The most important thing you need to know is that smoke alarms save lives. A Smoke alarm is a device that senses smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Commercial and residential security devices issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system, while household alarms, generally issue a local audible or visual alarm from the detector itself.
A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. You will have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. Check this blog post about Smoke Alarm test.
The two main ways that smoke alarms detect smoke are photoelectric and ionisation. Research indicates that photo-electric smoke alarms may be more effective at detecting smouldering fires and fires starting in areas remote from smoke alarms, and that ionisation smoke alarms may be more effective at detecting flaming fires. Both types of fires may occur in buildings where people sleep.
Some smoke alarms can also monitor levels of carbon monoxide. These alarms generally use sound to alert occupants of fire. Other methods of alerting occupants include alarms with emergency lights, alarms for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and special models for kitchens and relocatable homes.
A carbon monoxide smoke alarm or CO alarm is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Check our blog post about CO smoke alarm.
Smoke Alarms for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – these are specialised smoke alarms available for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment. These have a flashing strobe light and/or a vibrating pad that can be placed under the pillow which activate when the smoke alarm sounds and are designed to interconnect with conventional audible alarms in different locations within the home. If one of the alarms senses smoke, all alarms will sound, the strobe will flash and the vibrating pad will operate. Check Silent Alert website, to find out more details about the range of special alerts for deaf and hard of hearing.
Cannon Fire Safety Group has a full range of safety appliances that you or your company & home needs, including CO smoke alarms and smoke alarms for deaf and hard of hearing! Contact us for more details by email: info@cfsg.ie or call us on 01 295 7540. Nationwide service.
