Fire Detector Replacement

Fire detectors constantly monitor the air in your home for smoke particles. Once they sense smoke, they sound the alarm. Smoke alarms save lives, so they need to be working and up to date. Fire detector replacement may be necessary from time to time.

Smoke detectors come in two styles: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms detect rapid burning fires, while photoelectric detect slower, smoldering fires. The ionization alarms detect smoke from flaming fires more quickly than a photoelectric, but a photoelectric alarm detects smoke from a smoldering fire more rapidly than an ionization alarm. So, while they work differently, either fire detector will detect the smoke from a smoldering or flaming fire.

Why You Need Fire Detectors

Half of all home fires occur between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when most people are asleep. This time is when we are most vulnerable. Fire safety is not to be taken lightly. It is common sense and the law that each property has appropriately functioning smoke detectors. With a professional smoke detector installation, you can feel confident that your home and family will be protected, even if a fire occurs.

Fire Detector Regulations

Homes in Maryland require the replacement of battery-only smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed-in battery and a “hush” button feature. Additionally, Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law requires the replacement of all smoke alarms when they are ten years old. This requirement applies to both hard-wired and battery-operated smoke alarms.

Once a smoke alarm detects smoke, you have less than 2 minutes to evacuate. Make sure your family is safe and has an evacuation plan. Everyone needs two exits from each room for the best chance of escape. To be prepared, it’s best to test your smoke alarms once a month. When it doesn’t operate properly in the case of fire, half the time, it is because batteries were improperly installed or the fire alarm detector had no batteries at all. Monthly testing is vital to make sure you are safe.

Smoke alarms must be installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, plus on every floor, including the basement. You need to replace smoke alarms every ten years. Do not take chances. Their effectiveness decreases, and the possibility it is faulty goes up significantly. And, the more current smoke alarms are much more sensitive than those ten years ago. It’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors outside every bedroom and on the home floor. Replace them every five years. You can buy and install sensors that combine Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm detectors in the same unit.