Q1: WHY DO WE NEED A SMOKE DETECTOR?
A:
The
most important reason is that most fatal home fires occur
at night, while people are asleep. Gases
and smoke from a fire in your home can numb the senses in
a very short time. Every home needs a device that can
wake people up in time to escape from a fire. Almost every
day, a smoke detector saves somebody's life. That's why Illinois
law and the Elmhurst City Code require smoke detectors in
all homes, hotels and apartments. Of all the low-cost fire-alarm
devices you can buy, your fire department considers smoke
detectors the most effective.
Q2: WHY DO SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE
LIVES?
A: A
smoke detector is a type of fire alarm. Some look like a small
dinner plate, only thicker. A smoke detector is placed high
in a room because smoke rises. It can detect smoke and sound
an alarm before you ever see or smell the smoke.
There are many smoke detectors on the
market. We can divide them into two lines: for industrial
application and home use. Detectors for industrial application
are usually connected to professional fire and security systems.
Detectors for home use operate on batteries;
others use the house's electrical system, some with a battery
in case of a power failure. With battery units you must replace
the batteries. With electric units you do not have this problem.
However, if the power goes out during a fire the smoke detector
will not work unless it is equipped with a battery back-up.
For more information please, take a look
at our Product categories.
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Q3: HOW EFFECTIVE ARE SMOKE DETECTORS?
A: Residential
fire deaths have decreased steadily as the number of homes
with smoke detectors increased. Reports from the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on residential fire deaths
show that people have nearly a 50 percent better chance of
surviving a fire if their home has the recommended number
of smoke detectors.
Q4: WHICH SMOKE DETECTOR SHOULD WE
BUY?
A: There
are dozens of reputable brands of smoke detectors are readily
available. No matter where you buy your detectors or what
type they are, be sure that products are approved by professional
laboratory (UL, BRE, VdS) or organization in your country
that tests and evaluates products. Any labeled smoke detector
offers protection whether it's professional unit or for household
use. But to get the protection you paid for, it's vital that
you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation,
testing and maintenance.
All Everday products are manufactured
according to ISO 9002 standard and have different approvals
in different countries: UL, EN-54, CE, C-tick, GS, VdS, BS, GOST, etc.
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Q5:IS THERE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF SMOKE
DETECTOR, AND WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
A: There
are two types of smoke detectors. One type is called an ionization
detector because it monitors "ions," or electrically
charged particles. Smoke particles entering the sensing chamber
change the electrical balance of the air. The detector's horn
will sound when the change in electrical balance reaches a
preset level. Ionization detectors are designed to sense superheated
gases of flaming fires in their earliest stages.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES
AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN IONIZATION DETECTOR? Ionization detectors
are inexpensive, but are very sensitive to most types of airborne
particles, making them prone to nuisance alarms. And ionization
detectors are not effective in sensing smoldering, smoking
fires.
The other type of detector is called PHOTOELECTRIC
because its sensing chamber uses a beam of light and a light
sensor. Smoke particles entering the chamber change the amount
of light that reaches the light sensor. The detector sounds
when the smoke density reaches a preset level.
Photoelectric devices detect smoldering fires
before they reach a flaming condition. They can also sense
the smoke from a flaming fire.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
OF AN IONIZATION DETECTOR? Photoelectric types cost more,
but the advantage is that they are designed to alarm when
the home fire is in its most dangerous phase, i.e., when large
quantities of smoke are being thrown off -- as when easy chairs,
couches, or mattresses are ignited by careless smokers, by
overheated electrical circuits, by Christmas tree fires, etc.
All Everday smoke detectors are PHOTOELECTRIC type. For more information
please, take a look at our Product categories.
Q6: WHERE AND HOW SHOULD WE INSTALL
THE SMOKE DETECTOR?
A: ALWAYS
FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. Every Everday's product
has User Manual.
Professional Fire systems are installed
by installing companies according to the standards and regulations
in of your country.
Non-system smoke detectors operate either
on batteries or household current. To install them in most
cases, all you need is a screwdriver and a drill.. A detector
that plugs into a wall outlet must have a restraining device
so that the plug cannot accidentally be pulled from the wall.
Detectors can also be hard-wired into the electrical system.
But never hard-wire a detector to a circuit that can be turned
off at a wall switch. Smoke rises, so, each detector should
be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect smoke
as soon as possible. For a wall-mount, the top of the detector
should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. For a ceiling mount,
the detector should be placed at least 4 inches from any wall.
In a room with a high-pitched ceiling, mount the detector
on or near the ceiling's highest point. Don't install a detector
near a window, door or air register where drafts could impair
the detector operation. Locate a basement smoke detector close
to the stairway leading to the floor above. But don't install
the detector at the top of the basement stairs: dead air space
near the door may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
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Q7: WHAT ARE THE BASIC RULES FOR USING
SMOKE DETECTORS?
