Today we are going to talk about a domestic system for fire detection: smoke detectors.
Smoke sensors are equipment that detect a fire in its initial stage, since they trigger the alarm when detecting smoke, thus avoiding real misfortunes.
There is a wide variety of models and prices. But the most basic models, like the one we installed in the video, can be found for only €5 or €6.
Saving lives has never been so easy and cheap.
Video for assembly
Its assembly is very easy. You just have to remove the back cover, turning it…
Connect the battery…
We close it again…
And, before installing it, we test it.
For this, it has a test button, which checks its correct operation. When pressed, the alarm will go off emitting an acoustic signal of 85 dB. More than enough to warn of the fire.
Smoke detectors can be connected to the electrical network, or also to batteries. The latter incorporate, in addition to the test button, a pilot light that indicates their correct operation.
Although they come prepared to be screwed on, double-sided tape can be used perfectly. Due to its great power of adhesion and the low weight of the detector, it will be strongly anchored.
It is much cleaner, faster and more comfortable, and just as effective, than drilling holes in the ceiling.
Types of optical smoke detectors
It is a safety device that emits an acoustic signal when detecting an abnormal level of smoke in the air. They receive this name since they incorporate a lens that detects visible smoke, due to the darkening of the air or its dispersion.
Therefore, there are two types of optical smoke detectors:
1) Those that go by infrared rays, which are composed of an emitting device and another receiver. Smoke obscures the space between them, reducing the fraction of light reaching the receiver and this is what triggers the alarm.
2) The punctual type, in which the transmitter and receiver are housed in the same chamber but separated by a screen. When smoke enters, the light beam is refracted towards the receiver and triggers the alarm.
Features of smoke detectors
These equipment can be installed both on the ceiling and on the walls. However, the place where its performance is most efficient is on the roof since the smoke always tends to go upwards.
The signal emitted by this type of detector is acoustic. When the presence of smoke is confirmed in the range of action of the smoke detector, it emits an acoustic signal that warns of the danger.
Although there is a wide variety of models, domestic smoke detectors usually work with alkaline batteries, due to cheaper prices. So you have to keep in mind to check from time to time that the battery is not exhausted. Although the manufacturers indicate a duration of about a year, it is convenient to try it approximately every six months.
To achieve greater effectiveness, it is recommended that you install a smoke detector in each room of the house.
However, it is not recommended to install a smoke detector in areas where there is a higher than normal level of smoke or water vapor, such as kitchens and bathrooms, since these types of environments would continually trigger the alarm.
Maintenance of smoke detectors
Maintenance of smoke detectors is very simple.
On the one hand, check the batteries as discussed above.
And on the other hand, clean them from time to time, since these devices can accumulate dust, which would cause them to malfunction.
What to do if the alarm is activated
In the event that the smoke detector activates the alarm, what should be done is to leave the house and call the fire service.
In cases where it is possible, try to close the doors of rooms where there is fire, in order to isolate them as much as possible.
And never open a closed door unless absolutely necessary. Since there is a possibility that there is fire behind.
