subject: Smoke Detectors-where Should They Be Installed? [print this page] The skyline in Atlanta, Georgia is becoming dynamic due to the numerous high-rises that are being constructed at an accelerated pace. Tall buildings are being constructed for commercial and residential purposes.
In present day Atlanta, space has become a precious commodity, with many offices and residential complexes packed together in tall, narrow buildings. An accidental fire in one of these units can quickly spread into neighboring areas, and if not stopped in time, it could damage the entire structure.
With the city of Atlanta losing $668 million last year in accidental fires alone, the installation of smoke detectors by Atlanta electrical contractor has gained a whole new significance. The recent rise in the number of fire accidents has made the Georgia Government issue strict directives to installation of these devices and fire alarms in every building at specified locations.
The following guidelines are being issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and should be kept in mind when a new install is taking place in your home:
They should be placed on every floor of your home or at every level of a building, including finished and unfinished basements. They should be installed inside each bedroom, the exterior of each bedroom within ten feet and interconnected.
A qualified Atlanta electrician should install hard-wired smoke detectors with a battery back-up and work using the electrical current running in your home. These detectors are interconnected so that they raise the alarm irrespective of the fire location.
Interconnected smoke detectors are beneficial for people who are used to sleeping in rooms with doors closed so that if there is a fire in one room, all the alarms in the house are sounded.
If one of your family members is deaf or is hard of hearing, you need to install a smoke detector with flashing lights/vibrators in addition to raising the alarms. One should never paint or attach stickers to smoke detectors, as it can interfere with its operation.
Smoke Detectors should be installed on ceilings and should be placed at least 4 inches away from the nearest wall. If the house has vaulted ceilings, seek the expertise of an electrical contractor to install these devices.
Do not install these devices near doors, windows, or ducts where drafts
can interfere with their operations.
Although it is not recommended that you install these devices yourself. You should check with a licensed electrical contractor in Atlanta, Georgia about the rules and regulations related to the installation of smoke detectors in your home.
