What Makes Your Smoke Alarm Start Beeping
Did you realize that two thirds of fatalities in the home are in homes where there are no smoke alarms present or, if there are, they aren’t working.
It’s really a critical point as countless studies show that having working smoke alarms installed is what it means to be alive or dead. And not only do they need to be installed they must work, everyday, throughout each year.
Two smoke alarm types exist. they are ionization based, and photoelectric.
It is difficult to say which type is better because they are meant to detect different types of home fires. Most fire prevention experts recommend that residences should install both photoelectric and ionization types. Alternatively, install dual sensor alarms containing both photoelectric and ionization sensors.
There are also smoke alarms for people with hearing disabilities. these alarms typically contain vibrating mechanisms, and/or flashing lights, to alert people who would not be able to hear a standard smoke alarm.
There are smoke alarms which operate solely on batteries, and there are alarms which you hardwire into your home electrical circuits.
Battery operated alarms run on standard throw away batteries. but you can also get lithium batteries which can last as long as ten years.
Even with smoke alarms that need to be wired to an electrical system, backup batteries are usually present and should be replaced from time to time.
How do you know when to replace the batteries (in either type)? Very simply test the batteries in each alarm on a regular pre-determined basis, like once every 3 months for example.
The great thing about lithium batteries is they last so much longer and are therefore providing you with so much more added protection. Individual alarms cost around US$ 25+ on average and dual alarms (ionization and photoelectric combined) cost around US$ 45+.
Of course, cost is secondary to the value of a life it might save. So don’t be silly by trying to skimp.
It’s important that smoke alarms are placed on every level of your home. Also include coverage within any basement. Unfortunately, a fire is a sneaky thing which creeps up on you often when you are asleep. Make sure you have alarms in, and nearby, bedrooms and in the living room as well.
Smoke rises so you want to make sure that all alarms are fitted to the ceilings at each level in your home. this will ensure you get the earliest alert. Always observe the manufacturer recommendations when you install any alarms. Make sure to use a time served electrician where you are unsure.
Maintenance is key to making sure the smoke alarms can alert you in an emergency. For all battery powered alarms, conduct monthly tests and replace the batteries once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm unit once every 8 to 10 years.
Many homeowners make the potentially fatal mistake of disabling the smoke alarm if it goes off when they’re cooking or taking a steam bath. Instead of taking the batteries out of the alarm when this happens, follow these steps:
Open doors and windows and use the ‘hush’ button to mute the sound.
Wave a towel around the alarm to clear away any smoke or dust.
Some alarms have a simple latch holding it into place, which you can unlatch to enable you to temporarily re-site it out of reach of any issues which are causing it to malfunction (but make sure you put it back in its original location afterwards).
And, if you ever hear an alarm beeping it means either the batteries are flat (and need replacing), or there is dust in the Smoke Alarm (vacuum your alarm, carefully), or there is an internal fault/obstruction (have your alarm inspected by an expert, or replace the alarm).
But, whatever you do, don’t leave the alarm to beep and never disable the alarm to stop the beeping sound.
Douglas Barker is well known for short, but complete, key facts which are essential to understanding vital skills to safeguard your family. this includes his great advice at the First Alert Smoke Alarm site, where you can also learn how to resolve a Smoke Alarm Beeping.
this entry was posted on January 9, 2012 at 9:09 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
