Installing a Smoke Detector 1

Choosing and Installing Smoke Detectors

Even a simple cooking fire can fill the house up with smoke in a matter of minutes. Because of this, many building codes require smoke detectors in newer houses and apartments. Don’t fall victim to deadly fires, choose a method that will provide you safety and peace of mind.

There are two basic types of smoke detectors—photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric beam light into a chamber containing a photocell. When smoke enters, it scatters the light and triggers the alarm. Slow, smoldering fires with lots of smoke set off these alarms faster than flaming blazes.

Ionization alarms use a radioactive source that breaks up the air inside the detector and gives it a small electrical charge. Smoke particles reduce the current flow, which sounds the warning alarm. Ionization units detect the fire more quickly than photoelectric units when there is a fast, flaming fire.

So, which works best?

Each type of alarm has its advantages, and drawbacks—especially if you don’t like hearing the loud, high squeal of a false alarm. Most photoelectric models run on house energy, which means you get no protection when there is a power outage or electrical fire. Ionization models can run on house current, batteries or both. Besides reacting slower to smoldering fires, they are also more prone to false alarms. To increase your peace of mind, you may want to include both kinds. Install one type in the hallway and the other just inside the door frame to your bedroom.

Deluxe fire protection systems also include heat sensors so that all alarms will sound if just one senses excessive heat or smoke. As part of an alarm system, these sensors are wired to the control panel which sends a signal to the central monitoring station if there is a fire. Also, these systems typically have their own power source and backup eliminating any concerns about needing to change the batteries or power outage.

Playing With Fire

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is the number one cause of fatal residential fires. Kids playing with matches and lighters places a close second so keep them out of reach.

If you do smoke, consider these steps to safety:

*Never smoke in bed or when you are feeling tired.

*Use only large, noncombustible ashtrays designed to keep cigarettes from falling out.

*Douse matches, cigarette butts, and ashes with water before throwing them in the trash.