Smoke Alarms - Atom Electric

Smoke alarm installation in Sheffield

Or Electricians have provided advice on smoke alarm installation in Sheffield.

How many smoke alarms do you need?

The more alarms you have the safer your likely to be, as long as they are working. Therefore, make sure you test them weekly.Moreover, there should be a minimum of one alarm on each floor. However, if you have only one alarm over two floors, request the installation somewhere you’ll be able to hear it when you’re asleep. Likewise, if you have a large electrical appliance like a computer you should fit a smoke alarm in that room too. If you require additional information or a free quotation for smoke alarm installation in Sheffield contact us.

Installing your smoke alarm

Next, some fire and rescue services in England offer free home fire risk checks. This involves firefighters visiting your home and offering fire safety advice for you and your household. They may be able to install your smoke alarm for free. Moreover, it usually takes a few minutes to install your smoke alarm yourself – just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Therefore, the best place for your smoke alarm is in the middle of the ceiling. The alarm should be at least 30cm (one foot) away from a wall or light. However, if it is difficult for you to fit your smoke alarm yourself ask someone to help you or contact your local fire and rescue service. If yo would prefer to hire an electrician for smoke alarm installation in Sheffield contact us for a free quote.

Choosing a smoke alarm

There are two types of smoke alarms, we provide both time of smoke alarm installation in Sheffield:

Ionisation alarms

Firstly ionisation alarms are the cheapest and most readily available smoke alarms. They are also very sensitive to ‘flaming fires’ like chip-pan fires. Therefore, ionisation alarms will detect flaming fires before the smoke gets too thick.

Optical alarms

Secondly, optical alarms are more expensive. However, they are more effective at detecting slow-burning fires, like smoldering foam-filled furniture or overheated wiring. Optical alarms are less likely to go off accidentally and so are best for ground-floor hallways and for homes on one level. Therefore, for the best protection install one of each. On the other hand, if you can’t have both it’s safer to have one, rather than none at all.

British Standard Kitemark

Importantly, whichever model you choose, you should make sure that it meets British Standard 5446, Part 1 (BS 5446-1) and ideally also carries the British Standard Kitemark. Your local fire and rescue service will help you decide which is best for your circumstances if you would like some advice. Therefore, to ensure the system is regulated contact us for smoke alarm installation in Sheffield.

The different models available

Furthermore, checking fire alarms is often forgotten, so the best choice of power supply is usually the one that lasts longest.

Standard-battery alarms

Firstly, an ‘ionisation battery alarm’ is the cheapest and most basic smoke alarm available. Then, an ‘optical battery alarm’ is a little more expensive. However, they both run off 9-volt batteries.

Battery alarms with an emergency light

Moreover, these come fitted with an emergency light which comes on when the alarm is triggered. Therefore, they are particularly suitable if someone in your house has hearing difficulties and may help light up an escape route.

Alarms with ten-year batteries

Next, these are slightly more expensive, but you save on the cost of replacing batteries. Therefore, they are available as ionisation/optical alarms and are fitted with a long-life lithium battery, or a sealed power pack that lasts for ten years.

Models with a ‘hush’ or ‘silence’ button

Some models are available with a ‘hush’ button which will silence the alarm for a short time. This can be used when cooking, for example. However, if there is a real fire, giving off lots of smoke, the hush system is overridden and the alarm sounds. Therefore, these models will continue to remind you they have been silenced by ‘chirping’ or by displaying a red light.

Mains-powered alarms

These are powered by your home’s electricity supply and need to be installed by qualified electricians. There’s no battery to check, although they are available with battery back-up in case of a power cut.

Interconnecting or linked alarms

Some alarms can be connected to each other so that when one senses smoke, all the alarms in the property sound. They are useful for people with hearing difficulties and also in larger homes.

Mains-powered alarm with strobe light and vibrating pad

These are designed for people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties. If there’s a fire, the alarm alerts you with a flashing light and vibrating pad – which is placed beneath your pillow.

Mains-powered alarm which plugs into a light socket

This type of alarm uses a rechargeable battery that charges up when the light is switched on. It lasts for ten years and can be silenced or tested by the light switch.

Maintaining your smoke alarm

Test it once a week, by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds.
Change the battery once a year (unless it’s a ten-year alarm).
Replace the whole unit every ten years.