Ensure detectors are installed, cleaned and tested according to the manufacturer's instructions.Alarm and detector installation and maintenance Both ionization and photoelectric alarms are available, and they come in all power source options except plug-in AC alarms. Combination smoke and CO alarmsĢ-in-1 devices are readily available and provide the best overall peace of mind. They plug into standard electrical outlets and, in most cases, have a battery backup to provide protection through power outages. Types of CO alarmsĬO detectors are available with the same power source options as smoke alarms – battery operated, 10-year lithium battery-powered, hardwired – but there are also plug-in AC CO detectors. Carbon monoxide alarms and detectors can warn you when CO reaches a dangerous level, which most commonly happens during cold winter months when furnaces run and windows remained closed. Children, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide.īecause you can't see, taste or smell it, CO can affect you and your family before you even know it's there. It can leak from anything that burns fossil fuels, including furnaces and exhaust vents for gas appliances, wood burning fireplaces, and exhaust fumes from idling cars.Įxposure to low levels of CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, confusion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A power outage can affect these alarms, but many are equipped with a battery backup.Ĭarbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and toxic gas that interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen by blood. They’re interconnected, so if one device detects smoke or fire, all alarms throughout the home go off simultaneously. Hardwired AC operated – These devices are wired to the household’s 120V electrical circuit.They’re always on and also work through a power outage. 10-year battery powered – Sealed, lithium battery-powered smoke detectors last for ten years, essentially the life of the alarm.Battery-operated smoke alarms continue to work through power outages, if the batteries are replaced and tested regularly. Battery operated – Typically the cheapest and easiest way to protect homes that aren’t pre-wired for interconnected devices.Photoelectric smoke alarms – Generally recognized for their ability to detect smoke patterns from fires that slowly smoulder before igniting.Ionization smoke alarms – Generally recognized for being more responsive to fast, flaming fires that feed on combustibles like paper, grease and synthetic material.Whether you live in a newer home that’s wired for interconnected devices, an older home or a condo, here’s a helpful guide on what’s available: With so many options, at varying prices, it’s hard knowing what type of device is best for your home. Along with home fire sprinklers, they’re the best tools we have for protecting our family from fire, injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can help save lives by providing a critical early warning for anyone in the home.
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