A: One
of the most important inventions of modern times is the smoke
detector. They are inexpensive and rather easy to install.
The following rules are important.
First install a smoke detector within
15 feet of all sleeping areas. (Ideally, a smoke detector
should be installed in every room.)
Install a smoke detector on each level
of your home. Smoke detectors are also recommended in laundry
and furnace rooms.
Smoke detectors run on batteries in most
cases. The battery should be checked weekly and replaced when
the battery becomes low, minimally, 2 times a year when you
change your clocks. NEVER remove the battery without replacing
it.
NEVER use a smoke detector battery for
other uses. Nothing can be more important than an operable
smoke detector.
When traveling, take a smoke detector
with you for your family's safety.
Q8: WHAT ARE THE NECESSARY QUESTIONS
TO ASK WHEN BUYING SMOKE DETECVTORS?
A: Some
questions which should be answered when buying a smoke detector.
(1) Has the smoke detector been tested
and approved by a national testing laboratory? Its seal of
approval should be on the unit.
(2) Are batteries included? How long do
they last? How much do they cost? Can the batteries be bought
locally or do they need to be special ordered?
(3) Does the unit have a light signal
and a sound signal to let you know when the battery needs
replacing?
(4) Does the unit have a test switch so
you can practice fire drills and learn to recognize the sound
of the alarm?
(5) Can you test the unit at the store
by blowing smoke into it? If not, test the unit at home before
installing it.
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Q9: HOW DO WE CORRECTLY INSTALL SMOKE
DETECTRORS?
A: Battery
operated and electrically powered smoke detectors can be attached
directly to the ceiling or to a wall, 5 to 12 inches below
the ceiling. Wired-in electric detectors may require installation
by a qualified electrician.
Place the detector near the bedrooms,
within 15 feet of sleeping areas. Place them in an area away
from air vents. If installing more than one detector it is
a good idea to place one on each level of the house. It's
the law in some areas.
The basement ceiling near the steps to
the first level is a good location. Also additional detectors
can be installed near the furnace and washer and dryer.
Q10: DO YOU HAVE SMOKE DETECTORS IN
YOUR HOME? DO THEY WORK?
A: For
minimum protection, install a smoke detector outside of each
bedroom or sleeping area in your home. Better yet, install
detectors on every level of your home. Keep your bedroom door
closed while you are asleep.
Keep your smoke detectors properly maintained.
Test them at least once every month to make sure they work.
If your smoke detector sounds an alarm
when no smoke is present, consult with the manufacturer or
with your local fire department. If smoke from cooking causes
the detector to sound an alarm, do not remove the batteries
or disconnect the power source. Fan the smoke away from the
detector until the alarm stops. If this happens often, you
may need to move the detector or install a different type
of detector.
Make sure you have a family escape plan.
Have home fire drills several times per year. Be aware that
children and elderly people may need special assistance in
the event of fire. When fire occurs, get out of the house
and use a neighbor's telephone to call the fire department.
(a) TEST -- Test you smoke detectors at
least once a month. Push the test button or blow smoke into
the detector.
(b) CLEAN -- Clean your detectors at least
once a year. Vacuum out the dust.
(c) Replace the battery every year. Better
yet. Twice a year - when you change your clocks in the spring
and fall. Replace the detector after ten years.
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Q11: WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF THE DETECTOR
ACTIVATES?
A: Every
family should have a fire escape plan. The plan should include
how to get out of the house if the hallway or area outside
the bedroom door is filled with smoke and heat. Your plan
should include a designated meeting place outside the house.
This is so everyone can be sure everyone is out of the house.
Once everyone is accounted for, someone call Fire Department
and report the fire. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE HOUSE FOR ANY
REASON! You should practice the escape plan on a regular basis
so everyone is familiar with what to do.
If your detector sounds a steady alarm,
there may be a fire. If
there is no smoke, there is probably cooking smoke, shower
steam, or dust in the detector. Clean the detector or blow
into the detector to clear the chamber. If the area is full
of steam or cooking smoke, it may take some time for the detector
to reset. If you are not sure why the detector is in alarm,
CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. If the detector chirps intermittently,
the battery is low and should be changed. Remember, check your detector once each month,
clean the detector once a year, and change your detector battery
when you change the time each fall.
Never paint the detector and do not use
the battery for any other purpose such as radios or toys. There are detectors on the market with
permanent 10-year batteries. Once the battery is used up,
you can send the detector back to the manufacturer. Generally,
detectors have a useful life of 10 years. After that, you
can send them back to the manufacturer for disposal.
Q12: WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY SMOKE
DETECTOR?
