Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential and necessary in any home or business. Not only do they detect potentially hazardous levels of smoke and carbon monoxide, but they also save lives. Unfortunately, many homeowners and businesses fail to properly install these safety devices. That’s why it’s important to understand the importance of having a qualified electrician install your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why having an electrician install your alarms is so important and what to look for when choosing one.
The dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide
When it comes to protecting your home and family from fire, there are two dangers you need to be aware of: smoke and carbon monoxide. Both are colourless, and odourless, and can be deadly.
Smoke alarms are designed to detect the presence of smoke in the air and sound an alarm to alert you of a potential fire. Carbon monoxide alarms work similarly but instead detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas.
Both types of alarms are important for keeping your family safe, but it’s important to know the differences between them. Here’s a look at the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide and why you need both types of alarms in your home.
Smoke is one of the biggest dangers in a fire. It can spread quickly through a home and cause serious respiratory problems. Inhaling too much smoke can lead to unconsciousness or even death.
Carbon monoxide is another dangerous byproduct of fire. It’s produced when materials like wood or gasoline burn without enough oxygen. breathed in, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and ultimately death.
That’s why it’s so important to have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Smoke detectors should be placed on every level of your home, including the basement, and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be placed on every level of your home, near potential sources of combustion like furnaces or water heaters.
Installation of alarms
Most people are not aware that alarm systems need to be installed by a certified electrician in order to be effective. Installation of alarms is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. We will first assess the home or business to identify the best location for the alarms. We will then install the alarms using special wiring techniques that ensure proper function. Finally, We will test the alarms to ensure they are working properly.
Regular maintenance
It’s important to have your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly serviced by a qualified electrician. By doing so, you can be sure that they are functioning properly and will provide you with an early warning in the event of a fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
How to know if your alarm is working
If you have a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm in your home, it is important to test it regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Here are some tips on how to know if your alarm is working:
- Check the batteries: Most alarms will have a low battery indicator light that will come on when the batteries need to be replaced. If you see this light, replace the batteries immediately.
- Test the alarm: Most alarms have a test button that will allow you to test the sound of the alarm. Press the button and listen for the alarm to sound.
- If your alarm is hardwired: If your alarm is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, you should test it monthly by pressing the test button. You should also check the backup battery to make sure it is working properly.
Laws in Ontario about smoke & carbon monoxide alarms
There are a few things to know about the laws in Ontario when it comes to installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. First of all, it is the law that all homes must have working smoke alarms on every level. Additionally, if your home was built after January 1, 1990, you must also have a carbon monoxide alarm.
Lastly, if you are renting a home, the landlord is responsible for making sure that there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the unit.
As for where to place the alarms, smoke alarms must be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Carbon monoxide alarms can be placed on any level of the home as long as they are within 5 meters of each bedroom door.
We are trained to install both types of alarms and can ensure that they are properly placed and working correctly. It is important to test both types of alarms regularly and to replace them every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to contact us if you think your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is not working. We can test it for you and help you to ensure that your safety is always our top priority.
Conclusion
Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is an important safety measure for any home, and it should be done with the help of a certified electrician. A professional electrician can make sure that your alarm system is properly installed in accordance with local codes and regulations to ensure maximum protection for your family in case of an emergency. With our expertise, you can rest assured that you will have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from potential danger. If your home or business needs a new or upgraded alarm system, contact us today for a consultation.
