A smoke alarm is a sensor-operated device that is used to detect smoke and then give fire alerts. Smoke alarms avoid serious damages and fire hazards, provided they can detect the fire on time. These devices can function efficiently, even if it is a big house. The two common types of smoke detectors are ionized and photoelectric models. It is important to know how many smoke alarms you will need for your space. This will help you take a calculated risk and buy detectors easily.
How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need?
This depends on your space size and the level of protection you want. Smoke detectors like Kidde Intelligent Detector should be placed in every room and outside every sleeping area. For instance, two-story home with five bedrooms should have at least seven smoke alarms. There is no such thing as having too many smoke detectors, so you can install as many as you want for the safety of your family.
Where Should I Place Smoke Alarm?
Smoke alarms like top-selling Alert Pro 10 should be installed in specific locations and away from stoves, dishwashers, cloth dryers, and other products that generate heat. The natural tendency of the smoke is to rise vertically up. That is why the best location for smoke detectors is in the center of the ceiling. You can also consider installing them on your sidewalls, but make sure you place them at a height of at least 10 to 12 feet from the floor.
The X-Sense Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarm Detector has got good reviews because it has a transmission range of over 820 ft.
How Does Smoke Alarm Work?
The smoke alarm's job is to first identify any extra smoke or gas in the house and then trigger alarming sounds to prevent fire hazards. It can use an ionized or photoelectric smoke detector sensor.
Ionized smoke detectors have electrodes that produce a low current through the ionized air. If any type of smoke or gas is predicted, the current gets disrupted, and the alarm goes off, alerting the housemates. These are better in detecting small flames or fires too.
Photoelectric smoke detectors detect fire through light. They have a light sensor and a light beam for the detection process. Generally, the light beam is away from the sensor, but when there is fire, the smoke particles scatter the beam. This causes some light to fall on the sensor and it signals the residents with an alarm.
Does a Smoke Alarm Expire?
A smoke alarm expires and it is vital to replace your expired smoke alarms to ensure fire safety. A smoke alarm usually lasts for up to 8 to 10 years. It gets expired after the battery loses its charge or when its sensor starts malfunctioning. You can know if your smoke alarm is expired by checking its expiry date, i.e. often mentioned on the device. You may miss some crucial smoke alarms if you are using an expired smoke detector or alarm.
The reviews of X-Sense SC03 show that it can provide 10 years of continuous power with a built-in lithium battery. You can read through our blog to know how to change the battery of the smoke detector.
Are Smoke Alarms Expensive?
The answer is No. A smoke alarm is not an expensive unit to buy. You can easily buy a single unit of smoke alarm for about $15 to $25. You can also consider buying the packs of 3 or 4 like SITERWELL Smoke Detector for just $35.99. The cost of a centralized commercial alarm system can vary from $1 to $6 per square foot. Installation charges can be from $150 to $200 for a hardwired smoke alarm system. Read our blog to find the best carbon monoxide smoke detectors.
Conclusion
The answer to 'how many smoke detectors do I need in my home?' is simple. You will need one in every room if it's a two-story and two or three detectors if it is a smaller house. You can choose any type based on your usage. Ionized smoke detectors are efficient but the photoelectric ones are relatively more sensitive, efficient, and advanced. You can go through our buying guide to know how to buy the right model.
BestViewsReviews rates and reviews the best smoke detectors on the basis of quality, convenience, and durability.