Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms

Do not risk improper installation of smoke alarms or detectors. The Electricians at The Electrical Pros understand the complete requirements and building codes and state laws!

Call us to plan locations, purchase the proper Smoke Alarms, and also correctly mount them.

Fire smoke detectors or smoke alarms have the simply yet very important function of cautioning people in its range of the probability of fire. When that beeping noise from a smoke detector or alarm starts to sound, it should be taken extremely serious as well as promptly investigate and evacuate the area of smoke.

Remember smoke spreads quickly and you require alarm systems to offer you time to combat a small fire or find a way to get out. In multi-family structures you may likewise mount a typical area alarm that can help passersby’s see the alarm and warn various other people. Proper maintenance of smoke alarm and smoke detectors could help prevent dust from trigger them.

There are two varying types of smoke alarms in which they operate. The first would be by optical detection (photoelectrical) and the second would by physical processing also known as ionization. Several of them utilize both methods to raise level of sensitivity it has for smoke. Photoelectric alarms depend on smoke to damage the beam to trigger the alarm system. This can cause undesired beeping sounds and malfunctions which could be remedied by reviewing instructions provide with the Smoke Alarm or Smoke Detector.

Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detectors both save lives every day!

One of the most common problems that fire alarms have are the electric batteries that go bad

The Facts About 10-Year Sealed Smoke Alarm Technology (www.casafehomes.org)

New California Law (SB-745):

As of July 1, 2014, any battery-powered smoke alarm or combination (smoke and carbon monoxide) alarm approved for sale by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal must be powered by a sealed, 10-year battery.
All new listings of smoke or combination alarms are required to display the date of manufacture, provide a place on the unit to mark date of installation and incorporate a hush feature as of January 1, 2015.
Retailers have until July 1, 2015 to meet the requirement for stocking only sealed-in, long-life battery smoke alarms.

The Need:

Two-thirds of all home fire deaths in America occur in homes with either no smoke alarm or no working alarm, mainly due to missing or disconnected batteries.
California is regularly near the top of the list in home fire fatalities. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 133 residents died in home fires in 2013.
66 percent of California homes have battery-powered smoke alarms.
Nearly one third of California homes have alarms that are over 10 years old.
60% of U.S. homeowners have left a smoke alarm without a working battery.
Fire experts recommend installing smoke alarms on each floor and in sleeping areas. Three out of four homeowners don’t know the proper locations for installation.
Fire experts recommend replacing smoke alarms every 10 years. Industry surveys show one in four homes – those built prior to 2002 – have never replaced their alarms.
After 10 years, a smoke alarm’s efficiency may be compromised with accumulated dust, insects, airborne contaminants and aging electrical circuitry.

The Benefits:

Proven to provide protection for 10 years, homeowners no longer have to remember to replace batteries or be hassled by low battery chirps.
Sealing the batteries into the unit’s housing and circuitry makes these alarms tamper resistant and non-removable.
After 10 years, the alarm will sound an end-of-life warning, letting the owner know it’s time to replace the alarm.

Smoke alarms can either operate individual or be interconnected with one another to create a network. They might also deal with a fire alarm and safety and security system. Certain Smoke Alarms come equipped with built in flashing lights for the disabled persons.
However, unfortunately smoke alarms alone are not equipped to identify carbon monoxide. The good news is that there are certain models of smoke alarms which have integrated carbon monoxide detectors built into them. The carbon monoxide detectors are also available as standalone alarms.

Monoxide detector or Monoxide Alarm is a must device, especially when mounted near attached garage entrances for single family homes and underground parking structures for buildings that offer. These Alarms discover the excessive amount of carbon monoxide airborne and considering that carbon monoxide is known as the quiet killer is a must! Remember Carbon Monoxide gas is not visible like smoke nor can you smell it, and when affected by carbon monoxide gas you may not know until it’s too late!

So remember carbon monoxide detector prevent the silent killer from taking lives!

Carbon Monoxide Facts! (http://www.cpsc.gov)

What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.

How many people are unintentionally poisoned by CO?

On average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. These products include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas. In 2005 alone, CPSC staff is aware of at least 94 generator-related CO poisoning deaths. Forty-seven of these deaths were known to have occurred during power outages due to severe weather, including Hurricane Katrina. Still others die from CO produced by non-consumer products, such as cars left running in attached garages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.
What is the role of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in preventing CO poisoning?

CPSC staff worked closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety standard (UL 2034) for CO alarms. CPSC helps promote carbon monoxide safety by raising awareness of CO hazards and the need for correct use and regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CPSC staff also works with stakeholders to develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning appliances and conducts independent research into CO alarm performance under likely home-use conditions.

Do some cities require that CO alarms be installed?

Many states and local jurisdictions now require CO alarms be installed in residences. Check with your local building code official to find out about the requirements in your location. State of California requires them!

Should CO alarms be used in motor homes and other recreational vehicles?

CO alarms are available for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO alarms in motor homes and in trailers.

In older homes, business and buildings probabilities are that no fire alarm or smoke detectors are installed. That does not imply that it is not needed.

Our Trained Electrical Technicians can plan, provide installation, fix, provide scheduled maintenance or simply switch out batteries. Weather it has actually just started beeping or merely entirely swaying off the ceiling, we can provide the right solution at the right upfront pricing we guarantee. Don’t forget …..

“Our electricians are set up to install smoke detectors which will meet or exceed the
local codes in Los Angeles County, Orange Country or Ventura County and even Southern California.”