Smoke Detectors – Types and Benefits
Much like fire sprinkler systems, smoke alarms also serve an important role within residential and commercial buildings. Smoke alarms are a legal requirement for all buildings, and they have the potential to save lives by alerting you to potential fire hazards which can occur at any time – even whilst you are asleep or away. Smoke alarms are activated when smoke particles are detected, and in this blog post we will be sharing some insight into where they should be installed and the various options available.
The Hazards of Smoke
When a fire breaks out within a building, smoke can quickly begin to obscure the vision of building occupants and cause the eyes to become red and irritated. Smoke can also suffocate people, and it contains an array of chemicals and poisons which can damage the lungs or poison the body. These factors can all heighten the state of anxiety and cause disorientation, and may also lead to individuals making irrational decisions.
It is crucial that building occupants can safely find their way to the nearest exit in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms can help in achieving a safe evacuation by ensuring all occupants are alerted to a fire at the earliest opportunity.
Smoke Alarm Install Locations and Requirements
Residential homes built after 1st August 1996 are required to have smoke alarms connected to the 240V mains power supply, along with a backup battery. Homes built prior to this date must also be fitted with smoke alarms, however they can be run off a 9V battery.
As buildings vary in size and people can be spread out amongst a wide area, it is important that your smoke alarms be interconnected. This will ensure that if one alarm is activated, the others will also sound. Smoke alarms can be interconnected by two means – hard wiring or wirelessly. You can discuss the pros and cons of each option with your fire safety technician prior to installation.
When considering a smoke alarm installation, it is important to consider the areas of your building which are most often in use. You should aim to achieve a good spread of fire alarms on all levels of your building.
Fire alarms should be installed in the following areas:
- Every Bedroom
- Living Rooms
- Hallways
- Offices
- Break rooms
The areas in which fire alarms may not be installed include kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas. This is due to the presence of smoke and steam which may occur during cooking or whilst carrying out your daily routines.
Choosing a Smoke Alarm – Ionisation Vs Photo-electric
There are two types of smoke alarm available on the market. Ionisation smoke alarms are the most common, and they are very effective at detecting smoke particles of a small diameter. These are products of combustion which are invisible to the naked eye. Whilst Ionisation smoke alarms are not the most suitable choice for areas with combustion heating systems, open fires or cooking, they are very effective for most situations.
Photo-electric smoke alarms are very effective at detecting smouldering fires which typically have large smoke particles which are visible to the human eye. These types of smoke alarms are ideal for installation near kitchens or areas which contain combustion heaters or open fires.
The team at Astute Fire can assist you with choosing the right type of smoke alarm for your property to enhance safety by ensuring early detection of fire.
Get a Quote for Smoke Alarm Installation – Call Astute Fire
Smoke alarms are a crucial part of building fire safety, and staying up to date with the latest technologies and regulations is important. Protect your building and its occupants, contact Astute Fire today to enquire about our fire safety solutions.