A smoke detector is a safety gadget that keeps you safe from fire hazards. Smoke detectors can detect any smoke or fire immediately and blare out loud alarms to aware others of it. You can use this device at your home or office spaces to ensure high safety. Buying the right smoke detector may not be an easy task. You should consider smoke detector brands, types, and other features while buying smoke detectors. Read through our smoke detector buying guide to know everything about smoke detectors.
Smoke Detector Buying Guide: Things to Consider
Power Type
Identifying the power type of smoke detector is important. There are major two types of smoke detectors: battery and hard-wired. The hard-wired smoke detector comes with wires. They usually connect to your home electrical supply with a backup of around a day. Battery-powered smoke detectors are wireless and offer a convenient operation. It is advisable to buy as per your requirements.
Alarm Type
You should determine the alarm type before buying a smoke detector. Alarm types can be classified into ionized alarms and photoelectric alarms.
Ionized alarms 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 is triggered, alerting the housemates. These are better in detecting small flames or fires too.
Photoelectric alarms 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 light to fall on the sensor, tripping the alarm.
Lifespan
It is important to know the life span and warranty of the product before the purchase. The lifespan of an ideal smoke detector is for 10 years or more if maintained well. There are detectors with a shorter lifespan too, but as long it meets the safety standards, there is usually no need to change them.
Interconnectivity
Most homes have over three or four Smoke Detectors. It is advised to go with the variants that can be connected so that if one detector goes off, all the others go off as well. This ensures that everyone in the house gets the alarm.
Cost
Most Smoke Detectors cost you around USD 10 and are affordable. The cost might increase if you want more features. Detectors that sense Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are high-end models.
Smoke detectors require timely maintenance for smooth operations. Read our troubleshooting guide to get some maintenance tips.
Some Best Smoke Detectors for You
Kidde i4618 Firex Detector
The reviews of Kidde i4618 Firex show that it can interconnect with as many as 24 alarms to alert the entire household. It uses Ionization sensing technology to detect fire and smoke. The Tamper resists locking feature helps you to quickly silence nuisance alarms. You can also easily change the battery without removing the alarm from the mounting bracket. This smoke detector can be a safe edition for a secured life.
X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
The X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm uses electrochemical as well as photoelectric sensors to offer protection against 2 deadly threats, including smoke and carbon monoxide. This device has a sealed lithium battery that has a life of 10 years. It has a fast response to any danger and produces a loud 85 dB Alarm. It measures 5.7 x 5.7 x 2 inches in size.
Kidde Intelligent Detector Alarm
The Kidde Intelligent Detector Alarm is a battery-operated gadget that comes with alert modes, LED lights, & a voice alarm for the low battery as well as carbon monoxide. It has got good reviews because it gives 85-decibel alarm alerts of fire when it detects invisible fire particles or poisonous carbon monoxide gas. It operates on 2-AA batteries and has a test-hush feature that silences the unit for 9 minutes.
Alert Pro Smoke Detector
The reviews of Alert Pro Smoke Detector mark it as one of the best-selling smoke detectors in the market. It comes with a lithium battery, environment-friendly material, rapid sensors, as well as a 5 years manufacturer warranty. This 10-year battery smoke detector is easy to install and works seamlessly for a long.
FIRST ALERT BRK SC9120B
This FIRST ALERT BRK SC9120B features an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensing, indicator alarm, easy compatibility, and simple to use button. This smoke detector with its advanced features meets all the UL standards. This detector also uses intelligent smoke sensing technology to reduce nuisance alarms.
Benefits of Installing Smoke Detector
Ability to Detect Fires Faster
Smoke detectors have the ability to detect smoke and fire, in just a matter of seconds. This ensures the safety and helps you prevent fire hazards and other mishappenings. You can also use this device to detect if the temperature of any given space is rapidly increased.
Notifications and Alert Services
Smoke detectors are capable of giving you instant alarms and notifications, in case of emergency. Many models are connected to a central alarming system. You can also connect your smoke detectors to mobile applications. This helps you get fire alerts on your phone, even when you are away or outside.
Reliability and Battery Life
The batteries of most smoke detectors are long-lasting and require less frequent replacements. This makes them a reliable safety gadget. These gadgets are also easy to install and use. You can check the power levels of smoke detectors via phone applications.
Smoke Detector Buying Guide: FAQs
Should Smoke Detector Be On The Ceiling or Wall?
You should install your smoke detectors at the center of the ceiling of your living room or bedroom. You can also install them on walls, but you should ensure that it is placed at a good height of around 10 feet and near the center. This will ensure that your device detects the smoke or fire from all directions in your room.
Do I Need a Smoke Detector in Every Room?
The answer is Yes. You need a smoke detector in every room of your house. In fact, many studies suggest that you should install a smoke detector inside as well as outside of your sleeping space. This will help you protect your house from all the fire risks.
Conclusion
A smoke detector is an important home addition for maintaining high-level fire safety. You can decide on a suitable smoke detector depending on your personal needs. It is vital to study all the points to get the right system installed. Smoke Detectors can save lives and should be bought at the earliest.
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