Smoke detectors save lives every year. Not only can they alert residents and neighbors to a potential emergency, many versions can even call the local fire department so that the problem is handled right away. It is extremely important, that you have smoke detectors in the right areas of your home, that they are maintained, and that they are replaced as needed. In this article we will cover each of these topics. If you live in Greater Boston and need help with any safety system installation services, please give us a call.
When/How Do You Replace Smoke Detectors
Alarm sensors wear out over time. Most smoke alarm detector manufacturers recommend that after 10 years you fully replace the smoke detector unit. There should be a label somewhere on your unit that says when it was made. If you don’t find a label it is likely a sign that your detector is old. If that is the case you should consider replacing them. Additionally you should be testing your alarm once per month by using the test button as well as swapping out batteries whenever your alarm makes a chirping sound. If you notice that tests aren’t working or fresh batteries are not fixing the chirping sound this could be a sign that your detector needs to be replaced. Consider working with an electrician for any hardwired detectors, if it is a battery detector you can follow these simple steps:
- Turn off electricity to the detector, to do this you need to go to your circuit breaker and turn off power to the circuit that detector is on
- Remove the old detector from its mounting, this is usually done by turning it counterclockwise, after this it will be hanging from three wires.
- Unhook those wires from the detector and unscrew the screws holding the mounting plate to the ceiling. Do not remove the wires
- Attach the new mounting plate and plug the wires into the new detector
- Attach the detector to the mounting plate by turning it clockwise
Where Should My Smoke Detectors Go?
If you have ever lived in a home that was remodeled you might have known the annoyance of having a smoke detector too close to a bathroom or a kitchen. False alarms caused by steam when cooking or steam from a shower can be frustrating. They can even make you want to remove the detector altogether. But it is vital that you have smoke detectors. Depending on where you live there may even be local laws based on where smoke detectors are installed and how many you have in your home. One common placement is in any sleeping area. Each bedroom should have a detector not only because this will cover your house but will also ensure that people are woken up when the alarm goes off. To install new detectors in new rooms, we recommend calling an electrician in your area.
Interior Electrical Work in Boston
For residents and business owners in Boston and the surrounding towns, Cardoso Electrical Services provides a variety of electrical services including security systems, safety systems, and more. For more information please call us or use the button below to reach out to us.