Smoke detectors

Each year, hundreds of people die in fires that occur most frequently at night. Yet, it’s a proven fact that fewer deaths occur in homes equipped with smoke detectors than in homes where these devices are absent. In Canada, more than nine homes in ten are equipped with one or more smoke detectors. The device’s operation is very simple: it detects the presence of smoke at the very beginning of a fire and activates an internal alarm that prompts the occupants to evacuate the burning house in time.
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Ionic type detectors
Photoelectric cell detectors (<>)
Batteries or the home electrical system?
Installation advice
Smoke detector location
Maintenance
Carbon monoxide detectors
Why should I install a carbon monoxide detector?
Fire extinguishers
There are two types of smoke detectors on the market: the ionic type and the optical type. Some models operate solely on batteries, while others are connected directly to the home’s electric system, while others combine both power sources. For example, if there’s a power outage, the unit’s battery will take over from the home electric system to assure continuous monitoring. The following guide lists smoke and other type, such as carbon monoxide, detector characteristics. We hope that this will aid you in selecting the types that best suit your purposes.

Ionic type detectors

Ionic detectors quickly react to fires that rapidly consume combustibles and spread quickly. The principle is simple; the unit is composed of two ionization chambers. The first detects the presence of combustion products, while the second serves as a reference to stabilize the detector’s sensitivity due to environmental variations such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. Thus, when smoke enters the detector, it reduces ionized air’s conductivity and an electric switch trips the alarm. This type of detector is very efficient in detecting fires started by burning paper, kitchen grease or cooking oil.

For example, ionic models are more suitable in rooms that contain a lot of combustible materials: grease or cooking oil, flammable liquids, newsprint, paint and cleaning liquids. These materials burn quickly and can produce a searing flame and less smoke.

Photoelectric cell detectors (<>)

Photoelectric cell detectors, a.k.a. “optical”, first react to slow progression fires that can simmer hours before flames appear. They work as follows: a luminous source shines into a darkened detection chamber. This chamber contains a photoelectric cell that transforms the light into a weak electric current. When smoke particles enter the detection chamber, light is reflected off the surface of the particles and enters into contact with the cell, which sets off the alarm.

These types of fires can be caused by a cigarette that is left burning on a sofa or a bed. This type of detector offers an interesting advantage: it’s less subject to setting off false alarms due to its location near a kitchen.

This type of detector is more suitable in family rooms, bedrooms and in the kitchen. Big pieces of furniture, sofas, chairs, mattresses, etc., for example, burn more slowly and emit more smoke before bursting into flames.

Batteries or the home electrical system?

Battery powered smoke detectors

Battery powered smoke detectors are easier to use. They can be installed in strategic areas according to manufacturers recommendations. It’s important to replace the batteries every six months. A good time to replace the batteries is when clocks are reset forward or back (remember, “fall back and spring forward”) for the summer and winter. There are detectors that operate on lithium batteries that have a ten-year life span. They can be the ideal solution for people who are prone to forget to replace the batteries twice a year.

Electric detectors

On one hand, electric smoke detector installation requires the services of a licensed electrician, on the other hand, you won’t have to remember to replace the batteries every six months. They do have one significant drawback: when there’s a power outage they stop operating and your home is left at the mercy of any fire that may occur.

The dual system

The solution to the previously mentioned problem is the two-source unit i.e., electricity and batteries. Thus, if a power outage occurs, the unit switches to battery power and your family and property remains protected.

Installation advice

Here’s a few recommendations to follow when installing smoke detectors:
  • Carefully read the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Install the detector on the ceiling and respect the minimum and maximum distances.
  • When choosing detector location, take possible false alarm sources into consideration.
  • Make sure that you can hear the detector alarm from your bedroom when you’re asleep.
  • Regularly test the alarm as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Vacuum the detector periodically to assure its efficient operation.
  • Immediately replace dead batteries.
  • Never spread paint on a smoke detector.
  • If you’re painting the ceiling, cover the detector with masking tape or simply remove it, remembering to remove the tape or replace the unit in the latter, once the work is done.
  • Replace smoke detectors every ten years.

Smoke detector location

Smoke detector location plays an important role in its efficient operation. It’s recommended to install a detector on each floor of the home, including the basement, and outside of each bedroom. Since smoke moves upwards, it’s recommended that the detectors be located on the ceiling. Finally, some areas should be avoided, notably bathrooms, near heating registers and baseboards, near windows and ceiling fans. On the other hand, place one near the kitchen, as it’s this area of the house most likely to be at the origin of a fire.

Note that some provinces, such as Ontario, require smoke detectors on every level of homes.

Maintenance

You should test your detectors monthly by pressing on the “test” button for a few seconds. This should cause the alarm to go off immediately. You should also clean your detectors regularly. About twice a year, remove the covers and wipe the inside with a damp cloth and vacuum. Replace the covers and test to make sure that they are operating properly.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors have come on the market over the last few years because our homes are now more airtight and don’t evacuate pollutants, notably CO. We now know that this gas has been the source of numerous accidents that could possibly have been avoided.

Why should I install a carbon monoxide detector?

The reason is simple: carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion. These days, this gas has become all too present in our lives. Among many sources, internal combustion engines, heating systems and fireplaces can produce it. In Quebec, slow combustion stoves are widely used and many homes are exposed to carbon monoxide emissions that represent a true health hazard and overexposure to it can lead to death.

Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and can stay suspended in the air for a long time. Even in small quantities, it can impair normal brain functions that would normally warn us of danger. Thus, instead of noticing that something is wrong as a result of poisoning, carbon monoxide creates a false sense of security, which can put lives at risk.

It’s useful to consider installing these devices in buildings where combustion systems are present such as travel trailers, workshops, garages and homes equipped with slow combustion heating systems. It’s an efficient way to save lives and prevent unwelcome incidents from taking place.

Fire extinguishers

You should have an extinguisher in the kitchen, but not near the stove. You should also have one in your workshop, garage and basement. Consider installing extinguishers in your car, trailer and cottage. Because there are several types of fires, you should have different types of extinguishers for each area of your house. You can consult your local fire department to help you choose the best type.
Most municipalities require smoke detectors in residences. We never know when a fire can start and as the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”. It’s important to replace batteries regularly and check that detectors are in good operating order. It’s also important to plan for the evacuation of your home in case of emergency. Prevention remains the best defence against fires.
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