Help Me Choose a Smoke Alarm
Do you have the recommending number of smoke alarms? Are they placed correctly in your home?
Consider the following when selecting smoke alarms for your home:
1. Where do you need smoke alarms installed?
The NPFA recommends installing a smoke alarm on every level and one in every bedroom or sleeping area of a home. In the below image of a house, each red circle represents the recommended placement of a smoke alarm. Using your mouse, roll over the red circles to see which smoke alarm features you may want to consider for added convenience.
2. Choose power source of the alarm to be installed.
Smoke alarms can be powered in three ways. Choose the power source based upon your desired location for the smoke alarm.
Battery powered (operates by battery). Battery powered alarms are easy to install in most any room.
120V AC / 220-240V AC hardwired (wired into your current electrical system). These smoke alarms can be interconnected with up to 12/ 40smoke alarms (see the users manual). Hardwired smoke alarms must be installed in accordance with all local electrical codes, and should only be initially installed by a qualified electrician.
Replacing your existing 120V AC / 220-240V AC hardwired alarm is easy (see the users manual for instructions).
Combination 120V AC / 220-240V AC hardwired alarms with battery back up (wired into your homes current electrical system, with the added benefit of battery back-up). Alarm works during power outages.
3. What special features should you look for?
All smoke alarms have a test-button that allows you to ensure the alarm is in working condition. Smoke alarms should be tested weekly. There are additional features you may want to consider for added convenience:
Remote-Controlled Test/Silence: This exclusive feature allows you to use most standard TV/VCR remote controls to test and silence the smoke alarm. Just point your existing remote control at the smoke alarm, press any button and hold for 5 seconds to test or silence the alarm. No programming necessary.
Smoke/CO combination alarm with voice and location: When programmed, voice tells you location of unit and if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.
Escape Light: When the smoke alarm sounds, the escape light feature is activated, illuminating a light to help you exit the area.
Dual Sensor: The dual technology smoke alarm consists of both Photoelectric and Ionization smoke sensing technologies in one unit.
Lithium battery: A lithium battery can power a smoke alarm or extended periods of time without changing the battery.
Smoke/CO combination alarm: This alarm combines a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm into one unit.
10 Year powercell: Provides continuous power for up to 10 year.
Silence button: This button allows you to quiet the smoke alarm temporarily during an unwanted alarm, such as those created by cooking smoke. Some silence buttons can also temporarily silence the alarm''''s low battery alert.
Nuisance Resistant: Smart alarm helps recognize difference between non-threatening conditions and real emergencies.
Microprocessor Technology: Automatically runs daily self check test on every smoke alarm function to assure you that it is working properly (does not test horn).
Tamper resistant: Optional pin to lock battery and unit in place.
Side battery drawer: Swings open for easy battery replacement.
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