Perhaps one of the most important ways to ensure that your home is fully safe and protected is taking the time to properly install and maintain a fire alarm. According to the NFPA, which stands for the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 60% of all house fire deaths took place within properties in which there were no working smoke alarms. The information regarding home or building fire alarm installation below can apply to different commercial establishments such as offices, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
It’s also worth noting that there are some fire alarms that also feature carbon monoxide detectors. Generally defined, carbon monoxide is a gas that is both odorless and invisible and is also responsible for close to 170 deaths every year in the United States.
When it comes to installing fire alarms in your home, they generally should be mounted in the middle of a ceiling; however, they can also be placed high on a wall in the event that they are unable to be placed on a ceiling. Not only should each level of a home contain a fire alarm, but they should also be placed inside each bedroom and outside each and every sleeping area as well. In regards to levels that do not have sleeping areas, alarms should be placed close to the stairs, as well as in a major living area. When placing an alarm in a basement, they should be mounted on the ceiling close to the basement stairs themselves. In terms of kitchens, alarms should always be placed approximately ten feet away from all cooking appliances in order to prevent the chance of any false alarms. Additionally, ensure that all alarms are placed away from all vents, ducts, doors, and windows. This is because the air that flows from all of these sources can end up preventing a fire alarm from being able to work as properly as it should.
In terms of being able to properly install a fire alarm, it’s recommended by the National Fire Protection Association that both renters and homeowners should install alarms that “bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.” They further recommend that interconnected smoke alarm systems be installed in order to ensure the highest amount of protection possible. In the event that you do choose to have this type of system installed, you will need to obtain the services of an experienced professional in order to have this done, as you will not be able to do it yourself.
Fire alarms that are unconnected, on the other hand, are much simpler to install, especially when you have determined the perfect location for it. All you need to do is simply follow all of the instruction contained on the packaging that the alarm came in when you purchased it. Typically, you will need to drill a few small holes and use screws to assist you with attaching the mounting bracket. From there, you will then need to place a battery into the alarm before placing it into the bracket. When the alarm has been put into place, simply push the test button in order to ensure that the alarm itself is working as properly as it should.
When it comes to maintenance involving fire alarms, it’s important to note that the alarms themselves will need to be tested approximately once per month by pressing the test button on the alarm itself. In the event that the test were to fail, this means that you will need to immediately replace the battery before then testing it again The National Fire Protection Association recommends that the alarm’s battery should be replaced once per year even if testing is performed on the alarm on a regular basis.
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