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Fire alarms are an integral part of every home. They silently protect the family and their possessions twenty-four hours a day. There are a great number of deaths each year that could have been prevented if there were functioning alarms placed in the building. Laws have even been passed that require homes to be constructed with fire alarms installed. However, even a pre-installed alarm requires monitoring to make sure that it continues to work.
There are two types of sensors that make up the bulk of all fire alarms. The first type is called an ionization sensor. This type of sensor does well at detecting fires which are burning very fast and moving though the structure. Those types of fires release ionized gas that can be tracked. The second type of sensor is called a photoelectric detector. This uses a small, light-sensitive device to try and spot pieces of particulate matter that is in the air. These particles are given off by fires that are burning more slowly, releasing more smoke that is heavier with debris.
Fire alarms can also contain a combination of sensors. These devices are able to detect both hot fires with an ionization sensor and smoldering fires with the photoelectric sensors. These types of units are called dual sensor alarms. They are the most effective technology available to consumers who are trying to protect their home from fire.
Fire alarms are only effective if the owner uses them according to the manufacturer's instructions. The placement of the alarm is vital to the proper functioning of the sensors. Because gases rise to the highest point, and all of the particles that are detectable will move with the flow of the air, it is important to mount the alarm as high as possible.
At least one fire alarm should be placed on each floor of the house. They should be placed inside all of the bedrooms, and outside of the bedrooms as well. An alarm should be placed in the basement, since this is the origin of many fires.
In addition to installing fire alarms, it is vital that the family have a serious plan for what to do in the event of a fire. Once the alarm goes off, everyone should know exactly what to do. Most often this involves planning one or more escape routes to get out of the house. It should take into account any extra safety devices installed, such as ladders or ropes at certain windows. The plan should also include a meeting place where everyone will reunite after escaping. The whole family should not only have the plan memorized, but should practice it together from time to time.
The most difficult step to remember when dealing with fire safety goes beyond installation and planning. It is the routine maintenance of the fire alarms themselves. For units that require a battery to run, or use them as a backup power source, the batteries must be replaced every six months regardless of how much power is left in them. The alarm should also be kept very clean since dust particles can reduce the ability of the sensors to detect particles. Keeping a fire alarm in good working order when it is installed correctly can help reduce the chances of being seriously injured in a fire.
There are two types of sensors that make up the bulk of all fire alarms. The first type is called an ionization sensor. This type of sensor does well at detecting fires which are burning very fast and moving though the structure. Those types of fires release ionized gas that can be tracked. The second type of sensor is called a photoelectric detector. This uses a small, light-sensitive device to try and spot pieces of particulate matter that is in the air. These particles are given off by fires that are burning more slowly, releasing more smoke that is heavier with debris.
Fire alarms can also contain a combination of sensors. These devices are able to detect both hot fires with an ionization sensor and smoldering fires with the photoelectric sensors. These types of units are called dual sensor alarms. They are the most effective technology available to consumers who are trying to protect their home from fire.
Fire alarms are only effective if the owner uses them according to the manufacturer's instructions. The placement of the alarm is vital to the proper functioning of the sensors. Because gases rise to the highest point, and all of the particles that are detectable will move with the flow of the air, it is important to mount the alarm as high as possible.
At least one fire alarm should be placed on each floor of the house. They should be placed inside all of the bedrooms, and outside of the bedrooms as well. An alarm should be placed in the basement, since this is the origin of many fires.
In addition to installing fire alarms, it is vital that the family have a serious plan for what to do in the event of a fire. Once the alarm goes off, everyone should know exactly what to do. Most often this involves planning one or more escape routes to get out of the house. It should take into account any extra safety devices installed, such as ladders or ropes at certain windows. The plan should also include a meeting place where everyone will reunite after escaping. The whole family should not only have the plan memorized, but should practice it together from time to time.
The most difficult step to remember when dealing with fire safety goes beyond installation and planning. It is the routine maintenance of the fire alarms themselves. For units that require a battery to run, or use them as a backup power source, the batteries must be replaced every six months regardless of how much power is left in them. The alarm should also be kept very clean since dust particles can reduce the ability of the sensors to detect particles. Keeping a fire alarm in good working order when it is installed correctly can help reduce the chances of being seriously injured in a fire.
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home security. If you would like further information about types of fire alarms or are looking for a reputable fire alarm company please visit http://www.adt.co.uk
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