The connected home is now commonplace. Interdependent devices woking in harmony with each other require wiring that is precise and installed safely and correctly. Britt Rice Electric has been a leader in home automation for decades and is familiar with all the latest systems and brands of technology that can make your home run comfortably.
Smoke detectors identify and react to smoke created by flaming or smoldering fires.
Carbon Monoxide detectors identify the carbon monoxide created from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as defective gas appliances.
Carbon Monoxide is tasteless, odorless and colorless making it the primary cause of accidental poisoning in the United States. It can kill in just minutes.
Most alarm devices are not as effective with sleeping children who sleep more soundly than adults. In this case, a device that contains a parent’s voice might be more effective in waking a sleeping child in an emergency.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are actually two different technologies, yet are often combined in the same device to detect both.
Smoke detectors use two different types of detectors. One use ionization detection that are sensitive to flaming fires. The second uses photoelectric detectors to identify smoldering fires. Both types use either battery power or can be hardwired.
Both Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors need to be replaced every 10 years. You can tell how old your unit is by looking at the manufacturing date on the back of the detector.
Hardwired detectors are the preferred devices as they can be connected to each other. However, battery operated devices are more common in most homes.
Carbon Monoxide detectors are often confused with, but not the same as, CO fire detectors. CO fire detectors detect CO air levels but are not designed to protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Many homes have detectors with dead batteries or bad wiring. It is important to check your detectors regularly.
Local fire marshal’s and city building inspectors can be a good source of information for the proper type and placement of detectors.
These common devices saves lives. But to do so, they require proper installation, maintenance or upgrading if they are several years old. It is vitally important that your home has the correct model and number of smoke detectors installed throughout your home.
SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE
The National Fire Protection Agency suggests the following:
Replace fire detectors every five years.
Have your detectors hardwired with a battery backup for emergencies.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real daily threat to you and your family if you have not taken preventive steps to avoid its effects. Carbon monoxide is one of the most avoidable forms of poisoning, yet a very common form of poisoning death because it does not have odor, taste or color, making it very dangerous.
WHAT PRODUCES DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE?
• Gas Range
• Stove
• Gas Clothes Dryer
• Water Heater
• Furnace
• Gas or Wood Fireplace
• Space Heaters
• Car Exhaust
• Charcoal Grills
• Blocked Chimneys
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IS 100% PREVENTABLE
Simply by having Britt Rice Electric install a reliable carbon monoxide detector can make all the difference between life and death (carbon monoxide undetected can kill in a matter of minutes to hours).
By detecting this leaking gas and providing a warning to you and your family you can escape to safety. Beyond installation of carbon monoxide detectors it is important to have any gas leaks in your home repaired.
HOW MANY CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS DO YOU NEED?
Britt Rice Electricians recommend installing (and properly maintaining) carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom or your house and outside bedrooms in all rooms and hallways and on every floor of your house.
Call today and get your home inspected and safe with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed by experienced Britt Rice Electricians. We recommend a scheduled safety inspection annually.