Installing a smoke detector is vital in keeping you and your home safe. When choosing a smoke detector, it’s important to consider the type of smoke alarm you want, where it will be placed in your home, and the maintenance needed for installation. Smoke detectors are essential in preventing early fire warnings, inhalation, and death.
Did You Know? According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes without smoke detectors.
When Should You Replace Your Smoke Detectors?
Replacing your smoke detectors every 10 years is necessary to ensure they work properly. Is your smoke detector blinking red or beeping? If you answered yes, it’s time to replace it. If you are concerned about when you should replace your smoke detector, read Milton Electric’s tips on when you need a smoke detector replacement:
- If your smoke alarm is chirping all the time
- When there is a recall on your smoke detector device
- The sensor goes off unexpectedly
- Try pressing down on the test button on the smoke detector. If there is no alarm sound, it should be replaced
If you are still trying to decide whether you need a replacement, consider contacting an electrician for smoke detector maintenance.
Where Should You Install Smoke Detectors in Your Home?
Choosing where you install your smoke detectors is crucial to how effective the smoke detector will be. Be strategic about where you install them, as they offer early warning signs of a fire. If you are moving into a new home, call an electrician to inspect your smoke detector placement and see if they need to be adjusted to fit the room's layout. Keep in mind that smoke rises in a room and travels with the airflow. Therefore, smoke detectors should be placed on ceilings and near doorways or stairways.
Do not install smoke detectors within one foot of a wall or within 10 feet of any cooking appliances. You should install a smoke detector in the following ways:
- Every bedroom
- Outside sleeping areas (hallways)
- Your basement
- All living areas or dens
- Stairways on all levels
- Kitchen
Why You Need an Electrician to Replace Your Smoke Detector?
Electricians are helpful for smoke detector installation as they can help you choose the best placement. Electricians know where smoke detectors should be installed and what kind is most suitable for you and your home’s needs.
You should install a 10-year lithium battery smoke detector/carbon monoxide system in most homes. These devices warn you and your family of smoke or carbon monoxide hazards. It also detects flames and slow-burning fires much quicker than other smoke detectors.
You should test smoke detectors regularly, regardless of their battery type. Perform testing once a month by pressing the easy-to-use test button on the detector. The alarm should sound when you press the test button. If your alarm doesn’t sound, reach out to electrician Milton Electric for your smoke detector installation today.
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Who installs smoke detectors?
A certified electrician often installs smoke detectors for individuals and families. An electrician abides by state regulations and will ensure the smoke detector installation is completed correctly. Often, electricians know the best placement for smoke detectors in your house. If you are unsure of how to install a smoke detector or want to inspect your current smoke detectors, reach out to a certified electrician, Milton Electric today to schedule an appointment.
What are the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements?
A carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke detector are recommended in every room and floor of your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke detectors be installed at least 10 feet away from any kitchen appliances. This is to prevent any false alarms when cooking. In addition, carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed near or attached to your garage. Carbon monoxide detectors warn you of any potential CO poisoning. Having both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector can save your life. In Maryland, the state recommends all hard-wired battery smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years. If you need a smoke detector replacement and installation, contact Baltimore electrician, Milton Electric.
Why is my smoke detector beeping?
If your smoke detector is going off for no reason, you are probably due for a smoke detector replacement. If there is a beeping or chirping sound coming from your smoke detector every 30-60 seconds, you need to replace the batteries. Check to see what kind of batteries your smoke detector uses, and make sure you replace them every six months. If you are unsure of how to replace the batteries in your smoke detector or are thinking about getting a new smoke detector, schedule an appointment with Baltimore electrician Milton Electric.
How long do smoke detectors last?
Smoke detectors should last between 8-10 years. Over time, alarm sensors wear out, and it’s essential to keep replacing your smoke detector unit every 10 years for safety precautions. If you cannot find a label showing when the smoke detector was made, the alarm is most likely outdated and will need a replacement. In addition, smoke detectors collect dust which can cause the alarm to go off. Every now and then, clean the dust from your smoke detectors with a vacuum attachment. Local electrician Milton Electric recommends you clean your smoke detector every six months when you replace your batteries to ensure the longevity of your smoke detector.
What batteries do smoke detectors use?
Smoke detectors often use 9V batteries. It is becoming more common for smoke detectors to have two or three AA batteries because they have significantly more energy than 9V batteries. All batteries should be replaced every six months to ensure the functionality and longevity of the smoke detector.