SMOKE DETECTORS
In the United States, smoke detectors have been credited with reducing deaths and injuries due to fire by as much as 50% since the 1970s. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimates that 65% of all
reported home fire deaths occurred in homes where no smoke detector was present or operating. Smoke
detector failure is often due to missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
Types of Smoke Detectors
Ionization Detectors -This is the most common detector on the market. They are the best for detecting fast flaming fires, but also detect smoldering fires. These detectors use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation within the detector to energize two plates within the chamber. This makes the plates much like positive and negative poles of a magnet. As air enters the chamber and ionizes the positive and negative atoms attract to the plates. When smoke enters the chamber it disrupts this current. The detector notices the drop in current between the plates and sounds the alarm.
Photoelectric Detectors - This detector is best for detecting smoldering fires, but also detects fast flaming fires. This detector works like the beam detector in retail stores. On one side is a light or a low powered laser and on the other side is a photoelectric detector. When you block the beam of light the detector senses that and can sound an alarm. It would take a lot of smoke to block the light going to the detector to activate an alarm so photoelectric detectors use the light differently. These detectors use a light and a sensor but they are positioned at 90 degree angles from one another. Once smoke enters the chamber, the smoke particles scatter the light and some amount of light would reach the sensor sounding the alarm.
Dual Technology Detectors - These detectors have both technologies built into one. They are designed to detect both fast flaming fires and smoldering fires. We recommend this type of detector. It is not possible to predict the type of fire or when it may occur.
Installation and Placement
· Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home including the basement.
· Install smoke detectors outside of each sleeping area and inside the bedrooms.
· Install smoke detectors at the proper level and always to manufacturer’s specifications.
· Smoke detectors mounted on flat ceilings should be placed between 4” to 12” from the wall.
· Smoke detectors mounted on walls should be placed within the range of 4” to 12” from the intersection
of the wall and ceiling.
· Do not mount smoke detectors on a wall in a room with vaulted ceilings.
· Avoid placing smoke detectors in bathrooms and kitchens.
· Avoid placing smoke detectors near windows, doors, ceiling fans, and air ducts where drafts may affect
operation.
Maintaining Your Smoke Detector
· Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when cleaning your smoke detector.
· Test your smoke detector monthly.
· Install new batteries at least once a year or when you hear the alarm chirp thus indicating a low battery.
· It is recommended to replace your smoke detector every 10 years.
· Never borrow a battery from your smoke detector.
· Never disconnect your smoke detector, even temporarily.
· Never paint your smoke detector.
We hope this information is helpful and plan to have different fire safety tips and instruction available soon. For questions or assistance, contact Local 140 at 889-7250.
BE SAFE!
In the United States, smoke detectors have been credited with reducing deaths and injuries due to fire by as much as 50% since the 1970s. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimates that 65% of all
reported home fire deaths occurred in homes where no smoke detector was present or operating. Smoke
detector failure is often due to missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
Types of Smoke Detectors
Ionization Detectors -This is the most common detector on the market. They are the best for detecting fast flaming fires, but also detect smoldering fires. These detectors use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation within the detector to energize two plates within the chamber. This makes the plates much like positive and negative poles of a magnet. As air enters the chamber and ionizes the positive and negative atoms attract to the plates. When smoke enters the chamber it disrupts this current. The detector notices the drop in current between the plates and sounds the alarm.
Photoelectric Detectors - This detector is best for detecting smoldering fires, but also detects fast flaming fires. This detector works like the beam detector in retail stores. On one side is a light or a low powered laser and on the other side is a photoelectric detector. When you block the beam of light the detector senses that and can sound an alarm. It would take a lot of smoke to block the light going to the detector to activate an alarm so photoelectric detectors use the light differently. These detectors use a light and a sensor but they are positioned at 90 degree angles from one another. Once smoke enters the chamber, the smoke particles scatter the light and some amount of light would reach the sensor sounding the alarm.
Dual Technology Detectors - These detectors have both technologies built into one. They are designed to detect both fast flaming fires and smoldering fires. We recommend this type of detector. It is not possible to predict the type of fire or when it may occur.
Installation and Placement
· Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home including the basement.
· Install smoke detectors outside of each sleeping area and inside the bedrooms.
· Install smoke detectors at the proper level and always to manufacturer’s specifications.
· Smoke detectors mounted on flat ceilings should be placed between 4” to 12” from the wall.
· Smoke detectors mounted on walls should be placed within the range of 4” to 12” from the intersection
of the wall and ceiling.
· Do not mount smoke detectors on a wall in a room with vaulted ceilings.
· Avoid placing smoke detectors in bathrooms and kitchens.
· Avoid placing smoke detectors near windows, doors, ceiling fans, and air ducts where drafts may affect
operation.
Maintaining Your Smoke Detector
· Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when cleaning your smoke detector.
· Test your smoke detector monthly.
· Install new batteries at least once a year or when you hear the alarm chirp thus indicating a low battery.
· It is recommended to replace your smoke detector every 10 years.
· Never borrow a battery from your smoke detector.
· Never disconnect your smoke detector, even temporarily.
· Never paint your smoke detector.
We hope this information is helpful and plan to have different fire safety tips and instruction available soon. For questions or assistance, contact Local 140 at 889-7250.
BE SAFE!