A Guide to Smoke Detectors from Your Electricians in North Scottsdale, AZ

Working smoke detectors assure household safety in the event of a fire. There are more options for smoke detectors beyond the basic battery-powered units. Electricians in North Scottsdale, AZ install wired smoke detector systems that offer long life and reliability. However, even if you upgrade to one of these systems, you still need to test and maintain your smoke detectors. Here are five recommended guidelines for smoke detectors:

• Replace every 10 years: Smoke detectors have a life expectancy of about one decade. After that time, you may hear beeping noises that indicate that it is time to replace them. These alarms are meant to be annoying so you have no choice but to take that step. When you install new smoke detectors, write the date of installation on the back of them with permanent ink. That way you know for certain when it is time to replace them and are not just guessing when the time arrives.
• Test monthly: Since smoke detectors make the difference between a timely escape and a tragic end, you want to make sure they work. Test them each month by at least using the “test” button. Twice a year, do a controlled smoke test by lighting a match and blowing it out. Never test them with an open flame, because that places your home in danger and could compromise the smoke detector. If the alarm fails to activate, replace the smoke detector even if you should technically have a few years left.
• Attend to battery changes: Humans are incredibly adaptable, and the annoying chirp from a dying smoke detector battery can be tuned out after a time. Do not embrace this habit if you can help it. Change batteries as they run out of power. If your smoke detector is in a hard-to-reach place, feel free to ask us to take care of it for you.
• Know good placement: A majority of fire-related home deaths occur at night. For this reason, install smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms of your home, including your guest bedroom. Mount them on walls four to 12 inches from the ceiling, and on vaulted ceilings, mount them at the highest point. Do not overlook vulnerable sections of your home. Even if you only use the basement for storage, it still needs a smoke detector. The amount of stuff stored plus the presence of electrical and HVAC systems makes basements a likely place for fires.
• Consider upgrades: A smoke detector system wired into your home does not require battery changes. This is convenient when high ceilings or physical disability makes changing batteries difficult or dangerous. There are also models that contain carbon monoxide detection, too, which is a great addition if your home systems also run on natural gas. As with any other appliance, new developments create better smoke detectors. Never be afraid to embrace new technology!

The electricians in North Scottsdale, AZ at Eavenson Electric Co. are ready to upgrade or install wired smoke detectors in your home. Call us today to schedule an estimate.

Categorised in: Smoke Detectors

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