How To You should avoid false alarms with your smoke alarm.
If you have a smoke detector in your home, you may be able to save your life.Many people experience false alarms with smoke detectors that make them less effective.By keeping your smoke detector clean and charged and avoiding putting the unit in places that are less than optimal, you can prevent false alarms and help save yourself and your family when a fire occurs.
Step 1: It is a good idea to clean your smoke detector.
Dust and dirt can set off your smoke detector when there is no fire.You can minimize the number of false alarms by cleaning the unit every couple of weeks.Dust can accumulate inside the cover of your unit if you don't clean it.The alarm can be vacuumed with the soft brush attachment.Make sure the electricians use a dust cover to keep the alarm from gathering debris if you are in a new home.
Step 2: The insects were clear from the alarm.
The insects are attracted to the sound or light that the alarm emits.If the alarm goes off with no smoke or fire, look for insects on the cover or sensor chamber.
Step 3: As separate units, connect alarms.
If you have a connected system of fire alarms, a unit in another part of the house could be triggering them.To prevent them from triggering one another, keep alarms on separate electrical currents.Make sure to check for smoke if your units are connected and there is no way to separate them from the power source.If you live in an area where utility companies switch the grids, power interruptions may cause the alarm.
Step 4: Make sure electrical connections are tightened.
If you have an AC or AC/DC electrical system, make sure to tighten any loose connections.This can help the unit.A power outage can be caused by loose hot wire connections.An electrician can help you with the wiring.
Step 5: Fire alarms should be installed away from furnaces and ovens.
The smoke from ovens and furnaces can be caused by oil and the particles that cause the alarm.The number of false alarms may be reduced if you install your fire alarms at least 10 feet from a furnace or oven.The smoke alarm can be made to go off by furnace blowers.When you first use the furnace in the fall, you may see more false alarms.
Step 6: Exposure to cold air is minimized.
Cold air returns, when it sucks cold air back into a furnace, are more prone to false alarms.If you keep your alarm away from cold air returns, you can keep it from going into alarm mode.The alarm should be placed at least 10 feet from the cold air return.
Step 7: There is an alarm in the dry areas.
The bathroom and kitchen are susceptible to false alarms if they have high humidity.The smoke alarm needs to be at least 10 feet away from high humidity areas.The alarm should be installed at least 10 feet from showers, laundry rooms, and kitchen sinks.
Step 8: There are areas with open flames and exhaust gases.
There are places in your home where exhaust gasses or flames can cause an alarm.It's a good idea to avoid placing your smoke alarm in areas with exhaust gases or open flames.In some areas heat detectors are required.For more information, contact your local fire department.Smoke detectors should not be found near a fireplace or other open flame heating systems.
Step 9: The batteries should be replaced.
A weak battery is one of the most common causes of false smoke alarms.The battery needs to be replaced because of a chirpy noise.Twice a year is a good time to replace batteries to help prevent false alarms.
Step 10: Smoke detectors need to be tested properly.
Maintaining and testing electronic devices can help ensure proper function.It is possible to prevent a fire or damage to your home with regular testing.The smoke detector has a test button.While the button is depressed, you should hear a loud and ear-piercing sirens.The batteries should be replaced if there is no sound or weak sound.To make sure everyone in the house can hear the alarm, ask a family member to go into the farthest room.Blow it out under the alarm.Make sure the match is out by placing it in a glass of watch.You may need new batteries, wiring, or a new unit if the alarm doesn't go off.
Step 11: Consider two fire detectors.
It is a good idea to consider alternative methods to detect smoke or fire because smoke alarms can be difficult to use.It can help ensure that your home is protected from fire or smoke and that you don't have to worry about false alarms.There are two types of fire alarms in the United States.Ionization models are better at detecting flaming fires than photoelectric models.Most experts think the photoelectric detector is more effective than the ionized models.There are models that can minimize false alarms.
Step 12: Wireless alarms are a good investment.
Smoke alarms that are wireless can alert everyone in the house if there is smoke present.Help avoid problems with power sources by purchasing wireless alarms.It's useful for multi-level homes to have wireless alarms.
Step 13: A heat detector can be used.
Some new thermostats have heat detectors that can sense changes in temperature that could indicate a fire.It's a good idea to position this type of detector in areas with shifts in temperature and humidity.The heat detector can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.You can turn off the alarm with a wave of your hand.
Step 14: There is a carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide can kill you.Carbon monoxide, or CO, can be found near fires.Use a carbon monoxide detector in your home to help prevent death or detect conditions for fire.Purchase a combination CO/ smoke detector.
Step 15: Monitor the quality of the air inside.
Dust, weather, and other factors can affect the air quality in your home and cause false smoke alarms.It is possible to prevent false alarms by watching the air quality in your home.Most indoor air quality monitors measure temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide.
Step 16: To make sure your home is up to code, contact your local fire department.
They can give you information on where devices should be located, what type of devices to use in each location, and even come to your house to perform an inspection.