RECIDENTIAL SMOKE DETECTORS

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years. Usually the shelf life of a smoke detector can be much longer, however the electronics of the smoke detector that is over 10 years old is susceptible to failure and sensors can become covered by dust from within the home. After replacement of the smoke detector, write the date of installation in a permanent marker. This way future inspectors will see quickly the date of installation.

How do you know the age of your smoke detectors? You can look on the back of the smoke detector for a label with the date of manufacture. That date of the manufacture on the label should indicate the age of the detector.

What causes a smoke detector to fail?

• Dust that may accumulate inside the unit that obstruct the sensing devices causes most failures. You should check smoke detectors more than twice annually and you should always replace units that appear to not function correctly.
• A dead battery coupled with power failure will cause a smoke defector to fail. Replace the batteries when the time changes.

Residential construction standards have changed and in new residential construction NFPA now requires a smoke detector in every bed room. It is highly recommended that older homes be retrofitted to do the same, you will not regret adding them if your family survives a home fire because you added them to their rooms.

Connect your smoke detectors to your monitored security system. Connection to your security system and notification in the event of a fire in your home to officials is one of the smartest protection measures you will do for your family. If your security company does not know how to do this, SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT SECURITY COMPANY, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL SMOKE DETECTORS

Business Fire System installation and service requires higher licensing and is regulated by the Fire Marshall of your County or municipality. The site requirements will dictate the number of smoke detectors necessary for the installation in your facility. Along with the site requirements some additional factors need consideration when implementing smoke detectors.

Never use a unlicensed contractor for a fire system.

Unlicensed installers are the leading cause of fire system failure, usually caused by improper installation and improper design.

Business customers also require different types of smoke detectors and your site will dictate the design as well as the type of smoke detector necessary.

Manufacturing chemicals and the exposure to toxic fumes as well as the heat generated by combustible products are all considerations when designing a fire system properly. Multiple floors, bathrooms and areas of access are also considerations when in the design phase. Your structure may have been designed for another type of business or the product installed may be out of date. Having a company like ours positions you with the best talent available to help you with your needs.

The overall process is somewhat in depth and the installation occurs in the following manner.

• Structure Prints or floor plans for your structure must be modified and submitted to the authority that has jurisdiction. Once submitted, the authority that has jurisdiction will schedule a meeting to discuss the project.
• The floor plan or prints will contain the power locations and indicate on the print the locations of the devices necessary for your style of building and are also dictated by the use of the buildings. If changes are necessary, the authority will indicate their concerns and once the print is modified, resubmission for another meeting.
• Once the plan is approved a seal or stamp will be placed on the print. This print must stay on the site location until the project is completed. If the print is lost another plan must be submitted and the process is started all over again.

Once the job is complete, inspection is scheduled. If the inspector notices anything that needs modification, they will annotate the modification and another inspection will be scheduled.

Once approved and passed, you can obtain your certificate of occupancy.

The largest groups of victims are children under 5 and people over the age of 65 are the highest fatality groups in the event of fire. However, fire is not the biggest threat but the poisonous gases that are emitted during a fire. Thousands of people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.