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Smoke
Detectors and Home Escape Planning Could
Save Your Life! Why a Smoke
Detector? Most fires occur at night when
people are sleeping. A smoke detector can
alert you when there is a fire, in time to
save your life. Smoke detectors work by
sensing rising smoke from a fire and
sounding an alarm.
What Type Should I Buy?
1. Photoelectric uses a photoelectric
bulb that sends forth a beam of light. When
smoke enters, light from the beam is
reflected from smoke particles into a
photocell and the alarm is triggered.
2. Ionization Chamber contains a small,
safe radiation chamber source that produces
electrically charged air molecules called
ions. When smoke enters the chamber, it
causes a change in the flow of ions,
triggering the alarm.
Both are EQUALLY EFFECTIVE and neither
requires that you be familiar with its inner
workings. As long as you buy a detector that
is tested by a major testing laboratory,
such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), you
can be assured it has met certain testing
requirements.
Where Should I Install My Detector?
Smoke rises, so the best place to install a
detector is on the ceiling or high on an
inside wall just below the ceiling. If the
detector is below an uninsulated attic or in
a mobile home, the detector should be placed
on the wall 4" - 12" below the ceiling.
In a Multi-level home, a detector is
needed on each level. On the first floor it
should be placed on the ceiling at the base
of the stairwell. Detectors should be
installed within 15 feet of the bedrooms so
they can be heard when the door is closed.
But, remember not to install a detector
within 3 feet of an air supply register that
may blow smoke away. Don't install a
detector between an air return and the
sleeping area. The smoke will be
recirculated and diluted resulting in a
delayed alarm.
If you are installing more than one
detector you may want to consider purchasing
units that can be interconnected. That way
when one unit detects smoke, all the
detectors will sound the alarm.
How Are Detectors Powered?
Detectors can be powered two ways:
1. Batteries
These are the easiest to install. They
require no outlets or wiring connection,
however, batteries must be replaced twice a
year. We recommend you change them in the
Spring and in the Fall when you change your
clocks. All UL listed battery operated
detectors are required to sound a trouble
signal when a replacement is needed. The
signal usually lasts 7 days, so it's advised
to check the efficiency of the detector
following extended periods away.
2. Household current
Detectors can be powered with household
current two ways. They can be plugged into
any wall socket or can be wired permanently
into your home's electrical system.
How Can I Best Care for My Detector?
Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and
cooking exhaust can cause a false alarm or
malfunction of the detector. To prevent
false alarms, locate the detector away from
air vents, air conditioners and fans. Keep
the grillwork free of dirt by occasional
vacuuming and dusting. Don't paint the cover
of a smoke detector as this may clog the
grillwork. Test your detector every month,
or more often if necessary to make sure it's
working. This is usually done with the test
button, if provided.
Change the
batteries in your smoke detectors, and test
for proper operation. If you are in need of
an Smoke Detector please call.
For more information, call (540) 297-7281 or
411 for your local Fire Deptment
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