Where do I Need Smoke & CO Detectors? How many?
Smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors are absolutely something to pay attention to. Too often do people take them down and never replace them. They are such simple devices to maintain and when they’re needed, they save lives. Where are they needed and what kind?
Whats the Difference?
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors serve distinct purposes and utilize different technology to protect your home.
Smoke Detectors:
These devices are designed to detect smoke as an indicator of fire. They function primarily by using one of two technologies:
Ionization Sensors: These are more responsive to flaming fires, which produce small combustion particles. They use a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air in the sensing chamber. When smoke enters, it disrupts the ion flow, triggering the alarm.
Photoelectric Sensors: These are more effective for smoldering fires that produce larger smoke particles. They use a light beam and a sensor; when smoke particles scatter the light, the alarm is triggered.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
CO detectors, on the other hand, are designed to sense carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be lethal if inhaled in significant quantities. These detectors typically use one of two technologies:
Electrochemical Sensors: These sensors measure CO levels based on the chemical reaction that occurs when CO comes into contact with the sensing element. When a certain concentration is detected, the device triggers the alarm.
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensors: This type measures changes in the electrical resistance caused by CO exposure. As CO molecules interact with the sensor, the resistance changes, signaling the presence of the gas.
Key Differences:
Function: Smoke detectors alert you to smoke from fires, while CO detectors alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Triggered By: Smoke detectors are activated by smoke particles, whereas CO detectors respond to CO gas concentration.
Understanding the differences between these critical safety devices can ensure better protection for your home and loved ones.
Where Do I put them?
The proper installation of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is crucial for ensuring safety in both residential and commercial settings. To maximize their effectiveness, follow these guidelines to keep firefighters out of your house!
Bedrooms: Install smoke detectors inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. This ensures that occupants are alerted in case of a fire during the night.
Living Areas: Place smoke detectors in common areas such as living rooms, hallways, and family rooms.
Kitchens: Avoid placing smoke detectors directly in kitchens, as cooking can produce false alarms. Instead, install them at least ten feet away from cooking appliances.
Basements and Attics: Detectors should also be installed in basements and attics to cover all possible fire hazards.
Near Sleeping Areas: Install CO detectors in or near sleeping areas, where they can be easily heard by occupants.
Levels of the Home: At least one CO detector should be installed on every level of the home, including basements.
Garage Proximity: If there is an attached garage, a CO detector should be placed between the garage and the living space, as cars can release dangerous levels of CO.
General Guidelines:
Height: Smoke rises, so place smoke detectors on ceilings or high on walls. CO detectors can be installed at any height, as CO mixes with air.
Avoid Obstructions: Ensure that detectors are not obstructed by walls, furniture, or curtains to allow for optimal airflow and detection.
Regular Maintenance: Test detectors monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace devices every 10 years.
*TIP*- Write the install date on the back in permanent marker and put a reminder in your phone set to 10 years from now, that way you don’t have to think about it and you’ll be notified in 10 years to change them…Yes, your phone is going to remember in 10 years! (as long you have regular cloud storage backups)