Smoke Alarms

Every year domestic fires account for over 500 deaths and over 11,000 injuries. Many of these could be prevented if people had early warning and were able to get out in time. Simply by buying and fitting smoke alarms you could help save your home and the lives of your family.

A smoke alarm is a device that detects fire in its early stages and gives a loud audible warning. There are currently two types of smoke alarms on the market – ionisation and optical (also described as photoelectric or photoelectronic.)

How to look after your smoke alarms

To continue offering protection you smoke alarms need regular maintenance:

• Once a year replace the battery
• Once a month check the alarm by pressing the test button
• Once a year vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber
• If the alarm is mains powered alarms, switch it off first. Whatever happens, never remove the battery to use for other purposes

Remember, it’s a lot easier to replace a dead battery!

Ionisation detectors

Costing from under £5 these are by far the cheapest smoke alarm you can buy, but this does not mean they are in anyway less effective. They are marginally less sensitive to slow burning and smouldering fires that give off larger quantities of smoke before flaming, but will detect flaming fires such as chip pans quickly before the smoke gets too thick.

Optical detectors

These are more expensive but more effective at detecting larger particles of smoke that are given off by slow burning fires, such as smouldering foam filled upholstery and overheated PVC wiring.

Each type looks similar and is powered by battery, mains electricity or both.

What type of smoke detector should I choose?

When deciding on which type of smoke alarm to buy you should consider which type of fire is more likely to occur in your home. However, the best protection would be to fit both and make sure that they have a continuous power supply such as mains power with a back-up battery.

Any smoke alarm you buy should meet British Standard BS 5446 part 1 and carry the well-known Kitemark.

How and where to fit your smoke detector

For maximum protection an alarm should be fitted in every room of your house except the bathroom, kitchen and garage.

For minimum protection at least one alarm should be fitted on each level of your house.

Smoke alarms are simply screwed into the ceiling and should normally be fitted at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting and as close to the centre of the room, hallway or landing as possible. Always read the manufacturers instructions before fitting.

Special smoke alarms kits for deaf and hard of hearing people

Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape. People who are deaf or hard of hearing need additional ways of making them aware the alarm has been activated, including vibrating pads and flashing strobe lights.

Deaf people need to place a vibrating pad under their mattress or pillow at night. If smoke is detected, the alarm will sound and set off the pad to assist in waking them.

British Standard BS5446-3:2005 specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.