Most fire-associated deaths are due to suffocation rather than burns, so maintaining your detector is essential when it comes to protecting you and your loved ones. Your how to guide: functionality, selection, and 4 simple steps to maintain this life-saving device.
Smoke detector work by sensing combustable particles in the air.
You have two choices: photoelectric or ionized.
1. A photoelectric detector sounds an alarm when its light beam is obscured by smoke, steam or dust.
2. An ionization detector senses ions or particles created by fire, even in the absence of smoke.
Both are excellent, although the ion detector is more selective when it comes to sounding off at the first sign of combustable material.
Battery-operated smoke detectors are easy to install yourself, but AC-powered detectors are wired into your home's electrical system and should be installed by an electrician. If opting for the AC-pwered detector, be sure it hasabattery backup. Blackouts and electrical fires interfere with the power and will prevent the detector from working.
Fire inspectors report that in a large number of residential fire deaths, a detector was in place but failed to operate because the battery was dead or the detector had been disconnected by residents.
Most smoke detectors chirp periodically when batteries are low to remind owners that it's time to replace them.
1. Check them once a month even if you do not hear a noise. For most, you only need to press a button (use a broom handle for ceiling units). Develop a testing routine — for instance, check detectors on the first day of each month.
2. Replace batteries at least once a year and always use fresh batteries. Make it a tradition to replace your smoke detectors' batteries at the beginning of each calendar year, or at the end of Daylight Savings.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner to clear dust and cobwebs from the face and grillwork of smoke detectors once a month, when you check the condition of the batteries.
4. Finally, it is prudent to replace smoke detector units that are more than 10 years old.
