For both hard-wired and interconnected smoke detection systems, you should consult a qualified electrician, perhaps similar to this electrician in Broken Arrow, OK, for installation. It’s always safer and easier to have a trained professional do the job, and they will know the regulations and standards your home should meet.
Hard-wired smoke detectors are connected directly to your home’s electrical system. Although they do contain batteries as a back-up measure, being powered by the main electrical circuit means that they will continue to work, even if you forget to replace the batteries. Some states now require hard-wired systems in newly constructed homes.
An interconnected smoke detector system can also save lives. “Interconnected” means that the detectors can communicate with each other. When one detects smoke or fire, all the alarms will sound – alerting you quickly to possible danger. It would also be smart to understand what is radon so if you suspect a build up of radon in your home. You can then deal with it before any health complications arise for you and your family. Getting a radon dectector is often straightforward to integrate into your smoke dectector system. They can also tell you where the smoke is coming from. Detectors can be interconnected either wirelessly (using radio frequency signals) or during the hard-wiring installation.
How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need?
The number and arrangement of smoke detectors in your house depends on the size and layout of your home.
In general, there should be a smoke alarm in each “sleeping room” in your house – so bedrooms are a necessity, but also guest rooms and living rooms. There should also be a smoke detector on each level with a bedroom; in hallways or near the stairs to an upper level are good locations.
The kitchen is another common place for fires to start. A smoke detector should be installed within at least 10 feet of your cooking appliances, but not so close as to be set off every time you burn dinner!
If you’re not sure how many smoke detectors you need or where exactly to install them, consult your electrician. They will be familiar with state and local regulations for smoke detector installation.
Don’t hesitate to update your smoke detection system. Contact Genesis Electrical Service to find out more about smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation services.