subject: The Different Types Of Smoke Alarms Available [print this page] It is extremely important to have a smoke alarm in your house as those extra few minutes the early warning will provide you could be critical for getting your family to safety. You can buy smoke alarms from most electrical wholesale outlets and there are many different varieties available like FireX smoke alarms and mains smoke alarms.
Ionisation Alarms
These alarms constantly monitor the air around them and its quality. They respond to any signs of combustion in the area, usually so minor that is cannot be seen or smelt yet, but the alarm will pick it up. This allows them to respond really fast in a situation where a pan has caught fire. They can, however, give off false alarms, since their system also detects steam as well as dust and tiny insects. This might be annoying for some people but others might not mind having a few false alarms go off if the system is able to provide them with an early warning system.
Optical Alarms
These have an infrared beam that is directed towards a receiving photocell. When smoke enters this chamber, and breaks the connection of the infrared beam to the photocell, the alarm goes off as the circuit is broken. These are best for slow-burning fires where there is smoke generation, like with overheated wiring. These arent as likely to give false alarms but can be activated if they are placed in the kitchen.
Heat Alarms
Since heat alarms do not need as much maintenance, since they are not as sensitive to dust, they are perfect for the kitchen. The kitchen is one room in the house that absolutely must have a smoke alarm as almost half of all house fires start from the kitchen.
Heat alarms come in two kinds, Fixed Temperature and Rate of Rise. The first one will go off when the room reaches a specific temperature. The Rate of Rise alarms will monitor the change in temperature in the room and can be falsely activated by opened oven doors.
How to Choose an Alarm Type
Since its impossible to know ahead of time which kind of fire will break out, its best to get both kinds of alarms installed throughout the house. Both kinds of fires are common and its best not to take a chance. More and more, companies are providing smoke alarm systems that use a combination of both kinds of technology which provide safer coverage throughout the house.
A mains smoke alarm is a great option since it will not have to have a battery replaced and is backed up with its own battery supply. In a situation where the wiring for the alarm is burnt, the alarm will still function. You can buy most alarm kinds from an electrical wholesale store. Other kinds to look into include the FireX smoke alarms. You can also look into alarms with vibrating pads if you have someone with impaired hearing in your home.
Maintenance for your Fire Alarms
It is important to get proper maintenance done for your alarms since they will only function properly if they are properly taken care of. Alarms should be present on every floor of the house and should be fitted in bedrooms if there are any electrical appliances there. You should install an alarm where you can hear it if it goes off. Follow the instructions that the manufacturer has given to ensure the alarm functions properly. Ask an electrician to install them for you, especially if they are going to be connected to the main power supply. Check the batteries once a week and change them every year.
There are various kinds of smoke alarm kits that can be found in any electrical wholesale. It may be necessary to ask around the people in the store about which types you should purchase and which is more appropriate for your home. They are properly trained for the job and they could suggest helpful tips as well as additional features you might want to consider. These days most common alarms like the firex smoke alarms or mains smoke alarms could help you feel safer and secure in your home knowing you have done all you can to protect your home from a fire.
