Things to know about smoke alarms

It can be saidthat smoke alarmsare one of the safety devices that are cheap and quite basicfor each apartment today.However, to make the most of the benefits of this 'guardian deity', you should equip yourself with knowledge as well as a more accurate view of them.

Smoke detectors and smoke detectors

Before we dive into discussing smoke detectors, the first important thing is to distinguish thesmokedetector andsmokedetector.These two terms are often used interchangeably, leading to misunderstandings about the characteristics and functions of both devices.

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The biggest difference between these two "guys" is that the "smoke detector" is an all-in-one closed device, including smoke sensors and alarms that are located in the same enclosed space.These are the guys you often encounter in houses or apartments.

Meanwhile,the smoke detectorguyusually contained only smoke sensors and no other devices.Therefore, the alarm unit is a separate unit and the whole system operates according to the direction of the controller placed in the central position.You will find these systems in commercial centers, in hotels and hospitals .

Therefore, essentially smoke detectors are devices commonly used in homes, while smoke detectors are often used in large business locations.However, in this article, we will focus on understanding mainly smoke alarms in residential areas.

There are two different types of smoke sensors

Unfortunately, not all smoke alarms are the same.Because the process of detecting fire and smoke requires synergistic support from two different types of sensors, the 'photoelectric' sensor and the 'ionizing' sensor, and both types of sensors are identified. Various types of smoke and fire.

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In summary, the photoelectric sensors have a knack for detecting smoldering fires, which are slow fires, not so intense, that do not produce much fire.While ionizing fire sensors are experts in detecting rapid-fire fires that produce large amounts of heat.Both sensors use different sensor technologies, so their ability to detect fires is also different.

You can easily find smoke detectors that integrate both types of sensors at the same time.But there are countless smoke detectors on the market with only one type of sensor.Therefore, if there is no clear knowledge of smoke sensors, it is best to buy smoke detectors that integrate both types of sensors.

If you are interested in a smart smoke detector like Nest Protect, understand that this type of technology only includes photoelectric sensors.However, note that the sensor used on this type is "Split-Spectrum", this sensor is very sensitive to both types of fire mentioned above.

Electric fire alarm and battery powered device

In addition to the different types of sensors, smoke alarms also have two separate types with two different power connection types: Battery operated or connected to the electrical system in the house.Ideally, you should use the second type because you don't always remember to replace the battery properly, right?Furthermore, they are connected, meaning that if an alarm is turned off, all other alarms will stop working, and vice versa.

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However, not all houses have wiring systems that connect to smoke detectors, and that's where battery-operated devices dominate.Moreover, these devices are also easier to install because you do not need to waste time processing connected wiring.

Please note that in all cases before buying a home, make sure you know what type of smoke alarm system the house is, to avoid losing more effort and cost when replacing and upgrading the system.

Smoke alarms also have a shelf

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Like many other things, smoke detectors also become ineffective after a certain period of time.The National Fire Protection Association recommends that people replace smoke alarms every 10 years.Because after long periods of use, the performance of sensors also decreased markedly.This also happens on expensive smart smoke alarm systems.According to one of NFPA's top recommendations for replacing smoke alarms, Nest said that most CO gas detectors need to be replaced after 5-7 years, so you should plan for replacement. replace the whole device as often as indicated.

Location of smoke alarms

For those who first install smoke alarms, they tend to choose the installation location according to the sentiment, which they consider beautiful.However, it is likely that the house will need more smoke detectors than you think.

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According to the latest edition of NFPA 72 set of fire alarm equipment regulations. Fire alarm devices should be installed inside and outside of each bedroom, (such as corridors, where many units are connected). rooms together), and on every floor of the house, including the basement.

It is also important that if you install smoke detectors on the wall, they should be no more than 12 inches from the ceiling (because of smoke), and should not be installed near the door. , windows or vents where air flow may interfere with the device's ability to detect smoke.

See more:

1. Turn your old phone into a remote fire alarm device with Smonkey
2. 12 'must-have' devices for smart home (Smart Home)
3. 10 gadgets can save your life someday