Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Essential Safety Devices for Your Home

As homeowner, the safety of your family members is the top priority. One way to make sure they are safe is by installing CO detectors as well as smoke alarms inside your house. They can notify you in the event of a fire or a carbon monoxide leak, giving your family members and you time to evacuate and seek assistance. The following article we will explain the necessity to have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at your home, the different types available, and why professional installation and maintenance is essential.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are devices that detect smoke and then emit an alarm sound to notify you to the possibility of a fire. They work by using either ionization or photoelectric technology to detect smoke particles that are in the air. Smoke alarms that are ionized are more sensitive to flame fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at detection of smoldering flames. It is suggested that homes are equipped with both types of smoke alarms in order for maximum protection.

There are two primary types of smoke alarms on the market: battery-operated and hardwired. Smoke alarms powered by batteries are simple to set up and maintain, however, they require frequent battery replacements. Smoke alarms that are wired, in contrast are connected to the electrical system in your home and are equipped with an emergency battery backup in case there are power outages. They require professional installation but are more efficient in the long term.

Smoke alarms must be checked at least once a month as well as replaced once every 10 years. It is important to put smoke alarms in all bedrooms in the bedroom, on the outside of every sleeping area and on every floor of your house, including the basement.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced due to the incomplete combustion of fuels like natural gas, propane, and wood. CO is deadly when present in high levels, which is why it essential to have an carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors work by sensing the amount of CO present in the air, and then emitting an alarm when CO levels become unsafe. There are two kinds of CO detectors that are available that are battery-operated and plug-in. For plug-in detectors, professional assistance is required for installation and battery-operated detectors are simple to set up and maintain.

CO detectors should be tested at least per month and replaced after 5 to 7 years. It is important to install CO detectors in areas that are used for sleeping and on every level of your house, including the basement.

Combination Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors

Smoke alarms that are combined with carbon monoxide detectors offer dual protection in one device. They work by using photoelectric and ionization sensors to detect CO and smoke levels. They also come with features like alarms for voice and digital displays to give more information in the event of an emergency.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

Although smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detections can be simple to install, it’s important to hire a skilled electrician perform the task. They will make sure they are set up properly and in the correct places, thus reducing the chance of false alarms and missed detections. Professional electricians can also conduct regular maintenance to ensure the devices are operating well and to replace them when necessary.

DIY maintenance and installation can create risks, such as incorrect placement or faulty wiring that could result in false alarms, or even worse the failure to identify a fire or CO leak.

Local Electrician Surry Hills can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors for your home. Our highly trained electricians are experienced in a variety of electrical services for residential use which includes the installation of safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We can make sure that the equipment is set up correctly and are maintained regularly, giving you peace of mind and the security of your family.

Conclusion

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial security tools for every house. They will notify you in the event of a fire or CO leak, giving you and your family enough time to get out and seek assistance. There are a variety of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are available as well as combo devices that provide double protection. It’s important to have a skilled electrician to install these appliances and monitor them in order to minimize the chance of false alarms or missing detections.

In Local Electrician Surry Hills, we are dedicated to the security of our clients’ homes. We offer a variety of residential electrical services that include installing and maintaining smoke alarms as well as CO detectors. Call us today to make an appointment. Take the first step towards ensuring the security of your home and family.