subject: The Disadvantages Of Smoke Alarms [print this page] Smoke alarms are electronic devices that are used to warn people of fires. In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Fire Administration recommends the use of smoke alarms in all homes, offices and buildings. For rental homes and apartments, most states require the presence of smoke alarms by law. But as important as the devices are to the safety of families, they also have some shortcomings. The article introduces you with some of the major downsides of the device.
One of the most deadly disadvantages of this device is it has limited technology. Only two types of smoke alarms are present that is, ionization and photoelectric. These contain technologies that work well under some circumstances and not so well in others. Ionization detectors respond more promptly to fires involving high flames, and photoelectric detectors alert home owners more quickly to slower-burning, smoldering fires.
Smoke alarms are available which run on house power but also have a battery in case the main power fails. Both types of alarms need to be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced yearly just as with the battery-only operated type. If left ignored can lead to disaster.
Smoke detectors installed too close to bathrooms or steam rooms trigger false alarms when steam interrupts the light beams or electrical currents inside smoke detectors.
In addition, high humidity or pollen can sometimes cause unwanted reactions. The sensors in the unit detect the dirt and dust and start sounding.
Installing smoke detectors near stoves, toasters or toaster ovens is a quick recipe for false alarms. Unfortunately, these areas are among those most in need of careful monitoring for fire hazards. Heat detectors, which sound alarms based on sharp temperature change, are worthy substitutes in such areas.
Smoke alarm systems also associate additional fees and are just not about the initial cost. But it is better to bear the high cost of the system than to take risk with our precious life and depository as well. But, make sure, you check the batteries timely and replace them once in a year.
