Smoke and Heat Detectors/Alarms

Domestic smoke alarms are self-contained devices that incorporate a means of detecting a fire and that let off a warning, usually a loud beeping sound. They can detect fires in their early stages and give you those vitally important minutes to enable you and your family to leave your home in safety.

Ionisation Detector: These are the cheapest alarm type. They are very sensitive to small particles of smoke produced from fast flaming fires and will detect this type of fire before the smoke becomes too thick. They are slightly less sensitive to slow burning and smouldering fires that give off larger quantities of smoke before flaming occurs. They are also known to be over sensitive when placed near kitchens i.e. burning toast or drying paint and glue.

Optical Detector: These are more expensive to purchase, but more effective at detecting larger particles of smoke by slow-burning fires. They are slightly less sensitive to fast flaming fires. Optical alarms can be installed near, but not in kitchens, as they are less likely than ionisation alarms to go off when, for example when cooking is burned.

Heat Detectors: They detect the increase in temperature from a fire and are insensitive to the smoke element of a fire. Therefore, they can be installed in kitchen areas. They only cover a relatively small area of the room, so there is the possibility that more than one heat alarm is warranted in a larger kitchen.

Mains powered interlinked alarms have to be fitted in all new homes to comply with regulations and this also includes after a major refurbishment has taken place. We recommend mains powered alarms in every property. The installation of a mains powered alarm needs to be carried out by a qualified electrician.

If your home has more than one floor then a smoke alarm should be fitted on each level of the dwelling and a heat alarm(s) in the kitchen.

Do not fit an alarm in the bathroom due to the steamy environment that may trigger the alarm.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

Firstly, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions – smoke alarms need very little maintenance. Just a few minutes of your time on a regular basis will ensure that your alarm is working. You need to:

  • Remember to test your smoke alarm when the clocks are changed and vacuum it gently, there is a soft brush tool attachment and this will help remove dust from the sensors.
  • Once a year change the battery (unless it is a ten year rechargeable battery).
  • After 10 years you will need to replace the alarm unit.

Important Procedures

Take the time to plan an escape route from your home in advance and talk about it with your family.

You can refer to our Children’s section where we have included a project to be undertaken for a family escape plan in the event of fire.

Always check the battery regularly, replacing it when necessary, and never remove it for other purposes.

The facts about fire

  • In the UK annually there are approximately 500 fire-related deaths. The majority of these occur within the home between 12 a.m. (midnight) and 6 a.m. when people are asleep.
  • When you are asleep your sense of smell decreases.
  • There are approximately 59,000 house fires a year in the United Kingdom, with the majority being caused by electrical equipment misuse i.e. cooking appliances in the kitchen.
  • It is estimated that 30% of the smoke alarms in the UK are inoperable due to missing, flat or disconnected batteries.
  • You literally only have minutes to escape from a house fire so every second really counts.
  • Smoke alarms give you an advance warning of fire, allowing a little more time to react. Having a working smoke alarm has been associated with lower casualty rates and the reduction in damage to your home and belongings.
  • With a working smoke alarm you are 4 times more likely to survive.

Fire Safety Extras

Smoke alarms provide you with a first line of defence. The following fire safety products can offer additional protection:

  • Fire extinguishers are excellent for putting out any small fires before they become too large.
  • Fire Blankets are another essential safeguard and the best way to put out chip pans and cooker top fires (these are the most common cause of domestic fires).
  • Not always considered but an Escape Ladder is the only solution if a fire cannot be put out and your usual or planned escape routes are unsafe. They provide a safer and secure escape from upstairs rooms in your home.

A Summary

Evidence of a smoke alarm lifespan is scarce and not conclusive. As with all electronic items, there will be failures in the units when they are manufactured and failures during their lifetime due to individual component errors. Also, as they get older more issues are likely to occur. Increased sensitivity is an issue specifically known to smoke detectors.

Despite the lack of research information, it is appropriate to replace smoke alarms after ten years (this is in line with manufacturers advice), unless individual alarm testing suggests earlier replacement.

At R S Electrical Services we advise to never leave these safety checks to memory but to add them to your routine and simply enter your reminder on the calendar for peace of mind and give it the valid attention it deserves.