A: Smoke detectors that are 10 years old are near the end of their
service life and should be replaced. A smoke detector
constantly monitors the air 24 hours a day. At the end of
10 years, it has gone through over 3.5 million monitoring
cycles. After this much use, components may become less reliable.
This means that as the detector gets older, the potential
of failing to detect a fire increases. Replacing them after
10 years reduces this possibility.
5
years warrantee covers all Everday detectors.
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Q13: HOW MANY DETECTORS SHOULD I HAVE?
A: The
average sized home or apartment needs more than one smoke
detector. The exact number depends on the number of levels
in the home and the number of bedrooms. National fire safety standards recommend a minimum
of one detector on each level of the home, one detector outside
the bedroom area, and one in each bedroom. The detector
that is placed outside of the bedroom area should be installed
near enough to be heard at night through a closed bedroom
door.
Q14:
WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT, THE TYPE OF DETECTOR OR THE NUMBER
OF DETECTORS?
A: The
number of detectors is more important than the type.
Installing several smoke detectors of each type will provide
better coverage in the extreme cases of long-term smoldering
or fast flaming fires. But since both types respond in time
to escape, the most important thing is to install enough detectors
in the proper locations. Detectors are available with both
types of sensors in the same unit, but they are more expensive
than models with a single sensor. If the choice is between
having only one of each type or having more of the same type,
more detectors is the better choice.
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Q15: IF MY SMOKE DETECTOR GOES OFF
WHEN I COOK. HOW CAN I STOP THIS?
A: Smoke
detectors are designed to be very sensitive so they will alert
occupants to a fire in time for them to escape. If a detector
regularly responds to smoke from cooking, there are several
options for handling this problem. One way is to replace the
detector with one that has a button that silences it for a
few minutes. Another way is to move the detector farther away,
giving the smoke a chance to dissipate. Moving a ceiling-mounted
detector to a wall can also reduce nuisance alarms. However,
this will also make it a little slower to respond to a real
fire.
If the detector is the ionization type,
another option is to replace it with a photoelectric. This
detector is less sensitive to smaller smoke particles and
thus is less affected by cooking smoke.
Q16: HOW CAN I TEST MY DETECTOR?
A: Every
smoke detector comes with a test button. We recommend that
people test their detectors regularly, at least once a month.
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Q17: SHOULD I USE REAL SMOKE TO TEST
MY DETECTORS?
A: This
is not recommended because the burning objects used to create
the smoke might cause a fire. Some stores sell pressurized
cans of simulated smoke for this purpose. When using this
product, follow the operating instructions and do not get
the can too close to the detector. This prevents the smoke
from coating the detector's sensing chamber, which can make
the detector inoperable.
Q18: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO CLEAN MY
DETECTOR?
A: Cleaning
is easy. Just vacuum the detector at least once a year. This
will keep the openings to the sensing chamber free of dust,
residue from cooking vapors and insects.
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Q19: WHAT ABOUT CHANGING BATTERIES?
A: Smoke
detector batteries should last at least one year under normal
conditions. The biggest reason that smoke detectors don't
work is because people remove the batteries, e.g., to stop
the low battery signal or a nuisance alarm, and forget to
replace them. When a battery reaches the end of its service
life, the detector will give a short beep every minute or
so. It is easy to remove the battery and then forget to replace
it. The best way to prevent this is to replace batteries at
the same time each year before the low battery signal begins.
Q20: IS THAT SMOKE DETECTOR GOING TO
SAVE YOU?
A: Over
the past couple of decades we have always urged or clients
to install smoke detectors in their homes. And a few years
back so did the Uniform Building Code, as it is now required
in all homes. In the community that we are based in, we are
required to install one smoke detector in every bedroom as
a condition of receiving a building permit for any kind of
remodel. This has been a great program since many people are
now covered by smoke detectors that otherwise would not have
installed them.
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Q21: ARE HEAT DETECTORS USEFUL FOR HOMES?
A: No, smoke is the killer in home fires, not heat. Heat detectors can be installed near kitchens, garages or dusty areas where smoke detectors could give false alarms.
Everday Range of Smoke & Heat Detectors:
HD 988/989 Conventional ROR/FT temperature Heat detector
EA 318/318H Conventional Photoelectric Smoke/Heat detectors
EA 323 Conventional Heat detectors
SD 169/168/269/268 Conventional Photoelectric Smoke/Heat detectors
SD 325 Conventional Photoelectric Smoke/Heat detectors
SD 728 Stand Alone Photoelectric Smoke/Heat detectors
SD 733 Stand Alone Photoelectric Smoke detectors
SD 738 Stand Alone Photoelectric Smoke detectors
HD 2001 Stand Alone Heat detectors |
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