short window to respond to a fire emergency and get to safety, smoke alarms provide the valuable headstart needed to save lives and manage emergencies. 

If you are installing smoke detectors in your home or office, follow these best practices.

1. Choose the Right Smoke Alarm

Fires in properties without smoke alarms and homes where the alarms failed to work accounted for almost 60% of home fire deaths

While these findings show how critical these devices are, they also demonstrate the importance of having a working smoke alarm to alert everyone during a fire. 

Generally, there are three types of smoke alarms, and they respond differently to triggers. Knowing how they function is key to ensuring the best protection.

Ionization Smoke Alarms

Ionization smoke alarms have a sustained flow of ions inside a sensing chamber. Smoke particles rising into the chamber disrupt the ions and lower the electrical current in the chamber, which triggers the alarm. These alarms are sensitive and react quickly to fast-flaming fires that produce large flames with little smoke. 

For fires that burn rapidly, such as those caused by flammable liquids and gases, it's best to select an ionization smoke detector.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric alarms detect fires when smoke distorts the light beam in the sensing chamber, allowing it to reach the light sensor. These alarms are more sensitive to slow-burning smoldering fires, producing more smoke with fewer flames. 

Smoldering fires may include burning fabric, furniture or electric malfunctions.

Combination Detectors

Combination smoke detectors have three main subtypes, including:

  1. Options featuring both photoelectric and ionization technologies alongside carbon monoxide (CO) detection.
  2. Those with only one smoke detection system in addition to CO detection.
  3. Models combining the two smoke detection systems without CO detection.

2. Consider the Features

Besides the different types, smoke alarms have varying features related to quality and power connection. 

Quality Standards

Quality is a lifesaving feature when selecting fire detection systems. For smoke alarms, examine the packaging or the device for a label from either the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) or Intertek’s Electrical Testing Labs (ETL) — these certifications are a mark of quality, which means the device has undergone testing through strict safety standards.

Power Connection

Hard-wired alarms use your home's electrical system to function, but they also have options for backup batteries, ensuring continuous operation. 

Wireless alarms operate on batteries and are suitable for properties where installing hard-wired alarms is not practical. Battery-only alarms come in two models — basic options that operate on replaceable batteries and those with built-in batteries designed to last much longer. 

Consider getting both hard-wired units with battery backups, as they are more effective and are associated with lower death rates for every 1,000 reported fires.

3. Ensure Proper Installation

Proper installation in a strategic location is crucial for smoke alarms. 

You must place your devices in areas that guarantee everyone in the building can hear. Below are tips for appropriate installation:

  • Install alarms on each level of the building in areas such as every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, hallways, common areas, basement, attic and stairway. 
  • When mounting alarms on the ceiling, leave a 4-inch distance from the wall. If mounting on a wall, leave a distance of no more than 12 inches from the ceiling and ensure the device is away from windows, vents and dusty areas.
  • To prevent false alarms, install alarms away from sources of combustion particles, such as cooking appliances, space heaters and furnaces.
  • Space alarms away from humid areas such as a laundry room, a humidifier and a bathroom.
  • Keep alarms away from sources of turbulent air, such as fans and open windows, as they can blow smoke away from the sensor.
  • When mounting on a wall, keep the alarm below the dead air space (where corners meet), as air doesn't circulate in this area.

4. Follow a Maintenance Schedule

Smoke alarms need proper care and maintenance to serve their purpose. They need regular cleaning to remove dust, inspection for signs of malfunctions and sensor testing to verify that the device can respond to smoke. 

Find recommended care and maintenance tips for your device in your manufacturer's manual. 

For general maintenance tips, consider the following.

Battery-Powered Alarms

For smoke alarms with 9-volt batteries:

  • Press the test button at least once a month to test the alarm.
  • Replace the batteries every six months and right away if the device shows signs of low power.
  • Follow the manufacturer's guidance on battery recommendations.
  • Replace the whole smoke alarm unit every 10 years or when you notice signs of damage.

Non-Replaceable Battery Alarms

For smoke alarms with built-in lifelong batteries:

  • Test the alarm at least once a month.
  • Replace the smoke alarm after the 10-year life span or when it shows signs of low battery or damage.

Hardwired Alarms

For smoke alarms connected to your home's electrical system:

  • Test the alarm at least once a month.
  • Replace the backup battery once a year.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years or when you notice signs of damage.

Establish Interconnection

Interconnecting your alarms so that they all react when one does is vital. Fire can start in any part of the building, and when the devices are linked, the sounding of the closest alarm triggers all alarms in the building, alerting everyone to the danger. Unlike individual alarms that will likely go off in the basement where nobody is present, an interconnected system is safer and more efficient.

Interconnection between smoke alarms plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the devices in alerting occupants. If you're not sure how to interconnect the smoke detectors in your building, call in a certified technician.

Prioritize Smoke Alarm Safety With Bunker Gear Specialists

Proper fire safety is critical in all homes and businesses, and having the right systems can give you peace of mind. At Bunker Gear Specialists (BGS), we provide reliable life safety systems, including smoke detection solutions, fire extinguishers and fire protection products. 

With more than 20 years in business, we understand what goes into enhancing fire and safety processes. Our team can recommend the right solutions for your specific facility and requirements to ensure you get the lifesaving equipment you need. 

Explore fire equipment and safety products on our online store or contact us to handle your industrial fire equipment and safety needs!