Everything You Should Know About Installing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Every home should have at least one smoke detector. Most homes should have more than one. These days we find more and more people installing carbon monoxide detectors as well. It’s no surprise that installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are becoming more popular when you view the stats on how many disasters are averted each year because of these machines.
Tips for Installing a Smoke Detector
Because smoke rises, installing smoke detectors should always be done on the ceiling or at the ceiling level. Stay at least 4 inches from where the wall and ceiling meet. If installing smoke detectors in a room with vaulted ceilings, place the smoke detector about 4 to 6 inches from the apex.
Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of a home or building. Many smoke alarms are built to be used in specific rooms in the house and provide extra features for safety in those rooms. These machines are engineered to provide safety from the most likely accidents that occur in those types of rooms. Because of this, it can be beneficial to hire a professional to help with smoke detector installation and placement.
Smoke detectors vary in terms of the complexity of installation, but at the very least, you will need a drill to attach the smoke alarm mount to your wall or ceiling. The cheapest smoke alarms run on batteries alone, while more expensive smoke detection systems are hardwired with a backup battery. To install this type of smoke alarm, you will need remodel boxes, cables and cable equipment. Because they require work with the electrical wiring in your home, you should always hire a professional for this type of installation. DIY-ing this type of installation can not only be dangerous in the short-term, but it can damage the smoke detector and leave you at risk in the long-term.
Tips for Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is lighter than air. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed about five feet above the floor level. Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors may also be installed on ceilings. Also like smoke detectors, they should never be installed directly adjacent to stoves, fireplaces or fire-making appliances.
Every carbon monoxide detector should come with its own installation instructions. It would be impossible to touch on all of the possible tools and skills you might need because of the variety of machines. As with smoke detectors, hardwired carbon monoxide detectors are of higher quality and will require a professional with electrical and construction work.
Some of the most popular and best-rated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the new smart machines. While any smoke alarm can beep to warn people in hearing distance, these smart detectors can send you an alert on your phone even when you’re out or on vacation. This feature definitely takes the safety level to a new height.
Have a Professional Electrician Complete the Installation
If you’re installing anything more complex than a battery-operated smoke or carbon monoxide detector, do yourself a favor and hire a professional to do the installation. Some of these detectors can interact with each other, test themselves and alert you when they need maintenance. There are all kinds of options. However, the only way to make sure you are getting all of the options and the highest level of safety the product offers is to have a licensed professional complete the installation.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives Every Year
Studies show that having functional smoke detectors in your home lowers the chances of people perishing in a fire by about 50%. About 170 people die every year from carbon monoxide produced by non-automotive products. Most homes are not protected by a carbon monoxide detector, yet the devices can help protect homes from all kinds of dangers.
Small amounts of carbon monoxide released over a long period of time can affect the health of everyone in your home just as much as large amounts in short periods of time can. Even small levels of carbon monoxide can affect oxygen levels in humans and pets. A carbon monoxide detector can let you know that an appliance in your home has become unsafe before you start to show the physical effects such as shortness of breath, fatigue and headaches.
Afton Electric Can Help with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation.
Hiring a reputable electrical company for your electrical projects takes the worry out of completing repairs and upgrades in your home or business. Afton Electric specializes in residential and commercial electric work, including custom electrical projects, home automation, new construction and commercial electrical installation in New Braunfels and Comal County. We install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in homes and businesses. Call us today for an estimate on your electrical project.