Smoke alarm installation FAQs - valuable advice from your local smoke alarm installer in Loughton.
Smoke alarms offer a barrier of protection like nothing else - never underestimate the importance of being alerted in the event of an emergency. Because the role they play is so significant in terms of your safety, the installation must be carried out to a high standard. This will ensure the alarm is reliable and stays so for as long as possible. Here at Tack Electrical Solutions, we provide homeowners across Loughton with high quality, expertly fitted smoke alarms - our top priority is ensuring you're notified as quickly as possible in the event of a fire allowing you to vacate your home quickly, reducing the risk of injury or worse, fatality.
On your smoke alarm you should also see a “replace by” date, typically in MM/YYYY format. Replacement dates should be adhered to and batteries should be changed when promoted. Thankfully you don’t have to face all of this on your own - Tack Electrical Solutions is on hand to help. Can’t find the date? Is your alarm beeping even after replacing the batteries? Don’t delay any further, pick up the phone and give us a call - we’re here to help.
Now what you’ve all been waiting for, your questions on smoke alarms answered!
Q: What type of smoke alarm is best?
A: A ten year, sealed battery smoke alarm is a good, general option. However if you live in a larger home, or across multiple levels - hardwired smoke alarms would be our recommendation. This is where we come in as these will need to be installed by a fully qualified electrician. Hardwired smoke alarms are also seen as more reliable and offer a higher level of safety protection.
For people who are hard of hearing or deaf - you can get strobe light alarms as well as alarms with vibrating pads.
Q: Where should smoke alarms be placed?
A: There should be at least one alarm installed on each level of your home where living areas are present. Ideally positioned in hallways or landings with a heat alarm installed in your kitchen. For the best level of protection, they should be placed on your ceiling, as central as possible but at least more than 30cm away from any lights or surrounding walls.
Q: When should I replace my smoke alarm?
A: Most smoke alarms have a ten year life expectancy - you should notice a ‘replace by’ date somewhere on the alarm, if not, try and find a manufacturer date. If your alarm has been poorly maintained, it may need to be replaced sooner than the recommended date. This is a reminder, these dates are only an estimate. If you’re unsure, just give us a call.
Q: I’m a landlord, how many smoke alarms does my property need?
A: From October, 2022 laws around smoke alarms in rented properties did change. By law, landlords must ensure a smoke alarm is fitted on each level of the property and that it’s in good, working condition.
Q: How often should I test my smoke alarm?
A: It’s good practice to test your home’s smoke alarms every month, at the very least. Once a week, even better!
Q: Is it better to have hardwired smoke alarms?
A: Any type of smoke alarm is better than no smark alarm however there are some benefits to hardwired smoke alarms compared to battery operated, these benefits are:
- More reliable: Hardwired smoke alarms receive constant power, if the batteries run out of juice, so does your smoke alarm.
- Less maintenance: Once your hardwired alarm is fitted, it should last you around ten years. All you need to do is a monthly test. No more battery changes!
- Ability to interconnect: With hardwired smoke alarms, you have the option to interconnect the system meaning, if one alarm is activated, all the alarms sound to. This offers a higher level of safety protection, especially if you live in a larger home.
Ready to improve your Loughton home’s fire detection system? A safer home is a happier home. For more information on smoke alarms, contact your local electrician in Loughton - Tack Electrical Solutions. Your local spark, your local superhero!
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