ABOUT SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms are small fire alarm devices, typically fixed to a ceiling, which detect smoke and carbon monoxide. There are two types of sensor technology: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization sensing alarms can detect invisible fire particles, of a kind which arise in fast flaming fires, more quickly than a photoelectric sensor. Photoelectric sensors have the advantage that they can more quickly detect visible fire particles, of a kind which arise in slow smoldering fires. The safest course is to fit both types of sensor in the home.

The fitting of smoke alarms is one of the cheapest and most effective ways of reducing the risk of injury and death through fire. Statistics show that the risk of dying in homes without smoke alarms is twice as high as it is in home with smoke alarms. Nearly half of the fire deaths in the USA occur in the 4% of homes that do not have smoke alarms.

SPONSORED LINKS

LEADING SMOKE ALARM MANUFACTURERS

The following smoke alarm suppliers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of smoke alarms, including online catalogs and specifications for smoke alarms, and care and maintenance of smoke alarms.

Home Depot: Smoke Alarms. Home Depot, with stores in all 50 states of the USA, and a comprehensive online shopping website, is the world's largest retailer of home improvement products. Home Dept offers 13 models of smoke alarm on its website, from the following manufacturers: Almar, BRK Electronics, Firex, and Kidde. These include plug-in and battery operated models capable of detecting both smoke and carbon monoxide. Some models include a voice alert ('Fire! Fire!') as well as an alarm. The Home Dept website includes a Buying Guide to Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Kidde: Smoke Alarms. Kidde, which is part of the UTC Fire & Security Group, is a leading manufacturer of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It offers two types of sensor technology - photoelectric and ionization - in three configurations: Battery Powered Smoke Alarms, Wire-in Smoke Alarms, and Wireless Smoke Alarm Systems. Wire-in Smoke Alarm systems ensure that when any one interconnected alarm is triggered by smoke or heat, all interconnected alarms within the home sound an immediate warning. Kidde Wireless Smoke Alarms include battery and plug-in powered options.

FireX: Smoke Alarms. FireX, founded in 1974 in Northbrook, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and Timers & Controls. FireX offers a range of smoke alarms powered by battery or by AC with battery backup. It also supplies Duct Smoke Alarms. FireX claims the world's largest installed base of smoke alarms, with more than 100 million in use. Models are available with both photoelectric and ionization sensing. A special ramp-up horn protects the user's hearing during testing. The FireX website contains a Replace and Upgrade Guide.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO SMOKE ALARMS

Central Station Alarm Association

Consumer Electronics Association

National Association of Electrical Distributors

National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4Specs at www.4specs.com, Arcat at www.arcat.com, Arcom at www.arcomnet.com, Reed at www.reedfirstsource.com, Sweets at www.sweets.construction.com.

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Other recommended portals: Archbone, Building Design, Homeone Australia, Lighting Directory, Sapling, Stone Network.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes a directory of the world's best websites. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.