If you are wondering where you should install smoke detectors then you are right place. Smoke Detectors are devices that sense smoke and give out a signal. The signal is used to warn people that there is a fire in their surroundings. Every floor in your house should have a smoke alarm. This includes the attic and the basement. Smoke detectors should be placed in vulnerable places in your house, like the bedrooms. This way you can maximize the protection that you get out of your smoke detectors.
Home security involves protecting your home from any possible mishap. This is not just restricted to burglaries or crimes. It includes protecting your house from accidents and fire related issues.
Places Where You Should Install Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are used both for commercial purposes as well as for residential ones. Commercial smoke detectors usually alert a near-by fire fighting unit. Residential smoke detectors are used by homeowners to keep track of the safety of their homes.
Smoke detectors used for residential areas are usually battery-operated. You can have a standalone smoke alarm or you can install a set of interconnected smoke alarms. The placement of smoke detectors varies from region to region.
Most countries have fire safety guidelines that need to be followed. For example, in the United States, it is recommended that smoke detectors are present in every level of your house. Based on these, we have compiled a list of places where you should install smoke alarms.
1. Bedrooms
Bedrooms are probably the most important part of your house. It’s where you rest or sleep. You also store valuables like money or important documents in your bedroom. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to protect your bedroom from a potential fire.
Smoke detectors should be placed inside the bedroom. If you don’t want to place a detector inside, then you are free to install a smoke detector outside the bedroom. You can fix the detector just outside your bedroom door. Keep in mind that smoke detectors should be present in every bedroom in the house. Moreover you will need a good ladder to install detectors inside your home, make sure to use an adjustable ladder leveller to easily place the sensor at all the necessary places.
2. Kitchen
A lot of people do not install smoke detectors in the kitchen because they are afraid of getting false alarms during cooking. Kitchens are the most susceptible to fires. You need to install an alarm in the kitchen. It is also easy to prevent false alarms.
Install a smoke detector at the entrance of the kitchen. It should be at least ten or twelve feet far from any kitchen appliances. Smoke detectors should be at a safe distance from the refrigerator, stove and oven. This way you will be warned in case of a fire and you don’t need to worry about a wrong alarm.
3. Ceilings
Many smoke detectors are usually placed at eye level. But, sometimes it becomes dangerous to have a smoke detector in such places. If you have a toddler or pet in the house, then experts recommend that you install a smoke detector on the ceiling.
Smoke detectors on the ceiling give you a better chance of detecting a fire. This is mainly because the ceiling allows the smoke detector to cover a wider surface area. The smoke detector should be placed in the centre of the ceiling. It should be away from the ceiling fan, air conditioning or heating circuits.
4. Entrance
One of the best locations to install a smoke detector is near the entrance door to your house. It can be fixed about 2 feet inside hallway entrance. The idea behind this is that smoke coming from the other rooms will filter into the hallway. The smoke detectors will be set off and you can take the required action immediately.
5. Stairways
Stairways are an important part of any house. They connect the different parts of the house. Fires can be contained if the stairways are fire proof. Smoke detectors can be installed either at the top or at the bottom of a stairway.
Places Where You Should Avoid Installing Smoke Detectors
1. Bathrooms And Showers
Places with humidity need to be avoided. Smoke detectors cannot work well in such places.
2. Windows
Windows and sliding doors tend to bring a lot of wind into your house. If a smoke detector is near a window, then it will probably not pick up the smoke. The wind may filter out the smoke.
3. Garages
Garages usually have low ventilation. There are lots of chances for the smoke detector to malfunction in such places.
4. Chimneys and Fireplaces
It goes without saying that smoke detectors should not be placed near chimneys, stoves. Fireplaces, heaters. Smoke detectors should be installed far from any controlled fire in your house. You can install an excellent attic ladder under your budget
FAQs About Smoke Detectors
1. How Many Smoke Detectors Does My House Need?
On an average, it is recommended to have a minimum of 5 smoke alarms in a house. But, this is not mandatory for everybody. You can decide the number of alarms you need based on the layout and structure of your house. The number of smoke alarms doesn’t matter as long as the necessary places in your house are protected.
2. How To Install A Smoke Detector?
Home owners can install a smoke detector by themselves if they do not require any external connections. Some smoke detectors need to be connected to the wiring in your house. It is best if you call a professional electrician to install the alarm.
3. What Should I Do In Case of A False Alarm?
If you keep getting a false alarm, then you need to consider shifting the smoke detector. False alarms can be prevented by installing the smoke detector in a better location.
4. How Do I Maintain my Smoke Detector?
Devices used for your safety should always be well maintained. Smoke detectors are no different. Here are a few tips to ensure that your detector is working properly:
i) Check your device
Smoke detectors have an in-built checking system to allow users to test your device. Test your smoke detector at regular intervals or at least once a month.
ii) Read the manual
Smoke detectors vary from model to model. It is necessary to read the manual of your model. You will get all the information you need from the manual.
iii) Change the batteries
You can fix a specific day on which you replace the batteries in all the devices in your house. The batteries in smoke detectors must be changed at least two times a year.
iv) Clean the Detector
Many people don’t think that it is necessary to clean a smoke alarm. Cleaning the detector is an essential part of making it last long. When you replace the batteries, you can disable the alarms as well. Use this time to clean or vacuum the alarm. Remove all the dirt, dust, paint stains that are present on the alarm. A clean alarm will work ten times better than an unclean one.
v) Replace the Detector when necessary
Most smoke detectors are designed to last for a long time. Some detectors last for a decade. But, this does not mean that they will work forever. You must replace the alarms from time to time. This can be done as per the instructions recommended by the brand whose smoke detectors are installed in your house.The issue of fire safety is one that should be taken seriously. Smoke alarms are affordable and easy to maintain. They are extremely beneficial to any home owner. Smoke detectors are very helpful in preventing huge losses. If you haven’t got a smoke detector yet, then now is the time you start looking for one.
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