Fires can occur even if you’ve taken safety precautions. Smoke alarms alert you to fires, giving your family valuable time to escape. Learn how to choose the correct alarms and locations, and how to install and inspect your smoke alarms.
Push the test button on your alarm to start the drill. Practice using the exit stairs and going to your meeting place.
There are two common types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. The federal government tested them both in a controlled laboratory setting and in a series of tests in residential structures. These tests revealed that ionization alarms detected flaming fires more quickly than photoelectric alarms; while photoelectric alarms detected smoldering fires faster than ionization alarms.
Not many consumers know that there are two types of smoke alarms, so it is important to check which type you’re buying. Some smoke alarm brands offer both types of detection in one unit. Read on to see which type of smoke alarm might work better for you.
Choose the correct smoke alarm.
Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
It’s impossible to predict what type of fire might start in your home. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has the following recommendations to keep every family as safe as possible:
- Equip your home with both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR
- Install dual sensor smoke alarms, that feature both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
- Use interconnected smoke alarms which all sound together when one is activated.
If you have hearing impaired residents or guests, choose smoke alarms that designed to alert them without sound. These special alarms contain strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate.
Choose the correct installation locations.
Put smoke alarms at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
Correctly-placed alarms allow for earlier detection of fires and better survival rates. When installing smoke alarms, use the following guidelines:
- Place alarms inside and outside each bedroom or sleeping area. Closed doors may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of a home and interconnect them.
- Install per manufacturer directions, usually on ceilings or very high on a wall.
- Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to avoid annoyance and false alarms.
Install your smoke alarms correctly.
Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Fire science engineers recommend, wherever possible, using hardwired smoke alarms instead of battery-operated smoke alarms. In the US, most new buildings now require hard-wired smoke alarms installation.
Though battery operated smoke alarms are frequently installed by home owners, hardwired smoke alarms should only be installed by qualified electricians.
If you’re unsure about smoke alarm installation, contact your local fire department. Many have programs to install battery-operated smoke alarms, and some give them out for free!
Inspect your smoke alarm regularly.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
The only effective smoke alarm is a working smoke alarm.
When home owners are unaware that their smoke alarms have dead or missing batteries, disaster can strike. Protect your home with an inspection schedule to make sure that your smoke alarms are properly installed and functioning. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to properly maintain your alarms. You can also use the following maintenance tips:
Smoke alarms with nine-volt battery
- Perform monthly tests.
- Replace batteries annually (or twice annually).
- Replace entire alarm system every 10 years.
10-year lithium battery smoke alarm
- Perform monthly tests.
- Never attempt to replace a lithium battery. Replace the ENTIRE alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hardwired smoke Alarm
- Perform monthly tests.
- Install backup battery and replace annually.
- Replace entire alarm system every 10 years.
