Smoke alarms are an essential for any home, giving you and your family an added layer of protection and safety. Smoke alarms provide an early warning system that can help save lives in the event of a fire. Here is a basic guide to why it’s important to install smoke alarms in your home.
Smoke Alarm vs Smoke Detector: What’s the difference?
Any home, no matter how big or small, is vulnerable to fire. It is important to have smoke alarms and detectors installed in your home to protect you and your family.
The terms “smoke alarm” and “smoke detector” are often used interchangeably, however, they are entirely different devices with distinct functions.
- Smoke alarms are stand-alone or interconnected smoke sensing devices that detect the presence of smoke in the air, and produce an alarm locally to alert the residents about a possible fire.
- Alternatively, smoke detectors are designed to sense the heat of a fire, and can be connected to the alarm system to provide an early warning. Differing from their counterpart, these devices are not self-contained and must be linked to a fire panel. The fire panel can process smoke detection and operate evacuation and warning systems throughout a property, closing doors, starting or stopping fans, operating strobes, alerting the fire department etc.
Smoke alarms and detectors are usually installed near accessible areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, or living rooms. This alerts occupants as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.
Installing the Right Smoke Alarm or Detector for Your Home
It’s important to choose the right type of alarm or detector for your needs when installing one in your home. There are numerous alarms and detectors on the market, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. Obtaining an expert opinion from an electrician for smoke detectors is one of the best ways to inform your installation choices.
Smoke alarms are an essential safety measure for any home, but they won’t do you any good if there’s a fire in your basement, or you’re not home to hear them.
Carbon monoxide detectors are also crucial for protecting against deadly gas leaks, but they won’t be much use if you live in an area with no risk of gas leaks.
Before you choose an alarm or detector, take some time to assess your needs and select the best option for you. With the right device in place, you can rest assured that your home is safe from harm.
Types of Smoke Alarms
- The most common type of smoke alarm is the Ionisation Smoke Alarm. These devices are very sensitive and can be set off by even a small amount of smoke, which is ideal in a fire situation. However, Ionisation Alarms can also be set off by cooking fumes or steam, so they might not be the best choice for everyone.
- Another type of smoke alarm is the Photoelectric Smoke Alarm, which uses a light sensor to detect smoke. These alarms are less likely to be set off by cooking fumes, but they can take longer to detect a fire.
Installing Interconnected Alarms and Detectors
An alarm system is vital for every property, however, it is even more important to have interconnected alarms and detectors. Smoke alarms and detectors should be installed on every level of your home, including the most-used rooms such as the kitchen and bedroom.
Interconnected alarms and detectors communicate wirelessly for a secure safety system. This means that if one alarm sounds, they all sound. This brings greater attention to an issue at hand should it arise.
You can also connect your personal devices to your interconnected alarm and detector system, potentially preventing a serious fire or similar disaster from occurring. For instance, if a smoke detector goes off in your home, you would not only hear the alarm, but you would also receive a notification on your phone. This means that even if you’re not at home, you can take action to prevent further damage.
In the event of a fire, an interconnected system of alarms could save lives by giving people more time to escape. More generally, interconnected alarms and detectors provide an extra layer of protection against potential disasters.
Smoke alarm installation for your Perth home is an important part of keeping your property and family safe. So, if you’re searching for an expert smoke alarm installer or electrician, look no further than Hiscocks Electrical.
With more than 20 years experience in residential and commercial electrical work, Hiscocks Electrical ensures that your smoke alarms will be installed correctly and compliant with Australian safety standards.
For more information about our services or to book a consultation, contact us today!
