Smoke Detector Installation

Bay Area Smoke Detector Installation

About Smoke Detector Installation

The Majority of Fire Related Deaths Happen In Homes Without Functioning Smoke Detectors

You may not notice your house’s smoke detectors, but they are vitally important to your safety. You are much more likely to survive a fire if you have operational smoke detectors. 66% of home fire deaths happen in houses without working smoke detectors.

Most houses have smoke detectors, but these are often non-functional or poorly placed. These smoke detectors offer you and your family no protection.

Getting The Best Protection

Always:

1. Place smoke detectors in proper locations, where they can detect smoke.
2. Change your batteries every year, for battery powered and hard wired smoke detectors and alarms.
3. Replace smoke alarms every 8 to 10 years, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. If anyone in your household is hearing-impaired, get an appropriate alarm.

Can I Do This Myself?

Most smoke detectors are simply installed. Your local building codes can offer advice on proper smoke detector placement. You should hire a licensed electrician to put in any hard-wired smoke detectors, as recommended by the US Fire Administration.

How much will it cost?

Smoke detectors can be free or up to around $40.

How do I maintain them?

Most smoke detectors chirp when the battering run low. The US Fire Administration lays out the following maintenance guidelines:

Check smoke detectors every month. For some models, more maintenance may be required:

• 9-volt battery powered units. Replace these at least once a year.
• 10-year lithium battery powered units. You cannot replace these batteries, so you will need to replace the entire unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Hardwired detectors are connected to your electrical system. These have backup batteries that should be changed annually.

9-volt powered and hardwired models should be replaced every 8 to 10 years, or according to manufacturers’ guidelines.

Old and obsolete smoke detector models should be replaced. Call us for a free installation estimate.

How do I know if my smoke detectors are properly located?

Install smoke detectors according to your local building codes and these guidelines. Place units:

• On each level of your house
• One unit in each bedroom
• Units should be within 10-15 feet of the door in your bedrooms

Place units where smoke could potentially gather, like high on walls, on the ceiling, and away from fans and windows.

Hardwired smoke detectors should not be turned on and off with a wall switch.

Keep detectors away from baths, showers, and stoves to avoid setting them off with steam and cooking.

To learn more about proper detector placement or for help installing new ones, call Rortech Electric, your Bay Areaelectrician, today.