Is the smoke de­tec­tor in or­der?

International Smoke Detector Day is December 1st every year. On this occasion, we encourage people to consider fire safety in their homes. Every home should have two or more smoke detectors, and it is best to have them in all rooms. Smoke detectors should be placed in front of or in each sleeping area and on each floor of the house. Ensure that your home's smoke detectors are working properly and replace their batteries.

Different types of smoke detectors

There are two types of smoke detectors suitable for homes: Ionic and optical. Ionic smoke detectors are quick to react to smoke and are good general smoke detectors for most rooms. They are, however, sensitive to humidity, heat and cooking fumes and are not, therefore, appropriate in laundry rooms and kitchens. Optical smoke detectors are also quick to react to smoke but are not as sensitive to other changes. They are, therefore, suitable for use in kitchens and laundry rooms. Optical detectors are good general smoke detectors and can generally be recommended for use. It is possible to connect a number of smoke detectors together. This is preferable in larger buildings, as all the detectors will sound the alarm as soon as one is set off. Linked detectors are usually either wireless or connected by cables. It is also possible to have a monitored fire detection system.

Ionic detector
This is the traditional smoke detector, which detects all sizes and types of smoke particles that make up the smoke. These easily absorb heat and moisture, making them very suitable for the kitchen and laundry room.

Optical detector
A detector that is really well suited for smoke but is not quite as sensitive to heat as the traditional ionic smoke detector. Optical smoke detectors are divided into heat detectors and gas detectors.

Heat detector
A detector that only detects heat and not smoke. They are well suited for garages and kitchens.

Gas detector
A detector that only detects gas and is therefore necessary where there is a risk of gas leaks. Those who use gas, for example for cooking, should install a gas detector on the base of the appliance. Gas detectors need to be replaced every five years.

Carbon monoxide detector
A detector that detects when unusual carbon monoxide is produced. For example, if gas burns where there is no ventilation, the oxygen gradually burns out and at the same time carbon monoxide in the atmosphere increases. It is recommended that these detectors be placed in rooms or near rooms where there are appliances that burn gas, for example for cooking.

Placement of smoke detectors

Smoke detectors should be placed as close to the centre of the ceiling and never nearer than 30cm to a wall or light. The best option is to have a detector in all areas. They should be installed in front of or in each sleeping area and on each floor of the house. Long corridors should have a detector at each end. Televisions and computers are common in the bedrooms of children and youngsters, and smoke detectors should be installed in such rooms. The same rules on the use and location of smoke detectors apply for summer cottages. Particular care must be taken to ensure that persons sleeping in lofts receive adequate warning to be able to exit the building in the event of a fire. Garages should have a smoke detector. If the garage is attached to the residence, it is best to link the garage detector to the smoke detector in the apartment. There is a risk that exhaust fumes can set off the smoke detector if cars are stored in the garage. In such cases, it is better to use a heat sensor. They are installed in the ceiling in the same manner as smoke detectors.

Kitchen
There should always be a smoke detector in the kitchen. However, you need to be careful not to place it too close to the stove because it could go off when food is being cooked.

Bedrooms
Smoke detectors should be installed in all bedrooms. If there are any electrical appliances in the room, opt for optical smoke detectors.

The living room
The same applies to the living room as bedrooms, there should always be a smoke detector in the living room. If there is a TV or other electronic device in the room, choose optical.

Laundry room
Install an optical smoke detector in the laundry room because an ionic one can give off false alarms due to steam generated during washing.

The garage
If a lot of work is done in the garage, for example, construction, welding, and the like, it is best to choose a heat detector. If the garage is attached to the residence, it is best to link the garage detector to the smoke detector in the apartment. There is a risk that exhaust fumes can set off the smoke detector if cars are stored in the garage. In such cases, it is better to use a heat sensor. They are installed in the ceiling in the same manner as smoke detectors.

Open spaces
There must be a smoke detector in all spaces of the home. Ionic smoke detectors should be used in hallways and stairwells.

Maintenance and renewal

Smoke detectors must be tested at least four times a year. A good rule of thumb is to test them on December 1st, around Easter, after summer vacation, and when school starts in the fall.

Press the testing button until you hear the warning alarm. It is a good idea to allow everyone in the home to hear the sound of the detector. Always test the smoke detector when arriving at a summer cottage, particularly if it hasn’t been used for a while. If a short sound signal can be heard from the detector about once a minute, the battery needs to be changed. The battery must be renewed once a year, and it is best to always do so on the same day. The smoke detector must be tested when the battery has been changed.

Smoke detectors have a lifetime of about ten years. It is a good idea to write down the date of its installation on the back. The detector lasts for longer if it is vacuumed on the inside each time the battery is changed. There are smoke detectors available that have batteries that last up to ten years, in which case the smoke detector is replaced at the end of such time.