Fire Alarms & Smoke Detectors
Electrical Service
About Fire Alarms & Smoke Detectors
Detectors are available in hardwired or battery-powered options. As the name implies, battery-powered fire alarms work with batteries so it does not require the expense of connecting them together and to a circuit. These are a more affordable option, but the battery-powered alarms require batteries to be changed more often and have a shorter lifespan. Although cheap alternatives for hardwired detectors are widely available the NFPA still recommends having your smoke detectors interconnected to ensure that when one sounds, they all sound.
FAQ
What do Fire & Smoke Alarms do?
Smoke alarms are safety devices that could save you and your family from a fire. Smoke alarms are the first line of defense during a home fire that alerts you when smoke and fires are detected nearby.
Why are Fire & Smoke Alarms important to have in my home?
Both Washington DC and Virginia require smoke alarms installed in all residential dwellings with new construction projects requiring them to be hard-wired. According to the CPSC, about 2,000 people a year in the US lose their lives to a fire in their home. Most of the victims suffered from the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases instead of burns. Carbon monoxide is a clear and odorless gas that can kill humans in a short period of time. Items like gas ranges, gas stoves, gas water heaters, gas furnaces, and many other items release carbon and can build up inside. Due to this, it’s best practice to install different types of detectors throughout all levels of your home.
Is installing Fire & Smoke Alarms in my home worthwhile?
The U.S. Fire Administration stated that the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. The cost of installing hardwired smoke detectors seems small compared to the lives they help save. Hardwired smoke detectors are more expensive upfront but they do not require battery changes. Not only are they low maintenance but they have a lifespan of about 10 years.
CONTACT EMS GENERAL CONTRACTORS TODAY
Installing a smoke detector may seem like an easy task but it’s still essential to have a knowledgeable electrician take care of the work. A qualified electrician can provide the best solution for interconnecting the alarms and fixing any related problems that may occur while ensuring everything is safe for use. Instead of trying to figure out the best way to go about it, contact us today to have a qualified electrician come out and provide a personalized quote for your installation at no cost to you!